Advice
Buying Tips
Consider used equipment. Save money by buying used components such as phones or cards. There are more than 300 remarketers, with many offering strong guarantees for their remanufactured products.
Check voice mail compatibility. Make sure any phone system you are considering is capable of working with a wide range of third-party voice mail systems. By keeping your options open, you will minimize the chance of getting stuck with an inferior or overpriced product.
Get extra wiring installed. Avoid rewiring down the road and request that plenty of wiring be installed when the system is first purchased. A good benchmark is to ask for at least double the wiring you currently need. While this will add to the cost of installation, it will really only be a fraction of the cost you will face if wires need to be added later.
When to shop and buy. Shop for a dealer's advice at the beginning of the quarter when sales targets have just been set, and make your purchase at the end of the quarter when you can get a much lower price.
Look into phone line rates before selecting a system. Many local phone companies charge different rates for phone lines that connect a key system versus phone lines that connect a PBX, even though both have essentially the same functionality. Check rates beforehand to see if this may affect your buying decision.
Telephone System Buyer’s Guide
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