Where to buy?

**chandler444** · 12-29-2007 06:12 AM

Hi all,
I have a small business. There are ten employees working in my organization. Actually, I’m having 4 separate telephone lines which are quite costly for me and also I’m unable to control my staff because of communication problem. So I am planning to install a PBX system that I can save my money and time. Does anyone know a good source where can I buy?

**rogercbryan** · 12-29-2007 10:44 AM

Without knowing exactly how your office and phone system are currently set-up I’m going to make a few recommendations.
1- Try GotVMail.com their system can make your company seem like it has 8 lines even when it only has 4

2- Try voice over IP from an internet service provider. This will give you the ability to grow much easier in the future. It will cost a few $ up front.

3- Try to stay away from a PBX system. I’m speaking from experience. I started with 4 phone lines in Jan and now have 24. I had no idea that I was going to need to add so many lines. I have spent a small fortune continually adding equipment. I’m still using a PBX system only because I now have so much money invested into it that I can’t easily switch.

Don’t make the same mistakes I did. Give your growth potential a true once over and plan appropriately.

**paul2145r** · 12-29-2007 11:17 AM

One of my businesses utilizes ringcentral.com.

We like the service, because my employees and I are constantly on the move. I have the system set up to forward directly to our business cells, home phones, and any other phone number where we may need to be reached. When clients call in, we have a message that one of our managers recorded explaining what the extension numbers are, etc.

I also like the feature that allows the user to send the call directly to the company voicemail from their cell phone. It also makes phone conferencing a breeze. There is a free software plugin that offers VOIP inbound and outbound lines on every extension, as well as fax-email and voicemail-email conversion. The software has a v-mail option that shows all messages in a GUI similar to Outlook Express. Listen as you please, delete as you please, and archive whenever you want!

The only issue is the fluctuation in price. We currently have approx. 12 lines set up and running, and pay a base-payment of about $100 a month. The price will vary some months, depending on the amount of outbound calls, messages recorded, etc. For the mobile lines, we pay about $450/month for 4 phones w/ 2k minutes a piece. My personal cell (that I've had to turn into a business line), along with my wife's business line runs me between $250-$400 a month. All together, that adds up to close to $1000/month just for phone service.

We average about 90-150 calls a day (everyday), and so far haven't seen any problems with delivery with the service. If you have a definite estimate in place with regard to the amount of lines/calls that you will be receiving, a PBX may suffice. My recommendation- plan for the worst, and make sure that you have the infrastructure in place to go mobile as you please.