Buying A VoIP Service For Your Business
If you’re considering ditching your traditional landline telephone service for an Internet-based VoIP (Voice over IP) system, you’ve come to the right place.
There’s a lot to learn and many things to consider before you make a decision on your small business VoIP system. Our aim is to help you save time and money by collecting the most useful information available on business phone systems all in one place.
What is VoIP?
VoIP, otherwise known as Voice Over Internet Protocol, is a system that leverages high-speed broadband or cable connection to route calls as digital data over the Internet. In other words, it allows you to use your Internet connection to make phone calls. Aside from your Internet connection, all you need in your small business to get set up with an offsite-hosted service are compatible handsets.
Recommended VoIP providers
These are some of the most recommended VoIP providers on the market:
Why should you switch to a VoIP office phone system?
It’s no wonder that VoIP and PBX (private branch exchange) systems have become the first choice for businesses of all types and sizes. There are lots of good reasons to choose a VoIP phone system for your business, including the fact that hosted VoIP and cloud VoIP systems are often cheap.
VoIP Features You Should Consider
24/7 Support
There are numerous VoIP software providers that are available to individuals and businesses looking to make and receive phone calls over the internet. One aspect that differentiates some providers is their customer support level. Some companies offer 24/7 support, meaning that technical assistance is available all day and night. This can be particularly valuable for businesses that operate on a global scale or have a high volume of calls. It’s important to research and compare different VoIP software providers to find one that meets the specific needs of your business, including the availability of 24/7 support. Some examples of VoIP providers offering this support level include RingCentral, Vonage and ZoomPhone.
Multi-Channel Routing
Multi-channel routing is a feature that allows businesses to manage and route incoming calls to the appropriate team or department. This can be especially useful for companies with a large customer base and receiving a high volume of calls. These providers can help businesses streamline their communication processes and improve the customer experience by offering this feature.
Number Porting
Phone number porting is the process of transferring an existing phone number to a new provider or service. In the context of VoIP software, this can be especially useful for businesses that want to switch to a new provider but do not want to lose their current phone number. Free phone number porting is a feature offered by some VoIP software providers. It allows businesses to easily transfer their existing phone numbers to their new VoIP service without incurring additional charges. This can save businesses time and hassle, as they don’t have to update their phone numbers with customers and other contacts. Additionally, free phone number porting can help to ensure a smooth transition to a new VoIP provider, as businesses can continue to use their familiar phone number during the switch. Overall, this feature is essential for businesses that want to switch to a new VoIP provider but don’t want to lose their current phone number in the process.
Choosing the best VoIP software for your business
There are a few different ways to decide on the best VoIP provider for your business.
Free Demo
A free demo of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) software allows potential customers to try out the product before committing to a purchase. This can be especially beneficial for businesses considering implementing a new VoIP system, as it allows them to see how the software performs and determine if it meets their needs. Many popular VoIP software brands offer a free demo, including RingCentral and Vonage. Taking advantage of a free demo can help businesses make an informed decision on the right VoIP solution for their company.
No Contracts or Setup Fees
No contracts and setup fees in VoIP can be helpful for businesses because it allows them to have more flexibility and control over their phone service. With a contract, businesses may be locked into a certain service for a set period of time, which can be inconvenient if their needs change or they are not satisfied with the service. No contracts also allow businesses to switch providers more easily if they find a better option. Additionally, setup fees can be expensive and add an additional cost to implementing a new phone system. By eliminating both contracts and setup fees, businesses can save money and have more control over their phone service.
Which VoIP provider is best for my business?
There is no absolute best provider for small business VoIP, as no two businesses are exactly alike. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a best VoIP system for you. The most important part of choosing a VoIP phone service is to do your homework. Assess your current office phone system, your Internet connection, your current and projected call volume and patterns, and whether you would prefer to manage the system in-house or have the provider manage it offsite. All of these considerations will have a significant impact on the upfront and ongoing costs, the features you have at your disposal and the ease of set-up. But, when all is said and done you will end up with a flexible, scalable telephone system that has the potential to boost your team’s productivity saving you thousands of dollars.
Excited to bring your company’s telecommunications into the 21st century? Before purchasing, take your time to read our in-depth reviews of the leading VoIP providers, check out our articles, and compare VoIP business phone systems using our handy comparison tool. You will then be well-equipped to make an informed purchasing decision!