Telephone System Suppliers Explained

Just like all phone systems for small business are not created equally, all telephone system suppliers are not created equally. When you decide to upgrade your business phone systems, there are a few things to look for in the dealer. First, look for a company that wants to find the right fit for you, not just sell you the one kind of phone system they carry. Next, look at their references. Who have they worked with in the past? Have they ever installed phone systems for small office? Or a large office, hotel or retail location? Have they installed a multi-site VoIP business phone system? Of course you won't need all of that experience for your business phone system's installation, but why not find out what the supplier can do? And last, what size company is it? Do they have the staff to handle your installation? Will you get the attention you deserve and the training you and your staff will need to make the new phone system installation a success? Let's explore these three criteria.

The Right Fit

The first thing to consider is the breadth of the telephone system supplier's product line. Do they sell more than one kind of phone system? If not, it doesn't have to be a deal breaker, but what you want, at this stage of the process, is options. Do you want a VoIP business phone system or a digital? Do you need voicemail and mobility features? What kind of desk phones do you need? These are questions that the supplier should ask you and he or she should have some suggestions for you, too. Don't get railroaded into buying the wrong business phone systems just because that is all that you are offered.

Phone systems have specialties. If you are in the hospitality industry, you will want to explore the Mitel phone system. If you have a small office or restaurant, Toshiba might be a great fit. On the other hand, manufacturing companies will need the cost-saving measures of a native VoIP business phone system and you will want to see a ShoreTel demonstration.

References

What is the scope of the work the supplier has performed in the past year or two? What are some successes and failures? This is like a job interview and you want to pick the right candidate. If they have only done large installations and you are trying to buy phone systems for small office, you might overpay on labor or materials because they are not used to doing a job as small as yours.

What do past customers say about them? Are they quick to return phone calls? How far out did the installation scheduling have to be? Some telephone system suppliers simply subcontract all work. You need to know that the techs onsite, doing the work have a stake in the success of the project. How is their first-day training and their follow up support one or two weeks after the install? The success of new business phone systems sometimes rests solely on the after-install training that staff and manager receive. What do current and former customers say about that piece of the process?

Staff

Finally, what is the depth of experience within the work force? How many years has the company been in business? How long have their technicians been doing their jobs? You want to know that the men and women who are suggesting various business phone systems and installing the phone systems for small business, are seasoned. No two businesses are alike and that means their phone systems could be and probably will be as different as night and day. Knowing that the telephone system suppliers have a range of experience is key to ensuring a smooth installation. Whether you are looking at phone systems for small office environment or a large office environment, get to know the people who will be installing and servicing the equipment. The last thing you want is a technician learning his or her job while installing your phone system!

At Matrix Networks we pride ourselves on a comprehensive product line: we sell Toshiba; Mitel and ShoreTel phone systems. We have been in business for over 25 years and many of our customers have been with us since the beginning. Our telephone technicians have been with Matrix an average of 12.5 years and combined, the guys have 95 years of phone installations under their belts! So let us talk with you about your business needs. We can help you decide on the right phone system with the right components, giving you just what you need for today while keeping an eye to the future of your business. Choose Matrix Networks – for technology you can count on!