All I can say is WOW! I have been searching for a new phone system for my business. I am completely overwhelmed with phrases and words like “polycom”, “soft switch”, “run your own PBX”. I can feel gray hairs popping in as I write this post!
For the past 18 months I have used Skype. Skype is wonderful if you don’t have to rely on it. It seems like every time a client calls I either sound like a chipmunk or the call doesn’t connect correctly. I love the video conference, screen sharing and im capability but not the calls. I recently tried to connect a 3-way call using Skype and found out I couldn’t get the dial pad for the 2nd connected party. Extremely frustrating.
When Google Voice came out I set up a phone number with them. Love the concept of the phone being transferred to any phone but I really work 90% of the time from my desk. When I want to make a call I want to pick up a phone and call. I don’t want to sign in to my account, call my one phone and then the client. Extra steps I don’t have time for.
I have finally decided to switch to a physical phone on my desk for business…but I don’t want to spend a small fortune a month to have the service. I know I am probably a cheapskate but times are tough financially for everyone right now. Why spend more if I don’t have to? So the search begins afresh.
Verizon
I called my local phone company, Verizon. They quoted me a price of $55 a month for basic phone, long distance and 3-way calling. My dilemma…I don’t really like Verizon. Even while I was on the phone checking out the information the representative I talked with was carrying on a conversation with someone else and didn’t speak to me for 10 minutes. I finally hung up. Why should I spend my hard earned money on a company that doesn’t even care if I want to add an additional phone line or service?
Ring Central
One of my clients uses Ring Central and is very pleased with it. I need something that will handle my business receiving multiple lines coming in. I found their website a little confusing and overwhelming. Again they run around $50 per month for unlimited calling and faxing. Just a little more money than I want to spend and I want a real phone.
MagicJack
Another solution presented to me was MagicJack. It has excellent reviews and comes highly recommended. The price is excellent at $19.95 per year. The drawback is that it does not have 3-way calling.
So I continue on my search for a VoiP service for my small business. My main needs are
- A real phone
- Caller Id
- 3-Way Calling
- Unlimited calling to US & Canada
Please feel free to contribute ideas and I will update you on my quest.
