Buying Business Phone Systems Doesn't Have to be Complicated
Author: Kingston Amadan
As a purchasing manager, it's my job to make sure that the items purchased for my company will not only meet our present and future needs, but that they will do so in a cost effective manner. With some items I am charged with obtaining, it's simply a matter of price. I look for the lowest price at the highest level of quality. I am often put in a position to make qualitative judgments on the merits of different items, including things as trivial as the adhesive used on the back of sticky pads.
I researched and purchased the hardware we use in our current client - server system as well as the software used to run it. A few months ago, we had new carpet installed in our office, which I also researched (we went from a well worn frieze to an industrial Berber). My most recent purchase, however, was our new business phone system. We had a key system that had already been expanded to its maximum capability. Since we are a growing company, we had to move to a PBX system to accommodate more lines. Knowing this made purchasing the right system that much easier.
So, how do I know so much about phone systems? I wish I could tell you it was research, but as with any major purchase, I rely on professionals to give me the information I need to make an informed decision. In this case, I utilized the expertise of my business phone supplier. Since this person is someone I trust and have dealt with before, I was confident that he could steer me in the right direction. Still, even if I had no regular supplier, I could have contacted several suppliers and asked for their advice in addition to asking for the help of my phone service provider.
Purchasing a business phone system can be easy if you know where to go for professional advice. Part of the research necessary for making a purchasing decision involves talking to people in the industry and using their knowledge to help you make the most qualified decision. Put a professional's knowledge to work for you. You'll be glad you did.
