Flash quiz: what do Apple, Amazon, and Google have in common? They were all born in a garage. Beginnings don’t get much humbler than that! Now, we can’t say that your start up will one day become a billion-dollar unicorn. But we can say that your success — and frankly, your survival — depends on getting the right technology, for an affordable price. A VoIP phone system (Voice over Internet Protocol) should be on the top of your “shopping list.” Here are 4 reasons why VoIP is right for start up businesses:
1. You Will Save Thousands in Up Front CapEx Costs
A conventional landline phone system is surprisingly expensive. Even a basic, limited system will cost several thousands of dollars, and a more advanced system easily surpasses 5-figures. For many entrepreneurs and small business owners this is not feasible.
However, with a VoIP phone system, there are minimal and easily affordable upfront CapEx costs (typically a managed router, digital phones, and conference phones if required). What’s more, there are no ongoing maintenance or technical support costs. Everything is handled by the off-site Solutions Provider, much in the same way that updates to upgrades to SaaS products are handled by the vendor.
Be sure to ask plenty of questions when shopping for VoIP providers. You don’t want to pay additional costs on top of your monthly costs. Make sure there are no hidden extra costs in the form of taxes or additional charges for essential features. Business VoIP providers should be upfront about costs but like any service, you need to be aware of options and their cost.
And if you want yet one more cost-related reason why VoIP is right for start up businesses, then here you go: there are no domestic long-distance costs. How’s that for a nice bonus?
2. You Can Connect Your Team — Wherever They Are
Big enterprises have offices (and sometimes entire floors and buildings), where everyone has a workstation. But many startups have limited — or in many cases zero — commercial office space.
With a VoIP phone system, all of your team members — regardless of whether they’re located — are connected to the same system. They can take advantage of features such as text messaging, presence (to see if colleagues are available/busy), video conferencing, and more. VoIP phone services include international calls, unlimited calling, excellent call quality, and a wide range of customizable features. The advantage is not limited to in-office or desk phones. VoIP technology works on mobile phones and other mobile devices like laptops as long as you have a stable internet connection.
3. Look Big — While Staying Lean
Another key reason why VoIP is right for startup businesses is that it allows them to look like a big, established organization — but on a tiny budget.
For example, for a small fee, you can get a toll-free number, or numbers in multiple area codes where you do not have a physical office presence (e.g., if you are based in Greensboro, NC, you can get numbers with area codes for Raleigh, Charlotte, etc.).
You can also take advantage of advanced features like Auto Attendant (think of it like a virtual receptionist) to professionally answer and direct all calls. Your VoIP service provider should offer multiple features you can choose from for your particular business communication needs.
4. With VoIP, You Pay As You Grow
When it comes to buying technology solutions, you know how important — or make that, how vital — it is to make sure that you don’t “bite off more than you can chew.” Otherwise, instead of being a profitable investment, your purchase will be a costly liability.
With a conventional landline phone system, you are forced to pay thousands of dollars, regardless of whether you hit all of your ambitious milestones, or if your growth stalls or if you experience setbacks.
However, with a VoIP phone system, you are not forced to roll the dice and hope for the best. The system scales as you grow. You only pay for the capacity (called “seats”) that you need. Ideally, your growth will be Google-like. But if your trajectory takes a few detours — as is often the case — then you (and your money!) will be safe and secure.
The Final Word on Why VoIP is Right for Start Up Businesses
Being at the helm of a start up isn’t easy. Some days are exciting and exhilarating. Other days are stressful and scary. But for many entrepreneurs, it is an experience they are willing to embrace — because they want to turn their dream into reality!
The benefits of a VoIP phone solution over traditional landlines and other traditional phone systems include cost savings and flexibility.
There is no standard, generic, “one-size-fits-all” approach or strategy. Every start up has its own unique journey. But there is a single truth that connects all successful start ups, including those that become unicorns: when it comes to getting technology they make good decisions, and avoid bad ones. Clearly, VoIP is smart for start up businesses — including yours!
Contact Carolina Digital Phone today and schedule your free live guided demo of our all-in-one VoIP phone system. Discover why start up businesses trust and recommend us! Call us now at (336) 544-4000.