A partner and I are starting a small business which will be operated from our homes, and our services will be offered in customer's homes (we will be on he road most of the day). We are currently looking for options for our business phone. We would like to have our clients call a number for general information and to leave a message to schedule an appointment. My partner and I will frequently check for new messages and return the calls throughout he day as needed.
Basically, we are looking for the easiest, most cost effective option that will accomplish this task. Can anyone help?

I assume you are talking about printing and putting data on the CDs?

I've worked with Diskmakers.com--I don't know that they are the cheapest, but they know their stuff and they have a very complete template library which helps assure that CD trays print correctly.

I don't see why a cell phone won't work?

I've been considering doing this. How much does it run for this service?

Packet8's virtual office system does this for $50 a month, but you need 3 extensions. It comes with a lot of benefits though -- free conference calling, an IVR, etc. The biggest drawback is that you have to buy their VOIP phone.

I know there's other companies out there that probably do the same, but I've been using Packet8 for about three months now without any problems and an associate of mine has for about a year without issue.

You can also contract out to a virtual office building which can handle your phone calls and such for you and then route as agreed.

FV has three options, ranging from $9.95 to $29.95. We chose to become a reseller because we got their $29.95 a month plan for $19.95 a month. To become a reseller was $50. So after 5 months, our ROI was met.

We put up the websites since it will did not cost us too much other than the domain names and fortunately it has paid for itself.

One thing you need to verify - make sure you own the toll free number. Some companies rent you the number. FV allows you to own the toll free number so that you can take it to another company if desired.

I still don't see why a cell phone won't work (easiest and most cost effective). Put it on vibrate when you are at a customer - then check any voice mails during the day.

I would agree with the posters above who suggested a cell phone. Customers will be more impressed if they get through to a real person than if they get through to an answering machine. You will also get more sales if you speak to your customers directly and focus on closing. It is unlikely that new customers will phone an answering machine and book your service by leaving a message.

Saying all that landline phone numbers give your business a more professional image than mobile phone numbers. So it is probably worthwhile getting a landline and having it divert to your mobile, when you are not in the office.

Good luck with it and please post back to let us know how it is going for you.

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A toll-free landline number, if possible, would be best.

Opting for web conferencing solution ..cheap or free according to your affordability is the good way considering business discussions if you have often and also for little long term future.

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