subject: Advice On Choosing A Business Telephone System [print this page] Advice On Choosing A Business Telephone System
When it comes to buying a new telephone system for your business there are a number of things you need to factor in to your decision, these are:
System Capacity - The first thing you need to think about is the size of the business you need to provide for. The majority of telephone systems will be able to provide 24 extensions and 12 incoming lines, although if you start off with a smaller telephone system it will not be transferable to a larger system. This means if you intend to increase the size of your business you will need to make sure you get a system that is able to keep up with the growth.
Direct Lines - For any business that will need direct lines for their staff you will need to make sure you get an ISDN compatible system. This allows you to use direct dialing and see caller ID, the primary number will be shown no matter what line is picked up or for transferred calls. ISDN is available in almost every country.
Voicemail - If you need voicemail, consider investing in a telephone system that has voicemail for each handset. Voicemail can be connected for each direct line. You should verify the voicemail features such as the number of messages it will store, whether messages can be transferred or forwarded to cell phone numbers or email accounts.
The Handset - The telephone handset is an important consideration in the purchase of a new telephone system since you use it every day, and it needs to be comfortable and easy to use. Some telephone system salesmen will sell you on a lower priced basic handset model. Although it may be difficult to spend more on a higher priced model, you may find that it is well worth the investment. More use-friendly telephone handsets might offer better sound quality, may come with more features and may last longer than a cheaper version.
Installation - Regardless of the type of system you purchase, choosing the right installation contractor may be the most important decision you make regarding your telephone system. An improper installation may render some of the features of your phone service useless, and additional repairs can cost you even more money in the long run. Rather than trying to save money on installation, do your research and find a reputable company who will install your new telephone system properly. A good installation company will provide you with a no-obligation quote and advice for installation that is simple and easy for you to comprehend.
