10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Company

Here are some very important tips to consider when choosing the type of Telecoms Company with which you would like to do business. We hope that price is not the only comparison that you do as sometimes when something is labeled as too cheap it may fail to deliver the quality of service you and your business deserve. However, here are some very valid points to consider:

•  How long has the company been trading?

This will help you decide whether you are dealing with an established company or a new start-up. If they have been around for a long time they are most likely to be experts in their field.

•  When you ring them how long does it take to answer the call?

This speaks volumes about a company's customer service. If you find that they are very slow to attend to calls or are constantly on answer phone during business hours then this demonstrates poor customer service. You can imagine the many frustrations you will endure when you need to speak to them during important times such as when you may have an account query or may need help of a technical nature.

•  Will you be assigned to an Account Manager?

If a company has assigned to you an Account Manager this will be very helpful in you future dealings with the company. Rather than being shifted from one department to another and always dealing with a new person over the phone, it helps tremendously to have the same person dealing with your affairs as they will understand you better and thus offering you a consistent service.

•  What services is included in their current charges?

Make sure you ask exactly what you are getting for your money. Many companies charge for certain services which are offered as standard and free of charge with others. For e.g., some companies charge for certain web based statistics and itemized information. It is also known that certain companies want to charge you up to £50.00 each time you want to divert your telemarketing number to a different target number.

•  What online facilities do they offer?

You will be surprised that even in this information age some companies are still trailing behind in the level of IT support and services they offer. Would you like to receive online billing and will the company be able to deliver that? Some companies can now offer you online statistics and diversion facilities which can allow you to divert you number instantly online 24 hours a day. We still have companies which will take up to 3-4 days to divert your number if you request it through the normal channels.

•  How quickly can they connect/divert numbers?

If they take more than 48 hours to either connect or divert a number it can mean that perhaps they have to go to a third party to connect numbers and therefore do not have total control of the network side of the operation. Just remember in the event of an emergency when you need your number diverted instantly, a delay of one or two days may cost you dearly in terms of potential loss of business. Numbers can now be connected or diverted instantly and ask whether you can do that yourself online.

•  Can they connect any of these numbers abroad?

We are living in a rapidly changing world where customers are always researching new ways of doing business. An increasing number of companies are now demanding that they have the flexibility to transfer their numbers abroad if they decide to relocate the whole operation overseas. Some companies only have numbers which are compatible for UK landlines only, whilst others will allow you to divert the numbers to landlines and mobiles overseas. It is worth asking whether they offer that facility and on which particular numbers.

•  Do they give you a choice of numbers to select from?

Would you like to choose a memorable number for your business or is the company going to select a random number from the computer on your behalf? If it is important for you to personalize you own number make sure the choice is available to you.

•  How long will the company bind you into a contract?

This is one of the most crucial points of this document? Again there is no set standard for the industry. If you approach BT they will make you enter a legally binding contract for a minimum of twelve months. This may become onerous if after six months your business venture has failed and you cannot afford to remain in the contract. However, at the same time certain companies will offer the same service on a minimum term of 1 month only. Therefore, if the service is no longer relevant you will have peace of mind that you are not stuck in a lengthy contract.

•  Do they offer a Direct Debit facility to pay bills?

This is now one of the safest and secure ways of paying bills. In the event of an overpayment or an unauthorized payment you are entitled to a full refund under the Direct Debit Scheme Guarantee Rules.