Once you’ve decided to make the switch from traditional telephone system to VoIP, next on your agenda is choosing the right VoIP service provider.
Sure, VoIP is cheaper, faster and more innovative than regular telephone services, but if you don’t make an informed decision with your service provider you might lose more than you hope to gain.
01
CHOOSING THE RIGHT VOIP PROVIDER: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
In today’s economy, cost-efficiency is the most important factor to consider when choosing your service provider. It’s noted that a switch from traditional telephone lines to VoIP can save you up to 50% of the cost.
However, to avail such a huge saving, figure out exactly what you need and then choose the VoIP provider that fulfills all your requirements.
You can consult your VoIP provider about the plans they offer and choose the one that best suits your needs. There is no point signing up for a plan that costs you extra over features that you don’t even need. Make sure, the plan that you choose is in your budget and one that’s easy to manage in the future.
Scalability plays an important role here. If the cost of your VoIP connection is higher than the expansion of your business, that is not a good deal. Opt for a plan that rewards you for your success, not take away from it.
02
HOW SECURE IS YOUR VOIP CONNECTION?
Security is a huge concern in business matters. Most of your data is private and confidential; you cannot afford to compromise on security. It is reasonable to be concerned about online security, especially when you have confidential voice messages being transmitted over the Internet. But worry not; your VoIP network is completely safe. However, asking your providers about it might help clear up some confusion and help you understand Network Security better. Inquire after different ways they are working toward keeping your data safe—what software do they use and how often do they run updates?
03
QUALITY OF YOUR VOIP SERVICE: SHOULD IT MATTER?
The quality of your calls is integral to how your business is run and how your consumers perceive it.
A lag or glitch in the service can cause problems like echo which may prove hazardous for the business’s reputation and may disrupt your communication with employees. After all, you don’t want your clients to turn you down just because the voice quality of your call service was lacking. Keep in mind, this isn’t a minor inconvenience; it can be incredibly frustrating for your customers.
This is the main reason businesses hesitate when choosing VoIP over landline.
These problems may persist in regular networks, but fortunately,business VoIP runs on a much stronger platform. The bandwidth is much higher and if statistics are to be believed, less than 0.5% of users have complained regarding the quality of their business VoIP, so you have nothing to worry about.
04
WHAT ARE THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU?
Businesses are known to backtrack on their word about offering quality customer support once you’ve gotten on board with them. Therefore, it’s imperative that you go through the terms and conditions before you sign any agreement with your service provider.
Make sure they offer a 24/7 customer support system because there’s always a chance of facing a problem in the middle of the night, especially if you’re running an international business. Similarly, you might need assistance on weekends or holidays. Ask if customer care is available at those time. If you have a preferred method for customer support, such as telephone line or live chat forum, check for that too. Go ahead with your choice only when you feel comfortable with it.
Terms and conditions vary from one VoIP provider to another. Some might offer you a lower price if you sign up long-term. This could bind you to a set amount of time. Some will let you cancel your subscription whenever you want. This entails that they are confident in their customer support.
05
CHOOSING A VOIP PROVIDER: THE KEY QUESTIONS:
- What is the cost? Does it have the features my business requires?
- What is its scalability?How will it measure if I decide to scale (up/down)?
- Is it secure? What is the security policy?
- How is the quality of service?
- Will I be offered assistance, if need be?
- What are the terms and conditions? Will I be able to opt out of them if I wished?
These are top questions that should be on your list when choosing a VoIP provider. That being said, don’t limit yourself to these. Speak with your business partners. What kind of issues do they face? Get a complete idea of how the system works and what you’d require, keeping the size of your firm in mind.
Ask as many questions before you sign the dotted-line to get the best quality of service and support.
Choosing a VoIP provider is never easy, and it is completely understandable if you’re still a bit apprehensive about the choice. You are not alone; some of the biggest businesses have faced the same conundrum.
All businesses, big or small, have several questions regarding VoIP services. To save you the trouble, we have compiled a list of reviews from some of the biggest businesses that offer VoIP services. These reviews will hopefully answer most of your questions and you can benefit from their reviews of VoIP service providers to choose the best one for you!
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