Questions to Ask a Potential Business VoIP Provider

Deciding to make the move to VoIP solutions is just the first step in the right direction. You have a long way to go before you actually make the switch. VoIP is an ever-growing industry and every day, more and more options are taking over the market; deciding on the right business VoIP provider can be a challenge. Even if you’ve done your research and found some VoIP providers that fit the bill, there are still some questions you need to ask before you sign the dotted line. When you know the right questions to ask, only then can you decide if the potential business VoIP provider is suitable for your business or not.

What Costs Should I Expect?

Start with the pricing. Don’t just buy into what it says on their tag, ask your VoIP provider to quote the total cost of using their service (equipment and installation costs included). If you’re seriously considering their services, don’t forget to ask about hardware costs and their maintenance as well.

Another thing you need to figure out is your payment plan. Whether it’s a month-to-month plan or an annual one, make sure the sum quoted is inclusive of all taxes and additional costs to save yourself from hidden charges in the future.

Go through the terms and conditions thoroughly. Ask your provider to clear any confusion that you might have regarding any point in the contract. Also ask them how legally binding the contract is and whether you can choose to walk away from it without having to face any serious consequences.

The other thing you should inquire about is the scalability of your business VoIP plan. Ask whether it can accommodate any changes in your business activity and usage without taking a blow to your bank account!

There’s also a possibility of you exceeding the allotted amount of usage per month. Ask how you will be charged for the usage that is not covered by your plan. As your business grows you will most probably face more call traffic and might even have to look into international calling packages. Ask your provider if all of that can be adjusted into your current plan and if yes, what would be the additional cost.

How Will My Business Connect?

Connecting your business to a VoIP network is fairly simple and can be done in a number of ways. However, it is worth asking your VoIP provider about their preferred way. Some VoIP providers let you use your current devices to use their VoIP services, like downloading their app on your smartphone.

Some, however, send you their company’s equipment to ensure quality service. Some might even require you to purchase a small piece of equipment to connect your current devices to the network. Therefore, it is not wise to presume the preferred way of connecting and should be asked about beforehand. You can also ask them why they prefer one method over the other and what difference does it make to get a clearer picture of how VoIP services work.

Another thing to consider here is how the element of connection has panned over in the past. Have there been any complaints about the VoIP service in terms of their connection? If yes, is your provider ready to give you full disclosure? If they aren’t, it probably means that the problem still persists and that they are not the best fit for your business. You can test your VoIP service for the quality of their service and call quality. Often times, the connection is weak because of a low speed internet so make sure you have a high-speed internet before pointing fingers at your service provider.

What Specific Small Business Features Do You Offer?

Find out what you require in a VoIP service before you set out to find one. Once you know what features are required by your business only then can you make the right demands. The size and usage of your business will determine what services and features you will require from your VoIP service provider.

If you’re a small business, you might not need multiple extensions; however, if your business is run remotely, you might require features like call transferring and access to unlimited call minutes. You might even need the facility of video calling or auto-attendant if you’re short on staff. The list goes on. Before you make your final decision, go through the potential VoIP providers’ list of features that are included in their plans for small businesses; compare them with your business needs and find out which plan fits your needs the best.

You can always add-on features to your plan but make sure you ask your service provider about the additional charges and whether the add-ons will be compatible with the plan that you are on.

What’s your Customer Support Like?

If you’re running a small business, chances are, you don’t have a team of experts backing you up for your IT problems. Therefore, it is essential that you get on a plan that offers impeccable customer care whenever you need it.

Ask about the quality of customer support and if it’s accessible from channels that you find comfortable using, such as live chat or a 24×7 helpline. If your service provider doesn’t offer quality customer support, you might want to opt out, because despite VoIP solutions being user-friendly, they might still be challenging for first-timers.

Bottom Line: How do I Find the Right Business VoIP?

There’s a right Business VoIP out there for everyone, but you will have to ask the right questions. Find a VoIP service that falls in your budget, is upfront about their dealings and ready to clear all your confusions.

Transparency is vital in making the decision. It shows the company is reliable and will provide you with quality service. Ask as many questions as you’d like before you sign up for anything and make the decision once you are a hundred percent positive.

Here is a set of comprehensive reviews that will help you decide which one of the top VoIP service providers is a good fit for your business.

You can also compare VoIP providers to get a clearer picture of their plans and features. Good luck!