Finding the right conference call service is not easy. There are too many vendors in the market; each claiming to provide better services than the other. To start with you need to decide about the type of service you need. Audio conferences are of two types – reserved and reservationless.

If you use a reserved service you will have to call the service provider and schedule a conference. You will have to specify the date, time, duration and the number of lines you need.

If you opt for a reserved automated toll free service, you can schedule the conference and get a toll free number with a pass code that you can send to the participants. Participants can use the pass code to join the conference, without any help from the operator.

A reserved operator dialed conference involves providing the names and phone numbers of the participants to a call center. An operator will call up the participants at the scheduled time.

If you opt for a reserved toll free operator attended service, you will be provided with a toll free number, which you can pass on to the participants. They will be greeted by an operator when they call.

Reservationless services do away with the need to call your service provider to schedule conferences. Your service provider will provide a separate host account for each employee in your organization who is authorized to conduct conferences. Conferences can be conducted at any time of the day or night, by means of toll-free dial in numbers and pass codes.

You should also compare the options offered by different service providers and identify those who offer the services you need. Also, you should find out about whether additional charges will have to be paid for the options you are looking for.

A reservationless service may suit you, but you may need a different type of service for special projects. Find out if the service provider you are working with will provide these options at competitive rates. It may be preferable to stick to your regular service provider for special projects.

See if the basic invoice used by the service provider is easy to understand and whether it is easy to calculate the average cost of a call. Find out if call details and statistics will be made available by the service provider on request.

Web and video conferencing options may be an advantage, even if you don’t need them presently. Customer service is an important consideration while deciding on a service provider. Providers who offer the best service usually charge slightly higher rates.

Look for a service provider who offers the type of service that meets the needs of your business today, and also has the capacity to meet your needs as your business grows and evolves.   

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