By Jim Gustke, vice president of marketing at Ooma.

One of the many challenges auto dealers face today is how to respond to customers, prospects and the public using the latest communications tools.

For many, switching to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems from traditional landlines has become increasingly advantageous given the numerous features VoIP offers, the significant cost savings and the ability to work literally from anywhere. 

To help auto dealers understand and make the best decisions on the latest communications tools, read and download the free VoIP Guidebook: https://www.ooma.com/business/voip-phone-system/.

What are VoIP Phone Systems?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phones use the internet to make and receive phone calls using IP (Internet Protocol) or analog phones plugged into Ethernet jacks. Technology is the difference between traditional landline phones and VoIP phone systems. 

Landline phones require intensive infrastructure of exchange hardware and wiring and allows one to make and receive voice calls only. VoIP systems work by taking your voice and turning it into data, which is then transmitted over the internet -like sending emails. If you’ve used Skype, you’ve already used VoIP.

VoIP changes business communications through new technologies, innovation and faster internet speeds. Plus, VoIP systems come with numerous features already built-in.

How VoIP Transforms Communications

Unlike traditional landlines, VoIP comes with critical features that help auto dealers make the right impression, which today is critical:

• Virtual Receptionist – When you can’t have a “live” person answer the phone, Virtual Receptionist takes over. This allows callers to hear a message with numerous options, versus hearing a busy signal or being quickly put on hold. 

• Ring Groups – VoIP allows Ring Groups. The phone rings at the same time to everyone in a department, like sales or customer service. The department receives the call; or ring sequentially – ringing, person to person, until someone picks up.

• Working Remotely – Employees shouldn’t use their personal phone numbers for business. VoIP, unlike landlines, allow employees to work anywhere, using their business phone number, through mobile and desktop apps and voice messages forwarded as email attachments. 

• Business Phone Number – Transitioning to VoIP is easy, as you can keep your current business number by working with your VoIP provider who will take care of this. So, there’s no need to change your letterhead, business cards or website. 

The Advantages of VoIP

Impressions

The public’s impression of your business is critical and often depends on their first and ongoing phone interaction with your business. When they call, do they hear a message that welcomes them, has easy directions, does no one answer or are they just put on continuous hold? VoIP systems change all this and allows businesses, no matter what size, to sound professional. 

Call Quality

VoIP provides the quality of phone calls businesses desire through increased internet speeds and advances in technology.  

Cost Savings

A huge benefit to transitioning to VoIP is the cost savings. For those with landlines, it’s clear how expensive they are– from the setup, to recurring monthly costs and adding features, plus the ongoing IT support. To understand what you could save with a VoIP system, try using the VoIP Savings Calculator.

Work Anywhere

VoIP systems are flexible, providing the tools to communicate with employees no matter where they are working – in the office, on the road or at home.