While shopping for a business phone system, do not overlook the potential of a hosted PBX service. Also known as virtual PBX service, these phone systems offer a perfect communication solution for small, fast growing and distributed businesses.
With a virtual PBX service, there’s no need for a large premises traditionally used to accommodate technicians required for running a traditional PBX. Instead, this is a hosted service that works more like a website in that a service provider hosts the service though users are able to manage their settings.
Affordable yet Effective
A virtual PBX service can be a compelling alternative (to a traditional PBX) for businesses that have offices in different geographic locations. All employees can access the features of a phone system from any location. A virtual phone service allows the transfer of calls between colleagues sitting next to each other or in different locations. Moreover, it is also quite affordable. It can work with any existing telephone connection – landline or cell phone. It also does need any software or installation.
Helps Mobile Workers/Sales Professionals
Another related benefit of using a hosted PBX service is improved support for mobile employees. Sales professionals, who are always on the go, can now easily maintain connectivity with their colleagues and customers even when there are travelling. Faxing is also an easy affair with a virtual PBX. Mobile professionals can answer their customers, transfer calls to their colleagues, fax documents and check their voicemail even when they are not in the office. All thanks to a virtual PBX service!
Improved Call Management
The advanced call forwarding feature of a virtual PBX always keeps an entrepreneur close to his customers. It never allows callers to hear a busy tone. If one of your phone numbers is busy, the system tries forwarding the call to other phone numbers. This is another important factor that encourages sales. When a caller calls a business, he expects to speak to someone. Research has shown that a customer tries up to three times maximum before he gives up. Lost calls are equivalent to lost business opportunities. A virtual PBX service hunts you down to deliver the call. If the right person is not available to answer the call, it forwards the call to a voicemail box.
Distributing Information
A virtual PBX can also be an important tool for distributing information to customers. Callers usually need more information about a product/service before they actually make a purchase. Record all the basic information of a product/service on the auto attendant of a virtual phone; provide an extension in the menu options that customers can choose to listen to the information. After listening, they can choose to speak to you, if they need more information. This makes business communication more effective and also helps save time.
Simple Functionality
Using a virtual PBX service is also quite easy. Most of the service providers do not need a Service Contract. If you are not satisfied with the service, you can terminate it anytime. Usually the service providers also offer a free trial. So you can use and assess the service before you actually start to pay for it. The providers also offer multiple plans to meet the needs of all entrepreneurs. You can change the plan as a business grows.
