Virtual Phone Services- Your Options Explained
Don’t understand the differences between a virtual fax, a virtual office and a virtual business solution? Use the quick guide below to help you determine exactly which service you need.
Virtual Business Solution- Small-to-medium business owners are likely to be best served by a virtual business phone plan, which offers both incoming and outgoing phone services as well as other useful features. Voicemail, an auto-attendant, call handling rules and toll-free or vanity numbers are services that can enable a solo operation to present as a large, successful venture. Consumers should be aware that some virtual business solutions offer virtual fax services, while others require an additional fee for these services.
Virtual Fax- As its name suggests, a virtual fax provider offers a singular service, which is the ability to send and receive faxes online. Virtual fax packages generally range in the number of incoming and outgoing pages available and individuals or small business owners can often choose a package that will meet their needs and budget.
Virtual Office- A virtual office service offers features that are remarkably similar to a virtual business solution. The primary difference between the services is that virtual office services do not allow users to make outgoing phone calls. Instead, a virtual office is designed only to create a professional presence for a company so that users can feel comfortable and secure when they call to request information, products or services.
How do I know how many minutes I need in my virtual office plan?
There are several ways to determine how many minutes you need. The first is to examine your current inbound call usage to see how many phone calls you receive a month, and how long each one takes. Another way is to approximate and find the plan closest to your approximate usage. Consider a plan with a reasonable amount of minutes and affordable overtime fees so that in case you use additional minutes you won't overpay for the service.
Do I need to purchase any hardware to install my virtual office plan?
Most virtual office solutions do not require any hardware for their installation process.
What is an auto-attendant?
An "auto-attendant" is another word for a phone menu, or the option menu that a caller hears when they call a professional phone number. Different virtual office services provide different options for auto-attendant features. Most allow users to select the voice that presents the welcome message and extension list. Some offer auto-attendant services in Spanish, while others allow users to pay extra for a completely custom auto-attendant. The auto-attendant provides the caller's first impression of your company, so it's important to review your options before choosing the right virtual office solution.
What is the benefit of having a toll-free number (1800 number) versus a local number?
If you’re considering starting a business that can service people from across the United States, you may want to use a toll-free number (1800 number) so that customers or clients can call you from any area without having to pay long-distance surcharges. If, however, you plan on only targeting locals, you may prefer a local number.
What are the benefits of registering for a vanity number?
Selecting a vanity number is a great way to ensure that customers or clients remember your phone number easily. This is important because the vanity number can thus keep clients strongly connected to your business and enable them to effortlessly pass along your contact information to potential clients.