VoIP has for the longest time been used to better business communications, especially in customer service. However, this has mostly been in those massive companies that can invest in very sophisticated phone systems. The good news, however, is that this technology has become more affordable. With the right tips, you can easily get a VoIP phone that is perfect for your business from the best VoIP phone service providers, whether small or medium-sized. However that doesn’t mean you can go into a store and pick up any VoIP phone, there are some factors you need to consider to ensure you’re getting a device suited for your business needs.
What do you need the VoIP phone for?
This is the first question you should answer before shopping for VoIP phones. There are those that are designed for home offices and small businesses, while others are made for larger organizations. It is important to know which one you need so that you don’t end up with something that doesn’t suit your business.
What infrastructure do you currently have?
This is another important question to answer as it will help determine the type of VoIP phone you need. Remember, VoIP phones require a reliable network and strong internet that won’t experience any disruptions. If you currently have an unreliable network, you might consider upgrading it before investing in VoIP phones.
While old VoIP phones relied on physical ethernet cables, the new ones use Power over Ethernet, which is much easier to set up. If you need a Wi-Fi connection, then you should also consider getting a quality router.
What features do you need?
The good thing about VoIP phones is that they come with many features that can benefit businesses. However, you need to determine which ones you really need and which ones you can do without. This will help narrow down your choices and make it easier for you to pick the perfect VoIP phone. Here are some features small to medium businesses need to consider:
a) Conference: Typically, you might not need more than 3-way calling unless you’re in customer service or sales. However, if you need to conference with people often, you should consider getting VoIP phones that offer 4-way or even 8-way conference calls.
b) Auto attendant: If you have a receptionist, you might not need this feature. However, an auto attendant can be very beneficial if you don’t have someone to answer calls during office hours. It can help route calls to the right departments or even allow callers to leave a voicemail.
c) Intuitive dashboard: A good VoIP phone should have an intuitive dashboard that is easy to use and understand. This is especially important if you’re not very tech-savvy.
d) Business call history: Any business that relies on phone calls to generate leads or sales needs a good call history feature. This way, you can easily track calls and see which ones are productive and which are not. It’s also a necessary feature for quality control.
e) Voicemail to email transcription: This very convenient feature can save you a lot of time. With it, you can easily get voicemails transcribed and sent to your email so you can read them at your convenience.
Budget
This is another important factor to consider when shopping for VoIP phones. The good thing is that there are many affordable options on the market, so you don’t have to break the bank to get a good quality VoIP phone. Just be sure to compare prices and features before making your final decision.
What brand do you trust?
Many VoIP phone brands are on the market, and it can be hard to know which one to trust. If you’re unsure, then it’s a good idea to research and read online reviews. This way, you can get an idea of which brands are known for their quality and durability. You can ask people you know if they have any recommendations as well.
What design do you need?
VoIP phones come in all sorts of designs. Some are over desk phones, while others are wall-mounted. It depends on your preference and what would work best for your office space. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to consult a professional to see the best option for you.
Investing in VoIP phones can be a great way to improve communication in your small to medium business. You have to decide which type of VoIP phone is best for you and your business needs. Be sure to consider your budget, the brand, the features, and the design before making your final decision.