These days, you can find over 200 types of VoIP phones on the market. With so many to choose from, it can be relatively difficult to find the right one for your business unless you know what your business requirements are. Even if you are unsure about your needs, the idea of selecting a Voice over IP phone should not scare you and it certainly does not have to be an unbearable experience. Truth be told, having a basic knowledge regarding IP phones would suffice in order to make the right choice.
Here are several questions that you need to ask yourself when it comes to buying an IP phone for your business...
Pros and COns of VoIP: What to Ask
Question One – What is Your Current Phone System or VoIP service provider?
An IP phone will be useless if it is not compatible with the service provider or the phone system that you are currently using. With the arrival of SIP, BYOD service providers, and open source phone systems, many people assume that each IP phone can work with any service provider or telephone systems. Sadly, this is not the case at all. Therefore, before you begin searching for the phone, make sure that you check with your provider or phone system for the details of compatible IP phones.
Question Two – Who will be Utilizing the IP Phone?
Depending on your job position or function, you may have different needs compared to other users. For instance, if you are an executive, you may want the latest IP phone with all the latest technology and features. A receptionist may again feel that it is sufficient to obtain a basic VoIP phone that allows her to take several calls at any given time.
Question Three – What Are the Features or Functionality that You Are Looking For?
Most business owners want all the standard features of VoIP phones, for instance Call Parking, Call Transfer, Call Waiting, and Conference. Besides these basic features, you should look for an IP phone that has a large display screen, sidecar capability for additional extensions, and a speakerphone. If you or your staff uses the speakerphone functionality often, you might want to purchase an IP phone that is known for its superior quality speakerphone.
Question Four – How many Incoming Calls does Your Company Receive on a Daily Basis?
The answer to this question is vital, because it determines how many line appearances the phone should have. The majority of average businesses might be fine with three to five line appearances, but receptionists, administrators, and operators may normally need an additional eight to 10 line appearances.
Question Five – How Often Will the IP Phone Be Utilized?
If you and your staff use the phone all day long, you should certainly get a high-quality phone. Even if you do not use it regularly, it is best to acquire a high-quality unit because it will last a lot longer. Think of it this way – you will most likely get what you pay for in the end.
Question Six – Is it Imperative that You Obtain a Phone with Routing Capabilities?
Unbelievably, there are numerous offices where you will find only one Ethernet that is running on each desktop. This means that the desktop and the VoIP phone shares a single Ethernet connection. If you find yourself in this situation, you need a phone with dual Ethernet ports.
Question Seven – What Are You Willing to Spend on the IP Phone?
The price of VoIP phones range from $90-$500 per unit. Although the price should not be the most crucial factor in choosing the right phone, it is imperative that you allocate a budget beforehand. In doing so, yo not overspend and you are more compelled to take a careful look at the functions and features that are most essential to you and your business.
