An office phone is an important part of a small business. They can also cost a lot of money if you don’t perform research ahead of time. This article will provide several tips on how to get the best deal on an office phone.
You’ll want to start by finding out the prices of different office phones. This is made up of three factors: the main phone system, the individual phones, and the optional features that cost extra. If you’re going with hosted or cloud-based VoIP, the physical phone system is replaced with a monthly service.
You should be able to locate this information on the phone vendor’s website. It tends to be displayed on the front page or a separate page dedicated to the phone system and its features. You can also call up the vendor directly and ask for a price quote. This only takes about five minutes and can be very helpful if you want to make an informed decision.
Negotiation will be important for you to get the best possible deal. You should state that you’ve contacted other vendors, and that they are offering their office phone for a different price. If you know their direct competitor, be sure to mention the name. This can often entice the phone vendor to provide a discount or offer free items like phones and headset. You may also be able to get them to setup the phone for free or give you access to special features.
Keep in mind that you should only negotiate for the services that you plan to use. If you aren’t going to need your voicemail transcribed, you’re not actually gaining anything by adding the service. Focus on getting the base price down and reduced costs for maintenance and support.
Another option is to lease the office phone system from the vendor. Many of them have ‘buy back’ provisions that will let you purchase the phone once the contract has been completed. You’ll be able to get it for much lower than normal, and can even lock in this amount when you sign the lease.
You can also go to a wholesaler and get an office phone system for much cheaper than normal. They tend to have a wide assortment of IP phones and PBX phone systems, along with headsets, caller ID boxes, and phone accessories that you might need. The main problem with using a wholesaler is that you do not have any consumer rights if you purchase something. You won’t be able to automatically return the phone system if it has a problem or get it fixed at no charge. You may still be able to contact the manufacturer for assistance, however.
