Buying a cheap phone system: is it right for your business?

Written by Steve Thompson

Many business owners are searching for a cheap phone system that can help their businesses run more smoothly; saving money on communications can open up sources of funding for other projects. Of course, the last thing you want to do is sacrifice quality for the sake of a few dollars.

Important features in a cheap phone system

Whether you’re looking for bargain-basement products or phones that fall just shy of the standard, there are some features where you’re unlikely to be willing to compromise. For example, caller ID is a standard feature in most business and personal telephones and can greatly improve efficiency when taking calls from customers, colleagues, and vendors.

Other features you might want to have include toll restrictions, call forwarding, and intercom capabilities. These three features allow you to communicate more efficiently with those who matter most, and can actually save you money on the back end. When reviewing telephones, make sure you consider a list of features that are too valuable to sacrifice.

Setting a price range

Although it’s possible to find a cheap phone system, price is relative to each consumer. One business owner, for example, might consider a $450 phone system extravagant; another might be looking for a system in the $1,000 and above ballpark.

A cheap phone system usually includes the telephones you will use in your office ... and little else. The sophistication of the products themselves will vary. If you’re willing to give up a speakerphone, for example, you’ll pay less than one with speakerphone and intercom capabilities.

Comparing offers

Before you purchase a cheap phone system, compare several products on the market to ensure you find the best deal. Most manufacturers will be able to send you a data sheet for each system you’re considering. This data sheet will include important information including price, features, hardware, and other important facts.

In some cases, it’s easier to work backwards. Tell a manufacturer what features are most important to you, and then ask for suggestions. This will tell you fairly quickly whether any of its products fall within your budget.

Reviewing products

Rather than simply buying whatever cheap phone system sounds best, use the products first for the purposes of evaluation. Some phones are very complex and take weeks to fully learn; others are more intuitive. While these may have fewer features, they can be put to use immediately.

Ask, as well, about phone system installation. Often the installation costs more than the actual hardware. You can save significant money on products you install yourself.

Interested in getting your company started? A quality phone system may be more affordable than you think. Submit a free request for phone system price quotes, and multiple vendors will provide you with options that will prevent you from having to buy an ineffective cheap phone system.