Are you looking to hire a VoIP provider?
VoIP telephone systems offer a lot of benefits. They allow for simple conference calls, efficient customer interaction, and low call costs, just to name a few.
However, it’s important to understand that not all VoIP systems are created equally, which is why it’s so important to do your research before choosing.
Check out this guide to discover the top factors to consider when choosing a VoIP provider.
1. Features and Costs
When choosing a VoIP provider, one of the biggest things you want to keep in mind is the cost, as well as the features that come with it.
As we mentioned, you can save a ton of money by investing ina VoIP phone system. However, if you opt for the cheapest VoIP provider on the market, you may miss out on some key features.
Some features that your business may need include:
- International calling
- Call forwarding and caller ID
- Automated attendant
- Voicemail to email, to text, forwarding, and greeting,
- Call routing, rejection, and screening
- Video conferencing
- Speed dialing
- Three-way calling
- Business text messaging
These are just a few of the features you can find with VoIP systems, and there are many more. Before you commit to a VoIP provider, make a list of the features your business needs as well as how much you’re willing to pay for all of them.
2. Third-Party Integration Options
Another important thing to consider is whether or not the VoIP provider offers third-party integration.
Without the option to integrate third-party services, you’ll spend a large amount of time re-creating and migrating business data that you already have in another product. Whether you use Googe Suite, Dropbox, or Salesforce, you’ll want to make sure your VoIP provider offers seamless integration.
3. Mobile Applications
It’s also a good idea to check if the VoIP provider comes with a mobile app. This is especially important if your business has remote workers.
With a full-featured mobile app, you’ll be able to:
- Forward calls to your employees’ mobile phones
- Allow your employees to access faxes, business SMS, and advanced voicemail straight from the app
If your business needs more than simple call forwarding, a mobile app will allow you to provide a complete experience for your remote users.
4. Hosted vs Onsite
Another thing you need to consider is whether you want hosted or onsite VoIP.
With an onsite VoIP provider, your initial setup costs will be higher. However, you’ll typically have lower monthly expenses than you would with a hosted provider. But, you’ll also be responsible for all maintenance costs.
Hosted providers, on the other hand, handle all programming, maintenance, and upgrades, making things easier for you.
When choosing between the two, it’s also important to consider how your business will grow. Hosted providers typically come with business models that allow for easier scalability. Here are some other benefits to consider with hosted VoIP.
Are You Ready to Choose a VoIP Provider?
Now that you’ve read this article, it’s time to start looking for a VoIP provider.
If you’re looking for a VoIP provider in the Vancouver area, contact us today.