Small business can communicate with the business world in a cost effective way with a 2 line office phone system. Using 2 line business telephones, businesses can be professional and organized.

When deciding on the best 1 line office phone or 2 line integrated phone system it is important to consider many things, to make sure you get the system that meets your needs and is cost efficient for you company. When looking at business phones: 1-2 lines pricing and costs, consider the following:

1. Looking at many phones will help you find the right price range for your business.

2. What are the differences in cost between a 1 line business phone and a 2 line business phone?

3. What functions do you need your phones to have?

Action Steps for Business Phones
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gather general pricing and costs for 1 and 2 line business phones

As you start your search for the perfect business phones, it is important to get a general feeling for the price of the different lines and the features each phone would have.

I recommend: Best Buy is a great place to start your search. You can browse its business phones by price, brand, corded, cordless, number of lines and you can even check out its phones on sale. Its prices range from less than $25 to over $150. Make sure you check out Staples. Its directory makes it easy to browse its business phones by brand or price. Its prices range from $50 to $180. If you are still not sure what you are looking for, look at BuyerZone. It gives great information on the options available to you when looking at business phones for your office.

Decide between one line business phones and two line business phones

It is important to decide if you will need a one line business phone or a two line business phone. The quality and price will also help you determine what meets your budget.

I recommend: When looking at one line business phones, check out Phone Source. It has a great selection of one line business phones with prices ranging from $20 to $165 depending on the quality and features you are looking for. As you look at a two line business phone, check out SmithGear. It offers a wide range of 2 line business phones ranging from $35 to $280 in price.

Determine the features you want on your 1 line office phone or 2 line office phone

Features can make all the difference in you office phones. Whether it is just you or a small staff that will be using them, it is important to get phones with features that meet your needs.

I recommend: AHERN Communications is a great place to browse business phones based on their features. Its prices range from $20 to $260 depending on a one or two line system. Qwest offers a one line phone system and a two line phone system ranging from $80 to $100. It does a great job of displaying the features of each system making it easy for you to decide what will best meet your needs.

User-friendly 1 and 2 line business telephones provide companies with cost-effective and efficient communication solutions. Designed for small businesses or home office settings, 1 and 2 line office phone systems are reliable and adaptable communication platforms.

Loaded with user-friendly features, 1 and 2 line business phone systems provide multifaceted communication options designed to increase productivity for small businesses. Look for 1 and 2 line business phones with helpful features like hands-free speakerphone capabilities, conferencing, call ID and backlit LCD display.

Before purchasing a 1 or 2 line business telephone, do some research about the phone systems, including:

1. What features do 1 and 2 line business phones offer to meet your current and projected communication needs?

2. What technical support and services do vendors provide to keep your 1 or 2 line integrated phone system operating at peak performance?

3. How much does a 1 or 2 line phone system cost and what providers offer the most competitive prices?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Evaluate the features that 2 or 1 line business phone systems offer to facilitate communication

Before purchasing a one or two line business phone system, evaluate your company's current size and plans for future growth. Compare the features of several one line business telephones and 2 line business telephones to determine which phone system is right for your business, and consider newer capabilities like VoIP technology, which will provide your business with a substantial savings in phone rates.

I recommend: The AT&T 993 two-line corded speakerphone at Office Depot features message-waiting indicators for both lines, caller ID, full-service speakerphone, 18-number speed dial memory, auto redial and an extra port for a fax or modem. The Polycom Sound Point Pro SE-225 at SmithGear is a two-line desktop conference phone with two microphones, caller ID, 32 Character two-line LCD display, call history directories, three-way conferencing and a data port. The Panasonic KX-TG6700B at 101phones.com is a two-line business phone that is expandable up to eight handsets and features a digital answering system, dual keypad, four-way conferencing and voice enhancer technology.

Research the service options offered by 2 or 1 line office phone providers

Reputable 1 and 2 line business phone suppliers offer a variety of service options, from online assistance to 24-hour technicians. Examine 1 and 2 line office phone support, service and maintenance options to find the program that best meets your business needs.

I recommend: Deal Source Direct offers toll-free phone or email customer service on all phone products. Download quick start guides, access FAQs and troubleshooting tips or contact customer service for 1 or 2 line phone assistance at AT&T. Get technical assistance, operating instructions and how-to guides at Panasonic Corporation.

Compare prices between several business phones: 1-2 lines to get the best price and value

Prices vary between phone suppliers, so compare prices between several 2 and 1 line business phone system providers. Also ask about free shipping to reduce your two or one line business phones expense.

I recommend: For substantial savings on one line business telephones, shop the clearance center at Hello Direct. Buy two line corded and cordless phone systems for reduced prices at AHERN Communications. Phone Source offers a great selection of 1 and 2 line business phone systems, and provides free shipping on orders more than $100.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before buying 2 or 1 line business phones, check out the warranty provided with your purchase. Most new 1 line office phone systems and 2 line office phone systems come with a one-year warranty. However, many used or refurbished phones only offer a 30-day warranty.