Find Phone Systems Vendors Across the Nation

Having a phone system in good working order that fits your business needs is expected. It's not until the system doesn't work that a company realizes how crucial it is. However, once at this point, most small to medium-sized businesses experience difficulty weeding through all the types, dealers and providers. To help cut through the clutter to find the right phone system for your company, here are a few tips:

  • Determine how many phone lines you currently need and how many you plan to need in the next few years. Planning ahead for expansion will save you headaches later. Make sure you remember to include lines for fax machines, credit card machines, modems, etc.
  • VoIP systems work well for small to mid-size companies especially if you make a substantial amount of long distance phone calls and are on the road. Because VoIP is an Internet-based application where calls are placed and received using the Web, companies typically realize huge savings when switching.
  • PBX systems, which stands for Private Branch Exchange, are typically used by companies with 50 or more employees. These systems have made huge technical improvements and are now available with tiny equipment compared to years ago.
  • Negotiate with your vendors. Ask for additional equipment, or lowering costs if you lease / rent the equipment rather than buy. Ask if they have refurbished equipment. Most companies will give you a discount and throw in some additional perks just to gain your business.
  • Choose a dealer with great references. Customer service is a huge asset when it comes to your phone system - especially if you go with VoIP - and it's important that your representative is responsive to you if the system goes down or you experience problems. For some businesses, each minute down can add up to thousands of lost sales revenue.
  • Ask about costs and timeline associated with installation. Some companies will throw this in as well.
  • Check compatibility with any other previous equipment you have - especially if you end up switching. Headsets, answering services, conferencing tools, call forwarding systems, etc. You've already spent money on it once so make sure it will work with your new system.