A VoIP phone system offers a number of benefits to businesses that traditional phone services cannot. But it’s important to choose the right VoIP phone service if you truly want to take advantage of the technology.
There are some key features that your service has to provide. We have rounded up these key features that you must look for while selecting a business phone service.
Below are factors that will help you choose a good VoIP phone service.
Table of Contents
Identify Your Needs
The process of choosing a VoIP phone service starts by identifying your business needs. The ideal way is to list down the features that you want.
Usually, service providers offer basic features like call waiting, call forwarding, and caller ID. Some might try to trick you by offering music on hold and other fancy features. However, you should not fall into the trap just because the company is saying it’s free.
Instead, you should opt for useful advanced features like call transcription, call screening, and auto-attendant. What’s even better is to note down your requirements and search for the right VoIP service.
Don’t Ignore the Security
Nothing is more important than the security of your business data. This is a crucial factor that you must consider while choosing a VoIP service provider. Make sure that the company you are selecting offers end-to-end encryption to safeguard your information.
A good business phone service provides advanced security options to its customers such as multi-factor authentication.
Plan for Third-Party Integrations
One of the reasons why you are going for a VoIP phone system is probably third-party integration. This is a feature that allows businesses to sync various communication channels.
VoIP phone service providers normally let you know about the pre-built integrations that they offer. So you are getting a quotation, don’t forget to ask about integrations that they are offering. This is something that can make or break your business operations.
For example, if you have a CRM, make sure the VoIP service syncs with the software perfectly. Such integration will help you streamline your business operations.
Consider the Customer Support
Small businesses are usually relying on VoIP phone systems and use them as a primary communication medium. They use the technology to connect with team members and be in touch with potential clients and prospects.
To ensure smooth communication, you must hire a company that offers exceptional customer support. When you have dedicated customer support 24/7, you can expect the company to resolve any issues as soon as possible.
That’s why you should choose the VoIP service provider after considering their customer support.
Short List Your Options
Once you have considered your options, it’s time to narrow down the list. Start by enlisting the features that each VoIP service is offering to you. You should see whether a company is offering “bundled services” that meet your business needs.
See what type of security assurance you are getting and do read their customer reviews. Also, don’t forget to consider the expansion factor if you are a growing business.
Pay Attention to Pricing
The last and perhaps the most important feature to consider before choosing the VoIP service is the pricing. That’s why you must check the pricing and look at their plans. You should pay attention to hidden charges and try to find if there are any.
That’s why it is necessary to consider the refund and cancellation policies. Also, ask the short-listed companies if their chosen have any usage limits. Moreover, inquire whether the company charges for hardware, installation, and maintenance.
Conclusion
We hope you are now aware of the features that you must look for in VoIP phone service. The ideal way is to ensure that the company offers the features that your business needs. Additionally, consider customer support and compare the pricing before choosing a phone service.
