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 – Direct lines allow calls to be made to members of individual members of staff with a dedicated telephone line, and they require a system that can handle ISDN. ISDN is available in most larger countries and provides services such as direct dialing and caller ID in addition to the ability to transfer calls off site whenever necessary.
Voicemail – With a direct line service you will often be able to get voicemail for each telephone handset in the office, for some systems you may be able to have more than simple voicemails, such as the ability to forward messages by email or simply to other phones. You will also want to make sure the voicemail capacity is enough to handle the amount of messages, and length of messages, you expect to get.
The Handset – This should go without saying, but when you upgrade your telephone system you will need to get new telephone handsets. The handsets you choose should be right for the type of use you expect to get out of them. You will be offered basic handsets but will have the option to spend a little bit more to upgrade and get handsets that have more features, better build quality and will look better. You may not think it is worth the money but in the end you will be relying on these phones for some time and so it may be worth spending more money to get better quality phones.
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.