The price or ultimate cost of a business telephone system varies and is often measured by total cost per user or employee. Here is a breakdown of the different types of phone systems and the cost that goes with it.
- Key systems range from $350 to $1,000 per employee, largely depending on the feature that are needed.
- PBX telephone systems start around $800 per employee and average around $1,000. The more employees you have the more cost can go down.
- KSU-less systems can many times be the least expensive because the only cost is with the phones and not setup and installation. With KSU-less phone systems you can expect to pay between $100 and $250. If you go with this option please consider the task of maintaining, wiring and upkeep needed to keep this phone system operating properly.
- VOIP phone systems run around the same cost as KSU-less systems and KSU-less systems can be used for a businesses’ internet phone system. Keep in mind internet phone systems require a router, which can increase one-time costs. VOIP capable phones will typically cost between $100 and $250.
What Determines the Cost?
There are many factors that determine the cost of a business phone sytem.
- Telephones- The brand of telephones you choose will affect overall costs. It may cost more for a Panasonic phone system rather than NEC, Linksys, Samsung or AT&T. If you buy in bulk or simply look for cheap phones you can pay under $100 each.
- Cabinet- The cabinet is the operations center for the entire telephone system. Depending on the features needed, this phone alone can run between $1,000 and $10,000. A telephone systems vendor will factor this into the overall cost but it’s good to know how big of an importance in price and functionality this phone is.
- Feature Options- On-hold music, voicemail and CTI are often times not a part of standard prices. If you need these feature be prepared to spend more. Be sure to make sure you realize the overall costs after adding on these features to the order.
- Installation- The cost of installation may be as much or more than the price of the phones themselves. It can be a tedious process best left to the professionals. Key systems and PBX phone systems are complex and require professionals. If the wiring setup at your office is not adequate, there may be additional fees as well. It is important to ask questions of the installers so if something goes wrong at some point you may have the answers. An office manager maybe can handle these nuances with ease once acquainted with the systems. If you are going to pay for professionals to install the phones, try and get yourself or an employee to earn amateur status.
