Small Business Phone Service Basics

When buying small business phone service, you can go to a national provider or a discount carrier.

With a national provider, you get a company that has been around for a while and can deliver all the phone services your small business needs. The actual technology the national providers use is very similar – you're essentially shopping for the best deals and customer service. Their services often come at a premium because they have marketing costs to consider.

Discount carriers work out deals with national providers and then pass the savings onto you. They use their own customer service and account maintenance teams, and have few overhead costs. You need to proceed with caution when working with a discount carrier – make sure you know how long they have been in business, what customer support they can offer, and what service levels they can guarantee. If you find a dependable discount carrier, though, your small business phone service will be both inexpensive and reliable.

Small business phone service tips

• Avoid long-term contracts. The standard small business phone service contract lasts for one year. Since prices change often – typically in your favor – you don't want to be locked in at a higher rate.
• Essential technical support. Make sure you know who to contact if you need assistance, both during regular business hours as well as other times your business is open. You can't afford to lose customers because your phone service is out.