Business phone systems should be affordable. But a business telephone system that is very inexpensive--i.e. cheap--should be viewed with suspicion. Why is this particular system so cheap?
The answer to that question may be that the purveyor of the business phone system is cutting a great deal. Perhaps they really need the business. Perhaps they view this account as a long-term relationship. More likely, however, a cheap business phone system is cheap for a reason. Here are three reasons why a business phone system might be cheap, and that could cost a lot in the long run:
1. Growth Could Be an Issue
A basic office phone system is typically quite easy to devise and quite easy to install. But beware of such simplistic set-ups if there is a possibility that the business may grow.
Often, small business phone systems meant for use by fewer than 10 users in one location are created on a platform that is specific to the telephones being installed. That is, phone functions such as call routing, call hold, and call transfer are directed by technology within the telephone, rather than software at the phone box itself or some other server node.
This may be fine for now. But is the size of the company now going to be the size of the company forever? Similar to purchasing a two bedroom home for a couple planning to have four children, outgrowing a basic phone system is easy to do. And, to follow the home analogy, moving is always a pain.
2. The Cost Is In the Consulting
With a few notable exceptions, physical phones are not particularly expensive. Rather, the cost--and the value--of a good business phone system is in the consulting done by a phone systems expert. Devising an actual system that works for a specific business is not a job for an amateur. Knowledge of software, hardware, business processes, and even human resources can all come into play.
Those kind of pros do not come dirt cheap. But those kind of pros do a professional job.
When choosing a business phone system, evaluate not only the technology being applied but the technician(s) applying it. Phone systems pros stand behind their work. That matters.
3. Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
Most disturbing of all is the case of the business owner who is proud of paying the cheapest price...until a problem arises and there is no one to call who is willing to fix it. By paying a mere ten percent more, such a business owner could have worked with a company that offers good stuff like tech support and warranties.
Realize up front that dirt cheap companies and individuals may be here today, and even do a decent job installing a business phone system, but tomorrow is never guaranteed with these providers. It is, after all, extremely difficult to stay in business with a business model based purely on price.
Source
Cisco