Ask other businesses how they did it. If you can, talk to several other business owners to get a feel for pricing, vendors, and options. If you like the way a phone system works at another business, seek out the owner and ask them what they use and how much it cost.

Demo the system. Test the system before you buy. Pictures and feature charts are insufficient for a purchase that will be used extensively by every person in your office. Some areas to assess: check how phones feel in your hands, see how easy it is to access extensions and voicemail, and evaluate phone and speakerphone quality.

Check voicemail compatibility. Make sure any phone system you are considering is capable of working with a wide range of third-party voicemail systems. By keeping your options open, you will minimize the chance of getting stuck with an inferior or overpriced product.

Get extra wiring installed. Avoid rewiring down the road and request that plenty of wiring be installed when the system is first purchased. A good benchmark is to ask for at least double the wiring you currently need. While this will add to the cost of installation, it will really only be a fraction of the cost you will face if wires need to be added later.

When to shop and buy. Shop for a dealer's advice at the beginning of the quarter when sales targets have just been set, and make your purchase at the end of the quarter when you can get a much lower price.

Consider VoIP phone systems. VoIP allows businesses to place and receive calls using the Internet. VoIP is perfect if your business is distributed (e.g., you have telecommuters working out of their home offices). This is a large part of the future of phone systems, and you might do well to get started with it now. It can really help to keep you connected and hold your overall costs down. Read more about VoIP phone systems or get free VoIP price quotes.

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Phone System Prices: A sampling of actual prices paid by phone system buyers who used our service can be found here, complete with purchasing details. An Overview of PBX Systems: If your company has more than 40 employees, or if you demand advanced functionality from your phones, you should consider purchasing a PBX system. Breaking down a multi-line phone system: Your primary concern when buying a multi-line phone system should be choosing the system that is the right size for your business.

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