Purchasing used phones for your VoIP business network is one way you can save money when making the switch from your current telephone service. Used or refurbished phones often cost much less than some of the other VoIP products purchased new. A quick analysis of the different options available will show that these penny-saver tips might not be a bad investment once all costs are considered.
We know that VoIP technology is theoretically supposed to reduce your phone bill by offering free computer-to-computer, local and in-network calling. We also assume that as mobile VoIP options increase, VoIP will become more popular and more people will sign up for VoIP service. Inevitably, as more people join a VoIP network, more phone calls will become in-network, thus reducing the number of long-distance phone calls dialed. Inevitably, the payback period for a VoIP investment is supposed to be relatively short. However, the up-front cost of the hardware will effect that payback period more significantly than the variability in the cost of VoIP service from one provider to the next and a potential customers decision to make the switch.
Whether someone is deciding between VoIP phone calls made with a computer, a VoIP phone or a regular phone with an adapter, they need to look at what parts they already have and what additional components they will need to purchase to suit their needs. For businesses, the prices can skyrocket as multiple computers, phones, or adapters are needed.
For computer to computer phone calls, the quality is only as good as the worst computer involved. Therefore, you might splurge on an expensive piece of machinery that boasts all the latest technology while the person you are calling is utilizing the bare minimum. My advice would be to consider what computer you have and if an upgrade is absolutely necessary. As long as you are using a computer running a processor speed over 1Ghz with 512 MB or more of RAM (or equivalent) then you shouldn’t have any problems. However, if your business is highly software based and/or you are using lots of programs at once, you might need to up the ante a little bit, as programs running during a VoIP phone call can reduce the call quality. If you have computers set up already, then purchasing VoIP telephones and/or adapters for regular phones might not be necessary. My advice would be to utilize the microphone/headset option on your computer first to find out if it can meet your business needs before spending money on other VoIP communication products. It may take a little getting used to as you are not dialing like you would on a regular phone, but it might reduce the up-front cost significantly and make the switch much more manageable.
If you don’t have computers and are considering them as your primary option then you could probably get a computer that is up for the task for just a few hundred dollars. Computer prices drop all the time and the price of a new computer that has a moderate number of features sells for pretty cheap. I would almost fully recommend buying them new because of the warranty that comes with them. However, there are environmental benefits that are associated with reusing and refurbishing products so I wouldn’t rule out purchasing used or refurbished computer equipment for making VoIP phone calls if they are in good condition, meet the minimum requirements, and sell for a very good price.
VoIP phones are unique and are used just like regular phones except they plug directly into a broadband connection. Used and refurbished VoIP phones can save you a lot of money. More than often, used and refurbished phones are simply returned for whatever reason and have nothing wrong with them. As long as they function, buying them used is a great way to save money. The goal is to save money on phone calls. As a business owner you don’t need to be spending $2000 on a new VoIP phone. You should find ways to conserve your resources while offering your client base a great service. Utilizing VoIP phones allows you to make multiple phone calls over the same broadband connection while giving you access to all the features you have become accustomed to from your current service provider. Used VoIP phones can still offer you the same great benefits of VoIP but at an attractive reduced cost.

Purchasing adapters may be cheaper depending on where you are getting them from. They allow you to use your current phone thus saving you money. However, if you have a lot of phones and have to purchase an adapter for each one then the price can exceed the cost of an existing computer option or the cost associated with purchasing just a few VoIP telephones capable of hosting multiple lines.
Gateways can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The cost of a gateway is discouraging for potential customers. An option that does not require them to purchase a gateway will most likely be considered whether it involves keeping their current phone service or using a VoIP service that they can access with hardware they already have.
Generally speaking, switching to VoIP does require some sort of initial investment. Consider the hardware you already have in order to soften the blow to your wallet. What you save up-front will cost you even less in the long run and make you more comfortable with your decision. Don’t get spooked with a poor quality call either as the quality may be a result of the end user’s hardware. In addition, look forward to the wide range of benefits VoIP offers as mobility increases and client base increases.