There is no question that a VoIP phone system is the number on solution for business communications. In terms of cost, convenience and features, traditional phone systems just don’t compare.
So, maybe you’ve made the decision to switch your business to VoIP and are now looking for the best VoIP provider? Easier said than done! With so many solutions and providers to choose from, you may feel a little confused.
Read on for some key points you should consider before choosing a VoIP provider.
How to Pick the Right VoIP Provider
The VoIP market is huge, with many providers and resellers of all sizes so it can be tough to choose just one company when it comes to narrowing down potential providers.
You shouldn’t settle for any VoIP provider though, here are the top things to consider when deciding;
- Analyse what you already have
First, analyse your current system before looking at other providers. Work out costs and what features you are missing. This will make comparing solutions to what you already have much easier.
- How much do you want to pay?
VoIP plans can vary in price, set your budget and look at providers within your price range. That said, most plans are very similar in costs and the cheapest provider won’t be massively less inexpensive from the most expensive.
- Check set up and reoccurring costs
Most VoIP provider offer a subscription-based service where you will pay a set monthly fee. You might have factored this into your budgeting but check what, if any, the additional one-off costs would be – set up, for example.
- Telephone number portability
If keeping your existing phone number is an absolute must, then ensure that you check that the provider you have in mind can facilitate that.
- What features do you need?
Make a list of the features you need from your new VoIP system and only shortlist providers that tick every box. From voicemail to call recording, there are a wide range of VoIP features you can benefit from; work out which ones will be the most useful to your business.
- Ask about bandwidth and speed
No reputable provider would sell you a service that isn’t going to work for you, but you should still ask about bandwidth required for a quality service and if yours meets the mark.
- Is hardware provided?
If you need new desktop telephones with your system, check to see which providers include these as part of your plan and which providers charge extra.
- Is support provided with the service?
Support is an important aspect for many customers – check that trouble shooting, and support would be included in your plan. This is especially important for businesses that don’t have in-house IT teams or at least a tech savvy member of staff.
- Make a shortlist and read reviews
Once you have selected a few potential providers, make a shortlist – between three to five suppliers, and then read reviews. A quick Google will tell you everything you need to know in terms of service and products.
- Read the terms and conditions
Finally, when you have settled on a supplier, hold off on signing a contract until you have read the T&Cs or the small print. You don’t want to find an issue down the road just because you didn’t take note of a contract clause.
Contact VIP VoIP
We hope you found our ten tips for choosing a VoIP provider helpful.
If you still have questions about choosing a VoIP service, then please get in touch. We will be happy to point you in the direction of one of our authorised re-sellers.