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How to Compare Phone Services


When armed with a strategy, it is not difficult to compare phone services and end up with the right solution. A strategy is required to maintain control when dealing with sales people following a proven sequence of steps that will lead to an order via the shortest route.

Our strategy is to obtain answers to some key questions and move on quickly if the answers are not satisfactory.

How to Compare Phone Services - the Strategy

1. Work Backwards

Read the fine print of the cancellation policy carefully to identify whether or not there are minimum contractual terms and penalties for early termination. These details can generally be found on web sites. It is important to read the fine print rather than rely on verbal summations and interpretations by sales people.

2. Features Come Last

Sales people will typically attempt to navigate discussions towards specific features of their phone service. They want the prospect's attention focused on how they will use a service, rather than comparing the commercial merits of alternative services. It is essential to take control and get the commercials clear before being led down the path of looking at features.

3. Additional Costs

Identify any additional costs relating to:

  • Fax services?
  • International calls?
  • Remote and mobile workers?
  • Multiple locations?
  • Use of existing analogue handsets?
  • Will existing broadband services need to be upgraded or changed?
  • Upgrading premise based equipment such as servers and software?
  • Day-to-day usage not covered by the plan, e.g. conferencing.
  • 4. Upgrading and Downgrading

    Beware of honey traps! Cheap introductory offers that become disproportionately expensive with the subsequent addition of an added feature such as: fax services, international calling, more locations ...

    Conversely, in an increasingly unpredictable world it is vital to understand and identify any costs applicable to down grading a service e.g. reducing the number of extensions, locations, services ...

    5. Business or Residential

    The traditional phone companies target residential customers and large corporate accounts. In the small business segment they cannot compete on price or service with the new generation of hosted IP PBX providers.

    Don't waste time attempting to compare phone services from providers that target different markets. If your looking for a small business phone service only consider hosted or virtual VoIP solutions.

    Competition for small business phone customers is intense and as a consequence it is now much easier than it was to find a cheap business phone service that delivers an excellent solution on flexible commercial terms.


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