When buying a new telephone system, it's absolutely vital to go with a major name brand. Would you spend $3,000 on a new big screen TV from a company you never heard of? How about $25,000 on a new car from a no name company? Of course you wouldn't and you shouldn't risk your business on a phone system from a manufacturer you've never heard of either and here's why.......
Choices....
Major brands, like Toshiba, Panasonic and NEC, have rigorous screening processes for dealers. Teleco http://www.teleco4.com is New Jersey says "It takes a huge commitment of time and resources to become an authorized dealer." This helps ensure that you'll be buying from a reputable company. There are also many dealers in every state. NEC has over 50 dealers serving NJ alone. This assures you competitive pricing, fast service, and a host of options. Teleco http://www.teleco4.com also says "Sometimes it's a disadvantage for us. We often quote against the same system being offered by 3 or even 4 other dealers. That makes price really important. But while it's not great for us sometimes, it's great for the customer."
No name brands often have protected territories. That means that your dealer might be the only one for 50 or 100 miles. If you have any problems with your dealer you might find your self with a system that can't be serviced or service that is extremely expensive. This also means that there is a limited supply of certified technicians. The more dealers for a system, the more technicians are qualified to work on it. That will make a big difference 5 or 10 years after your purchase.
Longevity......
Major brands, like Toshiba and NEC, sell hundreds of telephone systems a week. This allows them to support systems for many, many years. Major brands make new parts for discontinued systems for 5 to 7 years. This means you will always be able to get parts in the future. Remember, a telephone system should last at least 10 years, so you need to be sure you will be able to get support for a long time.
Features........
Just about every feature is standard on all telephone systems made today. A few features may require optional equipment, but just about every feature imaginable should be standard or at least available on all telephone systems made today. The most common question I hear is how do I decide what's the right system for my business. The answer is there is no right or wrong system. All telephone systems are designed to work perfectly for a wide range of businesses from doctor's offices to factories to retail stores. The only thing you need to worry about is size. You just need to make sure the system will handle any growth that might occur. Beyond that, just look for a major name brand, a good price, and a vendor your comfotable with.
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Andrew Taub http://www.teleco4.com is an expert in the sale and set up of PBX, Hybrid, and Key business telephone systems. For over 10 years, Andrew has sold various brands and set up complex installations.