An efficient system that fulfills all the requirements of business communication is an important aspect of any business. This is where having a flexible, and reliable VoIP system comes into play and helps keep your business running at its best. A VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) service provides you with better communication features at a cost lower than what you might be paying to a local telephone provider.
If you have decided to invest in a VoIP service for your business and wondering how to choose the right one, do your research and don’t just make price the only consideration because there are many other things to consider. There are so many business VoIP systems out there with amazing features and different pricing plans that make it difficult to choose an appropriate one.
In this article, I will discuss important pointers everyone needs to consider before choosing the right VoIP for your small business.
Know Your Requirements
Basic features that a VoIP system offers are caller ID, call waiting, and call forwarding. Bus some advanced VoIP solutions also offer features like call screening, auto-attendant, and call transcription, etc. Some features are provided as basics in a plan and some specific features are added upon request. Before you spend business money on a VoIP solution, know your requirements and list all the features you need for better business communication. This will help you make the right decision without spending a lot of bucks.
Narrow Down Available Options
Once you have outlined all your requirements, decide on how much you can afford to pay for a VoIP system. List down all your current communication expenses along with features you enjoy. Then compare the available VoIP options with your old communication system & budget to make a wise decision. Narrow down the available options that fit your budget and compare them to move on with the right choice.
Third-party Integrations
Before you make a final decision, check if a VoIP system you are considering allows you to integrate other support systems or not. For instance, you may need to integrate a VoIP solution with your business CRM software or cloud solution to streamline business processes effectively. This is the reason, to check the system for third-party integration and choose one that offers third-party API integrations.
Security
Robust security is an important aspect of a business communication system. Since VoIP data pass through the internet, you must choose a system with a better security protocol to keep all your interactions and communication protected from third parties. Always choose a VoIP system with end-to-end encryption and advanced security options like MFA and secure data access.
Customer Support
Timely customer support is another important thing to consider when choosing a VoIP system for small businesses. From initial set-up to third-party integrations and troubleshooting, a dedicated customer support team must be there to help you resolve issues when arise. They must also guide you through after-sale service, up-gradation, and breakdown, etc. So always choose a VoIP solution with 24/7 customer support to keep your business running smoothly.
Pricing
Once you have different VoIP service providers on your list that match your business needs, check them for pricing and plans. Along with hardware and software costs, consider installation charges, future maintenance and support in the plan. Ask them about other charges like service cancellation fees if any, FUP and return policy, etc. Go through the pricing plans and features to see which company provides more features in less. Comparing different VoIP service providers is also a good idea to choose the right one.