The small business phone service that you choose is important, so that you can provide maximum service without incurring maximum cost. When you run a small business, sometimes you’ll be tempted to cut corners to make operation slightly cheaper. This isn’t always the best decision though, especially not when it comes to customer service. The real target should be finding a phone service that conforms to you, not one that you have to make sacrifices in order to facilitate.
There are three major setups that are intended for small business phone service. One of the most common is KSU-less. KSU-less lines are fantastic because they feature up to four separate phone lines, with a maximum of 16 extensions. They also don’t require a centralized phone line, so your phones can be easily moved around to conform to your workspace. Installation is cheap, and easy, and you won’t break the bank like with other more expensive phone systems. This is the best way for a small business to set up shop and start to grow.
However, if that doesn’t seem like quite enough, there is another option in the form of the PBX small business phone service. This is more complicated, and expensive than KSU-less, but provides a minimum of 40 phone lines for you to utilize. This is essential for a company that is dedicated to services that require constant communication. PBX is more complicated to install as well, as it requires a centralized line to be installed into your office. This is also one of the most expensive types of small business phone service for you to have to facilitate. PBX is only really recommended for companies that rely on their phones vitally, otherwise you should be able to get by with KSU-less.
Although, there is a third option if the other two don’t seem your style. VoIP phone service is a cheap way to recreate the results of either of the other two, without completely breaking the bank. VoIP means voice over internet protocol, and allows you to treat a cable internet line just like a standard phone line. The technology to set up the phone line initially is more expensive than any other type, but over time you’ll recoup your losses with cheaper monthly bills. This is essential if you’ll be making a lot of long distance calls, or global long distance. Usually a VoIP service can facilitate both, at one low monthly rate without charging penalties.
To set up your small business phone service, you’ll want to call your local phone provider to see exactly what you’ll need. In the case of VoIP you’ll want to contact a provider like Vonage.com in order to see what the service entails. From there you should be able to find the necessary phones from any office supply store. Staples is usually a good place to start, and has a wide variety of phones to facilitate any type of small business phone service. Typically, good quality phones will cost you anywhere from $50 to upwards of $200, depending upon the features that are most important to you.