Ask These 8 Questions If You're Considering a New VoIP Provider
There are over one thousand VoIP providers in the United States alone – one thousand, which is only growing.
However, not all VoIP providers are created equal.
If you’ve been struggling with a provider that just doesn’t cut it anymore, finding a better alternative can often feel like finding a specific needle in a pile of needles. But Midwest Dial Tone is here to help!
Here are eight questions you can use to see if you should switch VoIP providers and help you find the VoIP provider your company needs. Spoiler alert– it might just be us.
Question 1: Does the VoIP provider offer all the necessary features?
If the answer’s no, it’s time to switch.
Over 54 percent of consumers still prefer to call businesses. When they do, the last thing you want is a garbled, static-filled mess of an interaction. Make sure your VoIP provider offers HD voice capabilities. It will make each conversation is crystal-clear – reducing misunderstandings and increasing your professionalism.
Ask the provider about what they do to keep voice quality high. Things like having backup systems or technology that prioritizes voice calls over other online traffic can contribute to a better calling experience for you and your customers.
Question 3: Is the VoIP provider scalable?
If the answer’s no, it’s time to switch.
Successful businesses never stay the same – they grow and change with time. You need a VoIP provider whose solutions do the same. This means they – or you – should be able to quickly add or remove users from your system without disrupting your service.
It’s also essential to find out if there are any extra costs associated with making these changes. You don’t want to get stuck with surprise bills whenever you hire a new employee or let someone go.
Question 4: Is the platform easy to manage?
If the answer’s no, it’s time to switch.
The last thing you want is a communication platform with a steep learning curve. Be sure your VoIP provider’s solution has a simple, user-friendly interface that lets you make changes and updates without needing an IT degree.
You should also find out if you can make these changes yourself or if you need to call your provider to have them do it for you. And don’t forget to ask about what kind of communication reports the system has!
The type of reports you need might vary based on industry, but some of our “must-have” reports include:
Call Detail Record (CDR) Reports help you track call patterns and identify busier times of day
Call Quality Reports show you how clear and reliable your calls are and what issues might need fixing
Usage Reports tell you how your employees are using the phone system to help you manage resources better
Question 5: Can the service be easily set up?
If the answer’s no, it’s time to switch.
Switching VoIP providers shouldn’t require weeks – or even days – of setup. Make sure the solution you choose:
Is compatible with your existing hardware, saving you time and money
Comes with resources like manuals and how-to videos to guide you through the process
Is backed up by 24/7 technical support
And be sure to find out if professional installation is necessary when setting up your new VoIP service. If it is, make sure the VoIP provider has a team to support you so you can get up and running ASAP.
Question 6: Does the VoIP service support remote and hybrid employees?
If the answer’s no, it’s time to switch.
With more and more people embracing hybrid work (about 50 percent, according to a recent Gallup poll), choosing a VoIP system that can support in-office and remote team members is important. Look for one that has features like:
A mobile softphone app that lets them access all their office phone features from any device.
Video conferencing to keep your employees in the loop no matter where they’re working from
Presence indicators so your team knows who’s online – and who’s not – so they can plan their meetings accordingly
This will make your employee experience far better than before.
Question 7: Will the solutions save you money in the long run?
If the answer’s no, it’s time to switch.
One of VoIP's biggest benefits is that it can save you quite a bit of money. In fact, the average business saves between 50 and 75 percent when it makes the switch to VoIP.
However, some providers don’t offer the same savings. So, be sure to compare pricing plans from different VoIP providers to see which best fits your budget.
Don’t forget to consider things like reduced hardware costs and increased efficiency—these can add up to big savings over time.
And remember, the cheapest option might not be the best option.
Question 8: Does the VoIP provider have a good reputation in the industry?
If the answer’s no, it’s time to switch.
Last, but certainly not least, it’s vital that you choose a VoIP provider you can trust. And one of the best ways to find one is by doing your research. Look for high ratings from reliable sources like industry magazines and read reviews from other businesses like yours to see their experiences. You can even reach out to these companies on LinkedIn!
Pay special attention to VoIP providers with experience working with companies in your industry. They’ll be more likely to provide the services and support you need.
Want a Provider That Checks All the Boxes? Then Check Out Midwest Dial Tone!
Our platform is not only scalable, easy to manage, and remote work-friendly but also highly secure and equipped with automatic updates!
With Midwest, you’ll always have the most advanced features at your fingertips for the same monthly rate. Plus, our team of communication enthusiasts can assist you via phone or chat with whatever you need.
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