Five Tips on Hiring the Right VoIP Provider
Implementing a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system can do wonders for your business. It does not only help reduce your communication costs; it can also improve your company's efficiency, productivity and mobility.However, you need to have the right VoIP service provider in order to reap the full benefits of VoIP.
Here are a number of things that you need to consider when you are choosing a VoIP provider:
Cost
Different businesses have different needs. A larger company may need a VoIP service provider that can help it streamline communication across multiple offices or stores, or make international calls cheaply, while a smaller company may need only basic phone features. When you are looking for a VoIP service provider, it is essential that you choose one that can offer a plan that suits your needs and budget. Getting features and capabilities that you do not need is just a waste of money. To get the best VoIP service deal, you should compare offers from several different providers before you make your choice.
In “VoIP Phone System Features You Should Want for Your Business,” Nexogy President Carlos Lahrssen states, “Whatever business you’re in, a top quality VoIP phone system takes care of your business telecommunications needs at a cost that is surprisingly low. Buy-in costs much less than that for a traditional PBX system, monthly costs are lower, and calls themselves cost much less, even internationally. At Nexogy, we provide customized VoIP phone systems for businesses that come with enterprise-grade features built in, helping your company make a great impression, run more efficiently and save money.”
Free Value-Added Features
The value-added features that are offered by your VoIP provider can make a big difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your company's phone system. Some of the features that can help your company save time and provide a better customer experience include call forwarding, call recording, call queuing, professional greetings, music on-hold, auto attendant, conferencing, virtual fax and others. Look for a VoIP provider that offers as many of these features as possible at no cost.
Upgrades
It is difficult to tell what capabilities and features you will need in the future. You may have to upgrade your phone system when you need to hire more employees or open new locations. Therefore, it is important that you ask your VoIP provider about the scalability of its service and the cost implications of upgrading or downgrading your phone system.
Reliability
VoIP system failure can result in loss of productivity, business opportunities and reputation. As such, it is essential that you hire a VoIP provider that is able to provide the most reliable solution, with near-zero downtime, fault-tolerant components and an excellent disaster recovery plan. Make sure that the provider offers round-the-clock customer support as well, so that you will be able to get prompt assistance in the event that you experience problems with your VoIP phone system.
Contract Term and Money-Back Guarantee Policy
While some VoIP service providers do not require you to sign a contract, others may tie you down to a long-term contract. It is best to hire a provider that offers flexible contract terms. Additionally, you should choose a provider that offers at least a 30-day money-back guarantee. In case its service does not suit your needs, you can get a full refund and hire another provider. With so many VoIP service providers to choose from, it can be difficult for you to hire the right one. However, doing some research can help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect match for your business.
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