Small businesses often face the challenge of having to stretch their budgets as far as possible. One major area where this is the case is when it comes to phone systems. Many small business owners opt for outdated, inefficient systems in order to cut costs; however, doing so can cause issues with communication and customer service. Fortunately, there are a number of great multi-line phone systems on the market that are designed specifically for small businesses. In this blog post, we will explore five of the best multi-line phone systems available, discussing features and value so you can make an informed decision on which one works best for your needs.
What is a Multi-Line Phone System?
A multi-line phone system is a type of business telephone system that uses multiple phone lines to route incoming calls to the appropriate extension. Multi-line phone systems can be used in businesses of all sizes, but they are often used in small businesses because they are less expensive than other types of business telephone systems.
Multi-line phone systems typically have two or more phone lines that are connected to the system. When a caller dials the main number for the business, the call is routed through the telephone system to the appropriate line. The caller then hears a ringing sound on the line, and when the called party answers, the call is connected.
Multi-line phone systems can be analog or digital. Analog systems use traditional copper wire telephone lines, while digital systems use Internet Protocol (IP) to connect to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).Digital systems are often less expensive to install and maintain than analog systems, but they may not be available in all areas.
Multi-line phone systems typically include features such as call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding, voicemail, and conference calling. Some systems may also include features such as auto attendant, which allows calls to be automatically routed to an available extension, and music on hold, which plays music or recorded messages for callers who are on hold.
The 5 Best Multi-Line Phone Systems for Small Businesses
1. RingCentral Office (for Businesses with 1-99 Employees)
RingCentral Office is an all-in-one, cloud-based phone system designed for businesses with 1-99 employees. With features like auto-attendants, business SMS, and call forwarding, RingCentral Office has everything you need to keep your small business running smoothly.
2. Ooma Office (for Businesses with 1-10 Employees)
Ooma Office is a great choice for small businesses with 1-10 employees. With plans starting at just $19.95/month, Ooma Office is one of the most affordable multi-line phone systems on the market. Plus, there are no long-term contracts required—so you can cancel at any time.
3. Vonage Business Cloud (for Businesses with 2-99 Employees)
Vonage Business Cloud is another excellent option for small businesses. With plans starting at $24.99/month, Vonage Business Cloud offers a wide variety of features, including call forwarding, voicemail transcriptions, and call recording. And like RingCentral Office, there are no long-term contracts required.
4. 8×8 Virtual Office (for Businesses with 3-999 Employees)
8×8 Virtual Office is a great choice for small businesses with 3-999 employees. With plans starting at just $12/month per user, 8×8 Virtual Office offers a wide range
How to Choose the Right Multi-Line Phone System for Your Business
When it comes to choosing the best multi-line phone system for your small business, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. First, you need to decide how many lines you will need. The number of lines you need will depend on the size of your business and the amount of call volume you typically experience. If you have a large business or a high volume of calls, you will need a system that can accommodate more lines.
Next, you need to consider what features you need in a phone system. Some features to look for include caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, conference calling, and auto-attendants. These features can be very helpful in managing your calls and keeping your customers satisfied.
Finally, you need to consider your budget when choosing a multi-line phone system. There are systems available at all different price points. It is important to find one that fits within your budget and offers the features that you need.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can narrow down your choices and find the best multi-line phone system for your small business.
How to Set Up a Multi-Line Phone System
If you’re running a small business, you know how important it is to have a reliable phone system. But what if you need more than one line? If you have a high volume of calls, or if you need to make and receive calls from multiple locations, a multi-line phone system can be a great solution.
There are a few things to consider when setting up a multi-line phone system for your small business:
1. How many lines do you need?
2. What features do you need?
3. How much can you afford to spend?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and choose the best multi-line phone system for your small business.
Tips for Using a Multi-Line Phone System
Multi-line phone systems are a great way for small businesses to improve their customer service and communication. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your multi-line phone system:
1. Get to know the features of your system. Each multi-line phone system is different, so it’s important to take some time to familiarize yourself with the features of your particular system. This will help you make the most of its capabilities and ensure that you’re using it in the most efficient way possible.
2. Utilize call forwarding. Call forwarding is a great way to ensure that customers can always reach you, even if you’re not at your desk. By setting up call forwarding, you can have calls automatically transferred to your cell phone or another line in your office, so you’ll never miss a call.
3. Make use of voicemail. Voicemail can be a valuable tool for small businesses, as it allows customers to leave messages when you’re unavailable. Be sure to check your voicemail regularly so that you don’t miss any important messages from customers.
4. Use caller ID features. Caller ID can be helpful in screening calls and keeping track of customers who have called in the past. If you receive a lot of calls from unknown numbers, consider using a caller ID blocker to reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.
5. Train your employees on how to use the system. Your employees should be
Conclusion
With the right multi-line phone system, small businesses can dramatically improve their workflow and customer service. We hope this article has given you a better understanding of your options so that you can make an informed decision on what type of system is best for your business. If you have any questions regarding the features or cost of these systems, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help!
