Many businesses are reluctant to update their phone systems to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), mainly because of fears surrounding the usability, cost, and convenience of this new technology. Small business owners are often needlessly wary about VoIP services because of certain myths. Following are some of these myths and the realities that debunk them.
Myth 1: VoIP Isn't Necessary Because the Current Phone System Is Fine
Business owners might be led to believe that their current analog phone systems are good enough, but new digital technology can be a drastic improvement. Even if a business is happy with an analog system's limited features, more customers are demanding the convenience of a digital upgrade. There are several ways that companies can improve customer relations with fully implemented VoIP systems.
VoIP technology can improve customer service by providing instant gratification, which is expected more than ever from today's technology. For instance, if a customer urgently needs to speak with a representative, analog phone systems send the caller to a single phone that may be unattended. However, with a VoIP phone system in place, the system can simply send the call to another phone if the first rings a certain number of times without a response. Happier customers can result in better business.
Another benefit of VoIP systems is the overall increase in efficiency that businesses can experience from their use. VoIP systems allow for better employee phone training, giving employers the ability to coach and monitor customer-employee calls without the customer's knowledge. VoIP also allows for conference calls between employees, eliminating the need to meet in a single physical location. Employees can also communicate via instant messaging and video calling. These advantages can help businesses become more efficient over time.
Myth 2: VoIP Is Too Expensive
The idea that VoIP phone systems are expensive arises from the misconception that most new technology is costly. The reality is that most small businesses can easily afford to transition over to VoIP services. Monthly costs are often consistently low, and there is usually no need to purchase new hardware when implementing VoIP.
In fact, VoIP services can help companies save money by cutting down on expenses related to analog phones. Businesses don't have to maintain telephone cables or worry about long-distance call costs because VoIP systems use Internet technology instead of actual phone lines. VoIP systems are also optimizable based on a company's budget, and good providers will be able to supply quick and effective technical assistance when needed.
Myth 3: Unified VoIP Phone Systems Are Too Challenging to Set Up
People who are unfamiliar with how VoIP phone systems work may find it difficult to set them up in the workplace, but providers and other companies are available to help ease the transition. The lack of additional required hardware also helps make the entire installation process simpler.
These myths and others may keep some businesses concerned about moving to VoIP, but more companies will implement these systems as they learn the truth behind the technology.