Many small businesses have already made the switch from traditional phone service to VoIP (Internet phone service)—but does that mean it’s the right move for your business? What are the pros and cons? What do Orange County businesses gain by switching to VoIP? What, if anything, do they lose? Many business owners hesitate simply because they don’t understand the differences between traditional phones versus VoIP, or what advantages there would be to switching. To clear up some of the confusion, let’s discuss a few different factors business owners deal with and how each type of phone service rises to the challenge.
Mobility
In today’s world of instant communication, the ability to conduct business remotely is a key component to success.
• With traditional phones—your communication is limited to the presence of a land line. You must be physically present in the office to make or take calls. You may sometimes forward the call to another phone—but otherwise, incoming callers must leave a message.
• With VoIP—your communication is limited only to Internet availability. You can make or take calls nearly anywhere in the world, at any time.
Availability
These days, being available at a moment’s notice can make the difference between closing a deal or losing business to a competitor.
• With traditional phones—your availability is dictated by work hours and your presence in the office—as is your ability to return calls.
• With VoIP—you are in complete control of your availability. You can receive calls at any time, or choose to send them to voicemail, pretty much anywhere in the world. You’re as accessible to your clients as you want to be.
Features for the Price
Many Orange County businesses need extra communication features like group calling, videochat and customer hold just to be competitive. They may also need to expand to multiple lines.
• With traditional phones—adding features and phone lines can be both complicated and costly, adding significantly to your costs.
• With VoIP—additional features and phone lines can be added or removed in seconds, usually for a fraction of the cost (or for no additional charge). Internet service also offers some features that traditional phones can’t do.
Cost per Line/Cost per Call
Features aside, the overall cost of phone service is a primary concern to business owners.
• With traditional phones—the cost per line can be significant because of the extra hardware/infrastructure involved. Long distance and overseas calls may also be expensive.
• With VoIP—the cost per line and cost per call are both nominal. Most calls within the U.S. and to select countries may even be free.
If you’re an Orange County small business owner and you’re still uncertain about whether traditional phones or VoIP is right for you, we can help. Call NetServ today at 1-877-NetServ.