5 key things to consider when buying a new telephone system

​Decisions, decisions, decisions, with so many considerations it can be easy to get lost in the mass of information available to you. But with the help of this article hopefully we can clear a few things up for you and get you one step closer to the best solution for your business...

1. Will it reduce your costs?

With telephone systems the newer technologies can often mean lower costs in the long run. With VoIP now being a well established technology it is something that can be trusted and isn’t going away any time soon, using VoIP can bring fantastic cost savings on line rental and the costs to make calls. A good start would be comparing the costs of your traditional system to a VoIP system over a period of time. The great thing about VoIP is that lines can be added for little cost. Updates are available all the time, helping your new system to keep up to date with any changes in technology, without having to buy a new handset each time. Although functionality can increase costs sometimes, it is not always the case that a new system will cost the earth, so it is worth being open to new technologies, you might be surprised at what you can save.
 
2. Do you need a flexible working environment?

Travelling, bad weather, events, meetings, there are many occasions where staff need to stay connected when out of the office. If this resonates with you it is worth considering a phone system which allows remote working such as a hosted platform. Your staff could plug in their handsets from any location with an internet connection, and they will be automatically operating from the office telephone system, they can even use the same number as they would have in the office so customers won’t notice a difference in service and colleagues can direct calls just like they usually would. Some systems like our private hosted solution can also connect to mobiles and desktops, allowing calls to be taken on multiple devices using the same number.
 
3. Do you have plans for your business to grow?

Does the new system allow you to add more users and lines quickly and easily? Does it cost to do this? Basically will the new system change and grow with your business without costing the earth? It is a good thing to ask this in advance so that you aren’t caught off guard with a long contract and a system that is costing more than you bargained for. A hosted solution can grow with your business and can expand from 1 to 1000 users with a minimum outlay, so this might be a good option for a changing business. Another question to consider is, can you upgrade the system without a huge cost each time? This is also important to know before committing to a system that you want to grow with your business over time.
 
4. Are new features important to you?

New features can sometimes mean a more efficient output, and more features for very little if any extra cost than your outdated traditional telephone system is actually common place. Modern features such as call queuing, voicemail, call recording and automated attendant, syncing with your desktop and mobile, are not available on many old systems, and these can really help transform your business and how it deals with clients. These features can make sure you don’t miss calls, you always answer professionally, and your never miss vital information that can show your client they are a priority and that they are listened too.
 
5. Can this new system help your business become more profitable?

Some systems and features can save you money, and others can directly add value, for example, using on hold messages can inform customers about your products and services while they wait which can maximise cross sell opportunities. Your phone system also has the potential to support sales functions; call recording helps sales people learn and develop by listening back on their calls. Reporting/analytics tools means your business may never loose a call again, as you can always call back if you aren’t initially available during busy periods, or if your call was disconnected. It is always worth asking how the particular system you are interested in can make your business more profitable. 

Call our telephony experts today on 0345 450 7444, and we'd be delighted to offer you some advice, together with a cost effective proposal for your business.