A good phone system is essential for any business that wants seamless communication with its customers, suppliers, employees and other stakeholders. While some phone systems cost a lot, you can still find a good phone system when on a budget.
However, the most important thing is to assess your needs to determine a phone system suitable for you based on your budget. If you find the task demanding, you can always use the services of a communications consultancy such as Comms Consult to determine the best phone system for you on a budget.
In the meantime, here are tips to help you.
Embrace the latest technology
The new technology has led to the reduction of the cost of a phone system. Go for a hosted or cloud-based PBX that is not only flexible but also cheaper. The virtual PBX systems use voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and session initiation protocol (SIP). The hosted PBX platforms are flexible and can allow you to use a single handset and up to thousands of handsets without high increment of costs, and can offer free unlimited calling.
The hosted PBX offers service reliability, ensures call quality and it is scalable.
This is unlike the old phone systems, which are expensive and will require you to incur additional costs if you want to include additional phone lines.
Get a phone system that can be upgraded
As your business expands, so should your communication needs. Invest in a phone system that can be upgraded instead of a system that will become obsolete when your business grows. Will you need additional lines in future? Will you require other services as you expand? Get a system that suits your budget for now, that meets your needs, and that you can get additional features in future without having to overhaul the whole system.
Get a system that you can upgrade when the need arises without having to spend a fortune.
Go for a phone system that does not need expensive installation
The cost of installing the traditional on-site PBX is prohibitive unlike installing a phone system that uses voice over internet protocol or hosted PBX technology. The lower the cost of installation, the less you will spend especially if you are on a budget. You will still get a better phone system at a lower cost.
In addition, the modern systems are more efficient and faster than the more expensive traditional systems.
Consider the maintenance costs
The cost of maintaining a phone system can increase expenses, something that you do not want especially if you are on a budget. A good phone system requires fewer maintenance costs. VoIP and hosted PBX cost less to maintain just as they cost less to install. For instance, VoIP uses the internet or private IP networks instead of the traditional phone lines. Therefore, it does not have many types of equipment that will need maintenance.
Check the recurrent cost
High phone recurrent cost can eat into your budget. Find a phone system that will not require you to spend a lot of money on calls. Hosted PBX has monthly subscription charges per user depending on the user needs and the additional features. This allows you to budget appropriately for your phone system expenses.
