Are you exhausted from constantly dealing with garbled audio, dropped calls, and confusing telephone bills from your vendor? You deserve better, and while you know it, your telephone provider doesn’t. Thankfully, we do as well, and we have just the solution for you: Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP.
However, not all VoIP solutions are the same, and what works for one business might not work for yours. Today, we want to explore some of the mistakes SMBs make when selecting a VoIP vendor.
Mistake #1: Going for the Lowest Per-User Cost
VoIP is commonly implemented as a cost-cutting measure, and while it’s effective in this context, going for the cheapest option out there could be costing your business in other ways.
You might be leaving valuable features, support, and infrastructure on the table by opting for a per-seat provider. In this way, you get what you pay for with VoIP, and it’s worth exploring options that offer you value in the form of quality service level agreements, redundancy, security measures, and scalability.
For a more accurate representation of how much your VoIP costs, judge your VoIP solution by the total cost of ownership rather than the monthly seat fee—and remember, it’s like any other technology solution… an investment in your business’ future.
Mistake #2: Forgetting the Comprehensive Network Assessment
VoIP depends on the quality and configuration of your underlying network and Internet infrastructures, so if you haven’t performed a network assessment before implementation, you’re doomed to failure from the start.
Never assume that your current network infrastructure is “good enough.” Your network might be perfectly suited for simple tasks, like web browsing and email, but remember that VoIP needs stability to avoid problems with latency, jitter, and packet loss. Generally speaking, these problems have more to do with the quality of the network rather than the VoIP provider.
If you build on a shaky foundation, don’t be surprised when it crumbles under the slightest pressure.
To avoid a failed and frustrating VoIP implementation, we recommend you conduct comprehensive bandwidth testing, properly configure your firewall and router, and consider the internal cabling and switching of your network.
Mistake #3: Underestimating the Importance of Integration and Features
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with VoIP is think about it as a simple telephone system without all the neat integrations and features that are available with it.
The value of VoIP is not that it’s a phone system; it’s that it’s a phone system PLUS all kinds of other bells and whistles that save time and money for your business. Through integrations with your CRM and collaboration tools, as well as functionality for auto attendant, call flow, and voicemail-to-email or text, you could be missing out on a lot. A VoIP solution is more than just a phone bill; it’s a productivity engine that helps your employees do their jobs more efficiently.
If your VoIP solution lacks integration and functionality, then you’ve chosen the wrong platform and provider, plain and simple.
Mistake #4: Neglecting the Softphone and Mobile Strategy
One of the big benefits of VoIP is that you can go the hybrid and remote route.
Many SMBs forget that this capability exists. They cling to the physical desk phone, forsaking the flexibility and cost savings that come from using “softphones” (software-based voice calling) and mobile devices. Continuing to rely on physical handsets limits your business’ ability to adapt to external events.
A softphone-first strategy, however, helps you achieve true flexibility and organizational resilience.
Mistake #5: They Don’t Work with an MSP
Like any other technology solution, VoIP requires ongoing attention.
Many SMBs think the hard work is done during the installation, but in reality, it’s only just beginning. VoIP can be a stressor on your network, so you’ll want a specialized MSP available to help you with both your telephone system and your network. An MSP is invaluable in this regard, making sure that the quality of service is maintained, call volume is monitored (and adjusted), and support is always available for those who need it.
As for which MSP to call… Well, you already know it’s going to be us here at Lantek.
Our trusted technicians can help your business implement the right VoIP solution for your company’s specific needs. To learn more, call us at (610) 683-6883 today.