To ensure the success of your business, you must have a seamless communication network running among your team members and customers. If you have problems with dropped calls but cannot afford to invest in expensive hardware, you should definitely consider using a virtual telephone system.
What you should consider while choosing a Virtual PBX system
Although several companies offer virtual phone systems, choosing the right service provider is not exactly easy. Each provider has their own strengths and specialties. This is something you need to consider before selecting a service plan or provider. Some big providers offer business plans that put a greater emphasis on internet services. Most of these plans involve the installation of special hardware.
Here are a few things you should consider while choosing a Virtual PBX system.
1. Business Size / Type and Customer Service
Each business is unique. Your Virtual PBX should be able to cater to the specific requirements of your business. Luckily, several companies offer packages that suit businesses of all sizes and shapes.
Nextiva, for example, offers great service packages for startups and small businesses. RingCentral or Virtual PBX is ideal for large businesses. If you or your employees are always on the go, you should choose a provider that specializes in mobile phones. Phone.com is a good example. But make sure you don’t buy a service before reading these Virtual PBX reviews.
Customer Service
Make sure that the company provides excellent customer service. You should be able to reach them whenever you want to. Nextiva is a good choice for starters. They provide top notch customer service and you will always have support professionals to help you out in case you are stuck somewhere.
Disaster Recovery
One of the most important advantages of using a Virtual PBX system is that it will allow your business to operate even if you have to shut down your office due to flooding or fire. You can set up a routing plan in advance. In case a disaster strikes, you will be able to reroute your calls to your home or mobile phone with just one phone call to your service provider. Most Virtual PBX systems also offer an extensive parachute system that will ensure that your business runs even in an emergency.
2. Extensions and Automated Call Distribution (ACD)
If you have special divisions within the company, you will want extensions. Extensions allow you to route calls to specific employees or departments. No matter what the size of your business is, extensions will ensure that your customers can quickly reach the right people. Providers like Virtual PBX and Grasshopper provide unlimited extensions as a part of their service plans.
ACD
If you are a service oriented company, you will certainly want to provide telephone support. Your customers will detest having to wait in line when they need support. They will also hate it when their calls get tossed from one agent to the next. When you have an automated call distribution (ACD) system in place, your customers will be able to talk to the right person quickly. Virtual PBX provides highly reliable ACD systems that boast of many features.
3. Simplicity and Price
No one wants to deal with difficult user interfaces. All that you need is a simple, streamlined, virtual phone system that will help you run your business smoothly. Grasshopper is the best option for businesses that only require a few features and a simple interface. RingCentral also has a simple user interface and provides several useful features.
Also, before choosing a provider, consider the prices. You will definitely not want your phone bill to burn a hole in your pocket.
If your company uses fewer minutes, you should consider choosing a pay-per-minute plan. Grasshopper offers this feature. Businesses that use their phone systems extensively should consider getting an unlimited service plan.
Photo credit: lamont_cranston / Flickr
