Saving Money on Conference Call Services

Find ways to save money when scheduling business conference calls

Conference call providers offer many solutions for arranging meetings via telephone or the Internet. Most companies find that teleconferencing can save by eliminating travel expenses, but they still want a good deal with adequate service.

Audio conference call rates vary widely depending on the type of conferencing solution you choose. Options include monthly flat rate plans, toll-free numbers or even teleconferencing that is free to use--but standard line rates apply. When you evaluate conference call services, consider web conferencing as well. Many web-conferencing options are similar to teleconferencing with one very significant benefit, namely face-to-face contact.  Here are important tips for saving:
 
1. Save money on business conference calls with flat rate plans.

2. Find audio conferencing services that include basic options for free.

3. Consider web conferencing as an affordable alternative.

 

Find flat rate audio conferencing options that meet your needs

Many teleconferencing providers offer monthly flat rate services for companies with ongoing conferencing needs. These flat rate services can be beneficial to the medium or large business with frequent monthly conferences, but a smaller business should evaluate whether or not the monthly charge is justified. It may be more beneficial to pay per conference call.
Try: Conference call service provider American International Telephonics offers many flat rate options, with fees based on the number of call participants in each conference. AccuConference offers a plan that allows an unlimited number of callers and no per-minute fees, so you never have to worry about the length of your conference.

Look for conference call services that offer free options

Some conference call providers offer very basic call-in options free of charge. Others may give you an introductory conference or even a month's worth of conferencing without charges. Most basic plans that cost your company nothing will cost the callers a normal local or long distance charge, so consider that amount in making your decision. When you find a company that offers an introductory period free of charge, make sure you know all future costs associated with the service before signing a contract.
Try: Conference calling solutions from FreeConference include a web-based schedule that can easily be reviewed by all callers. The conferencing options include a maximum of 150 callers with a 4-hour call limit. Totally Free Conference Calls offers a completely free service. The conferencing options cost your company nothing, but any caller must pay regular long distance charges.

Consider conference call service providers that offer web conferencing

Saving money on conference call services can be as simple as switching from teleconferencing to web conferencing. With many free web conference options and some very reasonably priced services with added benefits, using the World Wide Web can save you money. Another huge benefit of web conferencing is the added face-to-face contact with the use of web cameras.
Try: Cisco Webex offers a web-based teleconferencing solution that allows callers to join via instant messaging or telephone. Visual Systems Group, Inc. offers a variety of web camera video conferencing options to make meeting with anyone, anywhere easier than ever.

 

• Free audio teleconferencing may be a good deal for your company, but make sure your callers are aware of the long distance charges that will be applied to their phone bills. The option can work good for those with free or flat rate monthly long distance charges that are not charged by the minute.

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