Choosing the right new and used small-business phone system for is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business. The telephone is one of the easiest means of communication with your customers, partners, vendors and employees. You reach out to them; they reach out to you via the telephone. A phone system allows your business to connect to a public phone network instead of having each phone connect separately. Dealing with incorrectly routed calls, sudden interruptions, disconnections, or a plethora of bewildering automated options will only cost you time and money, cause frustration and hinder your relationship with your clients.Although small-business phone systems don’t have all the bells and whistles that larger systems have, it is still important to consider the many factors that go into choosing the right system for your business. New and used small-business phone systems are widely available which means you are sure to find something that suits your budget but choosing the best telecommunications provider means choosing a dealer that can recognize the communication needs of your workforce, support your new or used phone system by keeping it up and running the whole time, and ensure your communications needs are compatible with the ever evolving 21st century technology.Most basic phone systems these days come with certain standard features:*Voicemail- Allows callers to leave messages for specific employees at your company.*Call Hold- Enables you to put your caller on hold while transferring lines, preparing for conferencing or gathering information.*Call Forwarding- Gives you the ability to transfer calls to other employees, a voice-mail box or auto attendant.*Conferencing- Lets you hold conference calls with several customers and consultants at one time.*Speed Dial- Allows callers to press a button associated with a particular number in order to reach that contact faster.*Redial- Will redial the last number called.*Auto Attendant- taking place of a human receptionist, it directs callers to the appropriate routing option.*Paging- Employees broadcast a message though the speaker of another phone.How many employees do you have? Business phone systems typically come in three basic configurations: Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems, key system units (KSU), and KSU-less phones. How many stations (extensions) your business needs along with what features you require will determine what type of system you choose.Should I consider A VOIP system? VOIP stands for Voice Internet Protocol and is a internet phone system. Instead of using a traditional land line, your business’ Internet connection sends and receives telephone calls. VOPI requires a router that will translate the Internet’s signal into a usable signal that can be used for a standard telephone.What factors should I consider when looking at cost? Cost is obviously an issue, especially when it comes to owning a business. Considering these factors, aside from the phone system itself, will prepare you for making a decision based on your budget as well as preventing you from having any last minute surprises when it comes time to pay for your new or used phone system.*Telephones- Prices vary depending on what brand you choose as well as if you opt for a new or used system for your business. Buying in bulk will save you money and if you are flexible, you can find phones that are as little as less than $100 each.*Installation- Most business owners are not “do-it-yourselfers” which means you will need to pay a professional to install your phone system. Complex wiring and installation is not cheap but paying for expert installation can save you money in the long run by preventing any problems in your communication system.*Cabinet- Every phone system must have the appropriate cabinet to house it. Ranging anywhere from $1,000-$10,000, this is typically included in the cost of your phone system but still needs to be considered an expense.*Optional Features- Consider the need and cost for additional features such as: on-hold music and voicemail which are not typically part of a standard phone system.Choosing a phone system for your small-business is a big decision and one that you want to feel confident about. While shopping for systems and dealers, speak to other business owners to get their opinion. Ask to see a demo before you purchase to ensure it will meet your current and long-term needs. Think about future growth. You may want to upgrade at some point and time and may need extra wiring in the future. Lastly, shop around. Don’t settle on the first price you are given. Consider new and used phone small-business systems as part of your business’ budget and communication needs.