Don’t buy a new phone system solely on price.

While a reliable and expandable system may cost you more at the time of purchase, the savings you will keep in the long run will be well worth your while. You should learn how easy upgrading your equipment will be and you should be sure you can add more users if your company grows. Always compare deals from several buyers before making a final choice. Estimating costs for a complete new telephone system are high, often in the tens of thousands of dollars, so taking extra care to price many systems is crucial.

There are several factors that will cause your prices to vary considerably. A base system, for instance, will control the whole phone system. A small central unit can cost as little as $1,000. Adding cards and accessories or purchasing a larger system will then run up the price considerably. The phones themselves will generally cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 depending on the features and optimum sound quality. Oftentimes the most expensive phones look very impressive and they can also make navigation a little easier. Many offices will buy a mix of phones, and display the flashier ones only in central areas of the office.

You’ll also need to purchase add-ons like voicemail, “on hold” music, and CTI applications if they aren’t pre-built into your system, and these applications can add hundreds of dollars to your price. Look for a manufacturer that provides the central unit, several phones, and voicemail. These “bundle” packages are sold in various sizes and your vendor will assist you with choosing add-ons. Also, if your location has existing wiring, have the dealer inspect it. Re-using this wiring can save you money. Finally, you will need to be aware of the costs of training, programming, service, and future modifications. The pricing for this is often hourly and can be a flexible part of your bid.