1. Telephone

Ask to touch the phones and imagine how they will look in your office and home. Imagine how you will feel using them. The telephone is the most frequently used part of the system. You want something that is easy and comfortable to use.

2. Flexibility

Ask if it is possible to expand your system as your company grows. You want to ensure that you have a system that can accommodate an extra line or station, should the need arise. This is an essential feature that many businesses need.

3. Voicemail

Check if there is some kind of voicemail (VM) system and how it will handle your calls efficiently. Also, remember to check that you are getting a true voice mail system, not just a glorified answering machine with a set amount of boxes. Be sure to check and see that the VM system you choose is the right size to effectively process your incoming calls.

4. IP Telephony

You have probably already heard of IP telephony, known in the industry as Voice-over IP (VoIP). It is the transmission of telephone calls via the internet rather than through the public switched telephone networks (PSTN). This is useful to cut long distance charges, join two branch offices into one, or to create the illusion that an at home worker is in the office. There are many practical uses for IP Telephony and it is the wave of the future. Make sure that any telephone system you purchase is IP compatible.

5. Wireless Phone Compatibility

Check to make sure you can add cordless telephones to a system. The flexibility of a cordless can be easier on you surprisingly affordable.

6. Built-In Reliability during a Power Loss

Ask what happens when the power goes out. Ask if you have to pay extra for this. You want a system that you can rely on. What you want to avoid is losing your data or not being able to make phone calls during a power failure.

7. Simple Installation

Check how easy the system is to install. Check how much it will cost to install the system. Ask how long installation will take and if your service will be interrupted.

8. Simple Operation

Make sure that basic features are easy to use. You don't want a system where the operation is difficult to remember or you will not use the features. Ask how basic call handling is performed and how many buttons you need to push to activate a feature.

9. Simple Support

You may need help with your system anytime of the day or night. You want a reliable source for support 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Ask for this before you need it.

10. Check the Company you are buying from

Ask who will be servicing your system, typical response time, and if the technicians are certified. Also, ask for references. No matter how good the equipment is, if it is not installed and serviced properly, you could have problems.

11. Price.

Ask about flexible payment options. Is equipment leasing available and through which company?