Guide to Getting the Best Business Phone Service in OR
Choosing the best Oregon business phone service is an important decision for any company. Just as your site and brick and mortar location, the phone is amongst the primary ways that customers, clients and employees alike contact you.
Because of the faceless nature of the internet, having a more personal means of contact through the phone also adds legitimacy to your business. Given these benefits the need for a solid business phone service is clear, however, how to go about finding the right one is not always as obvious.
Oregon Business Phone Service Options
Today, Oregon business owners can select from an array of phone services. From cell phone plans for you personally along with your employees to international calling plans there is a Oregon business phone service for each and every type of company.
Traditional Business Phone Lines in OR
Cable phone lines are the traditional method for delivering business phone services in Oregon. Phone companies like AT&T have been offering this type of business phone service for years. The advantages of this style of phone service are the clarity and reliability because it doesn't rely on an internet connection.
VoIP Business Phone Service in Oregon
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone services utilize the internet as opposed to phone lines to deliver calls. The big advantage with this form of business phone service is the financial savings. It is also an ideal choice for Oregon businesses that don't currently have land lines set up.
Vonage is an industry leader at delivering VoIP business phone services in OR and the first major provider of this type of service. Comcast has also acknowledged the advantages of this cutting edge delivery method and has started offering business VoIP phone service of its own.
Using Skype for Your Oregon Business Phone Service
Skype has attained popularity over the last few years, offering an original type of phone service that is centered around video chatting that utilizes VoIP technology. Many Oregon business owners like having the ability to see the people they are speaking with along with the fact that Skype is presently a free service if you are making calls from computer to computer. If you need an online telephone number that people can call from their phones local rates will apply.
International Calling Services for Oregon Businesses
Phone service that includes international calling is a good option for any business that routinely makes or receives calls from overseas. Many local calling plans will include the U.S., U.S. territories, Canada and Mexico. If you need plans for calling outside those areas you ought to contemplate adding on an international calling plan to your local phone service.
Popular Business Phone Features to Look For
Business phone services today come included with numerous calling features based on the plan you select. These features can make your business more productive and provide a better customer service experience. Below are popular calling features that many businesses require.
- · Voicemail
- · Call waiting
- · Three way calling
- · Caller ID
- · Call transfer
Most Oregon phone companies have their own unique, advanced calling features that may be added onto a plan. For instance, Vonage has what they call Visual Voicemail which transcribes all of your voicemails and transmits them to you either as an email or text. It is best to look through each provider's calling features to determine which ones will benefit your business best.
One very important feature that must not be overlooked when you're getting a new business phone service in Oregon is the ability to retain your existing number. Most phone companies are able to help you preserve your current number but verify this before signing up for a service.
Another thing to consider is the need for a toll free 1-800 number. There are numerous providers who are experts in creating 1-800 numbers for businesses.