Transportation Costs Drive Small Business Concerns
Transportation Costs Drive Small Business Concerns
Many small businesses feel they are not able to provide their employees with the benefits that larger firms can afford due to transportation costs. In addition, many small business owners face added challenges of limited capital and lack of access to credit. Business phone system costs can eat up a large percentage of profits because the company must allocate funds for expenses such as telephone service, computer hardware, office supplies and equipment. And while some carriers offer phone systems designed specifically for small businesses, most providers charge more than the cost of renting an individual cordless phone in an attempt to cover additional costs related to maintaining a large customer base.
Transportation costs represent the largest expense for small business owners. Commuting to work and taking the family car to work are very common among small business owners, with many traveling more than an hour each way each day for their jobs. Small business owners who travel at least 45 minutes each way have to pay as much as half their take-home income to maintain a vehicle and must rely on public transportation options, making it difficult to accommodate employees from nearby cities. Business phone systems can help reduce transportation costs.
For example, a company that provides 10 local telephone numbers can save money by consolidating its landline phone lines with a carrier that provides 600 number telephone service. The company can also save money each month by using a long-distance carrier for toll-free and 800 number services. By using phone systems designed for small businesses that have fewer than 300 numbers, small business owners can reduce transportation costs and provide the flexibility to customize their phone system to meet their specific needs.
Small businesses need access to credit to expand operations or hire new employees. But banks are reluctant to provide loans and lines of credit without some reassurance that the business has a reliable source of revenue, usually in the form of contracts for long-term contracts for technology products or services. A bank is less likely to lend money if there is little history of sales, since historical sales records are considered risky indicators of future performance. So, a small business owner may have difficulty selling his or her products without acquiring a credit card merchant account. Business phone systems are often used to request credit card charges for services such as website hosting and graphic design. Small business owners can also use the phone system to create an online store that accepts payments from customers through PayPal or Google Checkout, allowing customers to pay for services using personal accounts rather than opening business accounts. The telephone can also be used as an additional sales tool. Rather than handing out a business card after a lengthy conversation with a potential customer, the phone system allows you to chat for 30 minutes and then ask if the customer would like more information about how your product or service works. If the customer likes what he hears, you can send him the information by e-mail so he can view it later. This can easily be done with a business phone system that offers advanced features such as automatic call recording, voice and video mail and e-mailing capabilities. If a customer is interested in your product after speaking on the phone, you or your sales staff will have all the information necessary to follow up.
Business phone systems allow small business owners to work around geographical limitations when hiring employees. Many small businesses are not able to expand due to geographical limitations that affect employee travel costs. For example, a small business owner who wants to hire a new employee in Florida may want to send the applicant to an interview in Minnesota. However, the cost of traveling between two states can easily exceed the salary of an entry-level employee. Business phone systems are ideal for small businesses that have limited employees and need to hire someone far away because they no longer have to pay for travel expenses or receive a per diem allowance.
In addition, many small businesses lack access to technology products or services that require long-term contracts. For example, a home medical equipment company cannot afford a long-term contract with a computer manufacturer or Internet service provider. But the home medical equipment company can purchase a business phone system, install it in its office and use it to order goods, sell services and order computer hardware. This system will allow the home medical equipment company to avoid complicated contracts and long-term commitments, yet still provide the technology products and services necessary to expand its business. Home health care providers are a leading user of small business phone systems because they need an affordable telephone that does not require additional equipment or an internet connection for access.
Small businesses are often reluctant to sign up for a long-term contract from a local phone company; however, such contracts can be very helpful. For example, an office-based business often needs a new phone system, Internet access and dedicated long-distance lines. This can easily be accomplished with a long-term contract from a local telephone company that offers monthly or one-time calls at low prices. These contracts also allow small businesses to avoid lengthy negotiations by making a single purchase. Additionally, the same company can provide Internet access and phone service in the future as needed.
This article was written by other small business owners for other small business owners. If you found this article useful, consider making a small donation to view the full article.
This article was written by other small business owners for other small business owners. If you found this article useful, consider making a small donation to view the full article.
This article was written by other small business owners for other small business owners. If you found this article useful, consider making a small donation to view the full article.
This article was written by other small business owners for other small business owners. If you found this article useful, consider making a small donation to view the full article.
This article was written by other small business owners for other small business owners. If you found this article useful, consider making a small donation to view the full article.
This article was written by other small business owners for other small business owners. If you found this article useful, consider making a small donation to view the full article.
This article was written by other small business owners for other small business owners. If you found this article useful, consider making a small donation to view the full article.
Small businesses can use their telephone systems as an effective way to promote their products and services through integrated marketing campaigns that are cheaper than most traditional forms of advertising and public relations because they don't require specialized equipment or expensive outside training.
Conclusion:
Today, you may find the world is more and more attraction in the field of technology. If you have a small business, than your business will be successful only if you have telephone system and internet connection. These things will help your business to grow.
Basic phone system requirements:
Talking Caller ID (This feature allows the customers who call you to hear a voice asking them to leave a message.)
To get all these services, it would be best to hire a professional installation service to set up your small business phone system for you, so that it is properly set up and configured.