As instant communication becomes more vital in today’s business world, advanced office phone systems have become an integral part in the success of small businesses. Contrary to popular belief, small to medium-sized businesses don’t have to spend a fortune on a system that delivers advanced features usually reserved for large corporations. Here’s how to get exactly the office phone system you want without breaking the bank.

1. Do your homework. It sounds painfully obvious but many small businesses will lock into a long-term contract with a provider without fully knowing what they are getting and what they will be expected to pay. Fully research all your options before signing the dotted line.

2. Prioritize your must-have features. By knowing which features you need and which ones you can do without, you can select a cost-effective phone system that will meet your business’s communication needs. Having additional features that you never use will only drive your costs up.

3. Beware of overage fees. Some companies incur steep overage fees if you exceed the number of minutes allotted in your plan. Shop around for providers with plans that allow you to cap minutes in order to avoid such fees.

4. Itemize potential costs. When researching prospective office phone systems and providers, have a customer service rep itemize the total cost, including startup fees and recurring monthly charges so you know exactly what you are paying for and how much. In a similar vein, find out how bills are called (e.g. in two minute increments, ten second increments, etc.).

5. Check into long distance calling fees. If your business regularly uses long distance calling to place calls abroad, opt for a provider who includes long distance calling in your plan or offers volume discounts on long distance calls.

6. Prior to making a decision, ask for a demo, which can give you a comprehensive overview of what a particular office phone system entails, how well it performs, and whether or not it can meet your business calling needs.

7. Look for providers who offer a risk-free trial or money back guarantee. Not only is such an offering indicative of a reputable company, most importantly it gives you the chance to test out an office phone system to see if it’s right for your business without any financial obligations.