The telephone system you use for your business is an important decision, as it is something that you will use everyday. When deciding what system to buy or upgrade to there are some points you need to consider, such as:
System Capacity - The majority of business telephone systems can handle about 24 telephone extensions in addition to about 12 incoming lines. In most cases, the components of smaller telephone systems may not be transferable to a larger system if you choose to upgrade in the future. If your business is expanding quickly and you think you will be hiring additional personnel in the coming months or years, it is a good idea to make the investment in a system that can handle your growing business needs.
Direct Lines - Direct lines allow calls to be made to members of individual members of staff with a dedicated telephone line, and they require a system that can handle ISDN. ISDN is available in most larger countries and provides services such as direct dialing and caller ID in addition to the ability to transfer calls off site whenever necessary.
Voicemail - If you need voicemail, consider investing in a telephone system that has voicemail for each handset. Voicemail can be connected for each direct line. You should verify the voicemail features such as the number of messages it will store, whether messages can be transferred or forwarded to cell phone numbers or email accounts.
The Handset - The telephone handset is an important consideration in the purchase of a new telephone system since you use it every day, and it needs to be comfortable and easy to use. Some telephone system salesmen will sell you on a lower priced basic handset model. Although it may be difficult to spend more on a higher priced model, you may find that it is well worth the investment. More use-friendly telephone handsets might offer better sound quality, may come with more features and may last longer than a cheaper version.
Installation - Regardless of the type of system you purchase, choosing the right installation contractor may be the most important decision you make regarding your telephone system. An improper installation may render some of the features of your phone service useless, and additional repairs can cost you even more money in the long run. Rather than trying to save money on installation, do your research and find a reputable company who will install your new telephone system properly. A good installation company will provide you with a no-obligation quote and advice for installation that is simple and easy for you to comprehend.