Thrifty Quick Guide To...
Small Business Telephony

Operating a successful small business is a difficult task during prosperous times, let alone in the aftermath of econimic downturn. Being able to maximise returns on tight budgets, whilst attempting to reach as many potential customers as possible is typical of today’s SME.

However there is hope, with the arrival of cost effective and reliable VoIP solutions for small businesses. This guide will take you through how you and your business can achieve significant phone cost savings.

For years companies have been stuck by the presence of PSTN lines, unable to move and tied in to lengthy, expensive contracts. Traditional telecommunications are often a serious burden to the budget of many SMEs. Nevertheless there is hope for those who are open to a thrifty answer: VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), which passes your voice communication over the internet, rather than over a traditional phone line.

How does VoIP save me money?

• Cheaper calls: VoIP saves you money by being directly cheaper than standard telephone systems on call charges. A standard geographic peak time VoIP call from Gradwell costs 1.25p a minute compare that to a standard BT call costing 7p* and it is obvious that this will save your business a good sum of money.
   
• Reduced hardware costs: If you use a Softphone with a laptop or desktop computer, you do not need to spend money on a physical desk phone, drastically reducing space and investment requirements for your SME.
   
• No expensive box: VoIP solutions on offered on a hosted basis. This means that you do not need to spend money on expensive and bulky PBX equipment. This also means that there are no maintenance and running costs.
   
• No lengthy contracts: Typical business phone contracts from BT and Talk Talk tie your business in for over 18 months*. Why tie yourself in to a contract that you might not suit your business in 6 months? With Gradwell you would only sign a short 3 month contract, giving you the fredom to adjust your setup whenever you need.
   
• Call plans to suit your usage: Gradwell, unlike other providers, provide different options for different busineses. VoIP can be used on a 'pay as you go' basis, meaning you only pay for the calls you make. For users with a low monthly outgoing call rate, costs can be reduced to the very minimum, as opposed to being tied into expensive bundles. However, if your usage is higher, then you can opt for a range of different inclusive minute add-ons to your account giving you flexibility where you need it.
   
• Added value features as standard: Additionally, several features are available free of charge to business VoIP business, such as: call forwarding, conferencing, free Gradwell to Gradwell VoIP calls, creating callt groups and recieveing voicemail audio as email attachments. Here the need for extra equipment or services being negated, again reducing your telecommunications bottom line.

I’ve heard VoIP call quality can be unreliable?

As with all services that transmit over the internet, a steady connection is required in order to guarantee call a good quality. However with the presence of high speed broadband connections a stanadrd in most businesses, VoIP has become an excellent increasingly attractive option.

Can I take my phone number and desk phone with me anywhere?

Anywhere there is an internet connection you can use VoIP!  Unlike traditional telephone systems where numbers are tied to phyiscal locations, your number is hosted and can follow you wherever you go. You take your soft phone or desk phone with you, all the while safe in the knowledge that you can be contacted by anyone calling your usual number at anytime. If you relocate premises then you only need to plug your phone back in then you are ready to start, No need to worry about chaning number and losing regular business!

With the advent of mobile VoIP platforms such as Gradwell Mobile, you can now also get the benefits of a VoIP landline on your mobile handset. For more information please click here.

Is VoIP complicated to manage?

No. It is very simple. Gradwell VoIP provides you with a intuitive web-based control panel (you can see an example below). However, we understand that you might need a helping hand, so our support team are on call seven days a week. And because all Gradwell VoIP to VoIP calls are free, you don’t have to worry about any costs for support calls!

(Click for larger image)

Even better, if you purchase any hardware from our online shop, we preset it with all of your account settings before it is shipped to you by next day delivery!
 

Finally...

To summarise, VoIP is now the sensible telecommunications for SMEs. With highly flexible features that can cut call charges, save time and incerease effieicency, VoIP will undeniably see your business reduce it's telecoms costs quickly and easily.

We provide a wide-range of webinars, to help you understand how VIP can transform your business communcations, with live sessions every Wednesday. To find out more, register or watch previous sessions please visit the webinar section of our website.

Click for more information about Gradwell VoIP services

If you would like to see how Gradwell can work with your business to reduce your costs and improve your efficiency then you can email us at sales@gradwell.com. Alternatively if you’d rather talk things through, you can arrange a call back from a member of our team.

Most Innovative VoIP Product (ITSPA Awards 2011). Ranked in Deloitte UK Tech Fast 50.