The Network Equipment Solutions Blog | Hummingbird Networks

Top 4 Things You Need to Know Before Buying A Phone System

Written by John Ciarlone | Nov 6, 2012 2:00:00 PM

Is your current phone system obsolete or unequipped to handle the requirements of the burgeoning business? If so, it may well me time to consider buying a new phone system.

Purchasing new small business phone systems can be a tough decision to make for any business. However, the selection of a suitable phone system can actually contribute towards the growth of an entity, which is why it is imperative that the right choice is made in this regard.

 

What to Look for in Small Business Phone Systems

1. Flexibility

For starters, the phone business system has to be flexible enough to ensure that all of the company’s needs are covered and calls are handled appropriately. No business would like their customers to have an unpleasant experience. This can happen either through call disconnections, confusing menu options on the automated voice response or just incorrect routing.

Hence, buying a new phone system entails taking into consideration, a number of factors before a selection is finally made.

2. Assessing Business Needs

It is vital that a company first envisages the potential future growth and its long term roadmap before planning to purchase. To that end, it is best to procure things which are compatible with the equipment you already own. Being aware of the kind of office equipment your business requires could go a long way in expediting the process especially while negotiating with potential dealers.

Two factors that could (or should) influence your buying decision include the number of lines, also known as trunks, and the number of outside lines used by a company, which are commonly referred to as extensions.

All equipments that necessitate a phone line can be safely classified as an ‘extension’. These include modems, fax machines, credit card equipment, etc. You should ideally compile a list of extensions and lines which may be needed to address your business requirements.

That being said, the most important thing to consider is a company’s potential expansion plans. A careful assessment of the business’s long-term expansion plan can actually help it save money by procuring only the most essential equipment. An efficient business phone system should be able to cope with all expansion plans easily without denting its budget.

3. Good Dealer

Having chalked out the basic requirement of a business phone system, by considering all possible business-specific factors, the next step entails the search of a reputable and reliable dealer who you know will give you a good deal.

A suitable dealer will not only offer top-quality services (including installation), but should also be willing to accommodate queries, if any. In other words, they should walk you through all the processes, ranging from inception to implementation. They should be always ready to understand your innate needs properly by showing flexibility before making an offer.  

Most suppliers also agree to offer testimonials to demonstrate the quality their services. Check if they do free installation as a goodwill gesture and also make time to understand their refund policy carefully.

4. Embedded System

When it comes to a phone system, you should look for features like VoIP which helps you make calls over the internet at seriously affordable rates. Other attributes to look out for include voicemail, messaging, call forwarding etc.

Key decision-making processes often entail envisaging some elements of future needs as well. With the increasing complexities of businesses these days, the purchase and installation of a suitable phone system can go a long way in ensuring that the business has its basic infrastructure in place.

It is best to procure services from a company like us which not only delivers world-class phone systems, but also does not mind walking the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction by helping with the installation. We have accommodated the needs and concerns of many companies by providing tailor-made offerings in order to curtail their costs while augmenting efficiency. Contact us for all you small business phone systems needs.