When you run a small business, switching VoIP providers can seem rather daunting. Whether you’re looking to save money, get better features, improved customer service or simply fancy a change, knowing what to look out for can make the transition smooth and stress-free.
Here we take a look at some of the things to consider before making the jump.
Understand What Your Needs Are
First off, it’s difficult to make the right decision about anything if you’re not exactly sure what your small business actually needs. Therefore it’s worth taking a moment to assess your current situation. What are you looking for in a new provider that your current one doesn’t offer? Is it better call quality, lower costs, more advanced features or better customer service?
Being clear about what your motivation is will help you filter out providers that don’t align with your goals.
Check Compatibility With Your Existing Equipment
Will your current hardware work with the new VoIP provider? Not all VoIP systems are seamlessly compatible with every phone or networking setup.
Make sure that your phones, headsets and routers are supported by the new provider (our team will be more than happy to advise you).
Make Sure Call Quality Is Clear and Reliable
There can be big differences in VoIP call quality between providers. It’s often influenced by things like your bandwidth (which is why we always suggest getting the fastest business fibre you can manage!) and general network infrastructure.
It’s worth choosing a provider with a reputation for high-quality, reliable service. It’s also always a good idea to get a free trial first (at bOnline we offer a totally free 7-day trial with no obligation). This allows you to test out all the features and the call quality before you’re tied into a contract.
Check Features and Apps
VoIP services are not one-size-fits-all. Some providers offer a large array of features, such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, hold music and mobile apps, while others might offer a more basic service.
Think about which features are most important to your business and which ones you’re most likely to need. Furthermore, consider how easy it is to scale the service as your needs grow or change. Why not check out the 45+ features bOnline offers!
Can You Keep Your Number?
If you’re switching providers but want to keep your existing phone numbers, make sure the new provider can handle number porting. This process can sometimes be tricky, so it’s important to confirm that the provider has experience with seamless porting and can complete it with minimal downtime.
When you sign up with bOnline you can either keep your existing number or choose a new one. It’s up to you!
See What Customer Support Is Like
Customer support can be a dealbreaker, especially if you rely heavily on your VoIP service for business. Is it easy to get in touch with a real person? Read reviews or ask for recommendations to get a sense of how responsive and helpful their support team is.
At bOnline we pride ourselves on award-winning customer service where you can always speak to a real human.
Contract Terms and Hidden Costs
Contracts can vary widely between VoIP providers. Some offer shorter plans, while others may require a longer commitment (at bOnline all our VoIP contracts are only 12 months long for extra flexibility). Make sure to read the fine print. Are there cancellation fees? What about charges for additional features or services? Look out for hidden costs like setup fees, taxes, and regulatory fees, which can add up quickly.
Check Security and Privacy
VoIP calls are made over the internet, meaning they can potentially be vulnerable to hackers, security threats or other data breaches. Ask about the security measures the provider has in place. Do they offer encryption for calls? How do they handle data protection? Ensuring your provider takes security seriously is so important, especially if you handle sensitive information.
At bOnline we take security incredibly seriously and use the latest technology to keep your business safe.
What Are The Reviews Like?
Word-of-mouth holds a lot of power (and we’re very proud of our excellent Trustpilot reviews!)
When you’ve looking to switch VoIP providers, see what others have written online. You could also ask for testimonials, or even reach out to other businesses that use the provider you’re interested in. Hearing about other customers’ experiences can give you valuable insights and help you avoid making the wrong decision.
Switching To bOnline Is So Simple
By carefully considering your needs, evaluating providers based on compatibility, call quality, features, support, and security, and doing your homework on contract terms and customer experiences, you can make the switch with confidence. Taking the time to do your research upfront will pay off with a VoIP service that meets your needs and keeps you connected without a hitch.
Why not give us a try for free? Sign up online in 2 minutes and get a free VoIP trial for a whole 7 days. There’s no obligation to carry on once the trial is over, and we don’t even ask for your credit card details. You’ve literally got nothing to lose!
