With tighter credit and slower sales, it's a buyer's market. VoIP-News pulls out 10 ways to get the best deal on VoIP systems and services - it's not a list resellers are going to enjoy much.
At the top of the list is asking for competitive bids, but making sure you have a tight RFP and perhaps a consultant to garbage-filter convoluted answers to what should be straightforward technical specifications. Working the system with a multi-year contract on software and/or maintenance is suggested along with trying to get free feature upgrades and other goodies thrown in. Bundles are also a good way to save some cash.
Like car salespeople, vendors and salespeople have end-of-month and end-of-year quotas to make, so you've always got some leverage if you pick the right time to negotiate. We're not so sure that last recommendation -- "being a showcase for emerging technology" -- is the best way to save cash; pioneers are typically the guys with the arrows sticking out of their backs.
For more:
- VoIP-News lays out a 10 step program to save cash on your new VoIP system. Article [1].
Related articles
Allworx's new President: Re-engaging channels & PAETEC bundles ... [2]
VoIP costs, demand on the rise - FierceVoIP [3]
Links:
[1] http://www.voip-news.com/feature/better-deals-downturn-120108/
[2] http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/allworxs-new-president-re-engaging-channels-paetec-bundles/2008-11-03
[3] http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/voip-costs-demand-rise/2008-08-22