Unlimited calling over your internet connection is a great business tool, but your choice of provider is critical to your success. As with choosing any provider for service, you want to make sure you make the right decision the first time. It is frustrating to think of the time and money lost when the VoIP phone service provider you choose isn’t the right fit, or if they don’t hold up their end of the bargain. There is also the added pressure if VoIP is part of a mission-critical process for your product or service.
So, the decision-making process is not as simple as “pick the cheapest” or “pick the best.” Companies sometimes find themselves overpaying for services that are feature rich but not needed. Or conversely, a company desperately looking to cut costs goes with the cheapest option then regrets it later when their choice doesn’t come close to meeting their needs.
Here are some tips on choosing the right vendor, so you don’t make a wrong, and costly mistake.
What are you looking for? – You should have a clear understanding of what you want your business VoIP to accomplish. Talk to your employees. Look at the gaps in your current solution. Does it integrate well with your other processes? Do you want to give your employees a boost to their productivity? Or are you simply looking to cut costs?
Research is key – There are plenty of options available, but not all of them are created the same. Some provide great customer support but are light on features. Others charge too much for features you don’t need or want.
Look for recommendations – You may know another business owner that has already done the same thing. Personal recommendations go a long way, especially if their needs were similar to yours. The Internet is also a great resource for comparing VoIP providers as you can look over reviews, forums, and lists of suggested vendors.
Pay attention to customer service – This is often overlooked, as price and features tend to be more important when making an initial decision. Later, when something does go wrong, customer support becomes the most important feature.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when you need a voice over internet protocol provider. Ally Communications can help you find the best option for VoIP service. Call us today for a free consultation!
