Always read the fine print. While you're responsible for a considerable number of
charges in addition to monthly fees, make sure to examine exactly what you're paying for.
Every billing statement should provide a detailed summary of your fees; if something looks
questionable, contact your vendor.
Essential technical support.
Make sure you know who to contact if you need service assistance after hours (weekends, middle
of the night, etc.). You can't afford to lose business because your phones aren't working.
Avoid long-term contracts.
Since prices and plan details change often, long-term contracts can be unfavorable. The
standard contract is one year – try to avoid longer contracts. Some companies will include
contract language that lets you adjust your rates based on competitive offers, without
renegotiating the entire deal. This gives you the benefits of price flexibility without the
hassle of switching providers.
Block unneeded charges.
Per-call add-ons like automatic redial, directory assistance, and three-way calling can
drive up your costs unnecessarily. Your phone service provider can block these types of
services, along with calls to pay-per-minute 900 and 976 numbers, helping you keep your
monthly bills free of surprises.