Virtual PBX Important Information

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW ABOUT VIRTUAL PBX!

When selecting any toll free plan it's imperative that even if you don't use the information on this site that you understand about LEG CHARGES or LEG BILLING.

To help you understand what this is all about, I need to back up a little bit and explain briefly how the whole system works.  If you're already familiar with how it all works, feel free to skip to the bottom.

How it All Works

Unlike traditional pbx systems, people using any of the toll free plans keep their existing phone number.  As a matter of fact, you can't use these systems unless you have a currently existing phone number - whether it be a cell phone or landline. 

The 800 number (or 888, 877, 866, etc) number you purchase is a real number, but it isn't directly connected to any phone, fax, cell phone or phone outlet.  What it is connected to is a computerized routing system that will route any incoming call to any existing phone, fax, cell phone or line that you choose.  In essence all phone calls to your toll free number are simply forwarded to 1 or any combination of numbers you choose.

So... Let's say that you sign-up for service and are given the toll free number:
877-XXX-XXXX

Scenario

A customer finds your toll free number and decides to give you a call about your product/service.  Unbeknownst to them, you work out of your home in  Houlton, Maine, a small town in northern Maine (that's where CollegeHelpers.com is headquartered). They dial your number (877-XXX-XXXX) and your call is immediately routed to your home phone where, when you answer, you have several options:

1. You can answer the phone and talk to the customer

2. Send the caller to voice mail and call them back later

3. Send the caller to a co-worker or partner at a different telephone number

4. Place them on hold while you get ready to take their order

In this scenario there are two parts (or legs) to the phone call.  The first leg is from the caller to your toll free phone number which is hooked up to the computerized router being hosted at your toll free company.  The second leg of the call is the one from the computerized router to your home phone number.  It's important to not that there are actually 2 calls being made
-1 from your customer to the toll free company
AND
-1 from the toll free company to YOU!

THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART SO PAY ATTENTION!!!

Some of the toll free phone companies charge you for the toll free number from the customer to the computer (the 1st leg of the call) and charge you again when the computer calls your home phone number (the second leg of the call).  All billing is done by the minute so if your company charges for both legs of the call, you're being charged twice (yes that's 2 times) for the same call.  You will be charged for the minutes your customer is talking "through" the computer and the minutes the computer is connected to your phone.

Now, you might think this is an outrageous practice, but it isn't and here's why:

1. Most of the toll free companies can keep the per minute rates very low - lower than a lot of people pay for long distance on their home phones.

2. By signing up with one of these companies for your toll free number, you are saving tons in equipment costs.

3. You're gaining many, many, many, great features that you normally wouldn't have.

4. NOT ALL COMPANIES CHARGE FOR BOTH LEGS OF THE CALL!

If the thought of paying for both legs of the call really bothers you, then choose a company that only charges for one leg of the call.  But BE CAREFUL sometimes companies that only charge for one leg have higher monthly service fees.  Don't worry, I break them all down for you so you know what you're getting.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Even if a company charges for both legs of the call, based on your phone needs, it might be cheaper for you to go with a 2-legged billing plan.  Here's why:

Both legs of the call are charged ONLY when the call is connected to you.  While the caller is on hold or is sent to voicemail, you are charged for only 1 leg of the call.

Some companies also offer a "direct connect" option which will allow callers to be directly connected to the phone number of your choice, circumventing the hosted PBX system and the features it provides.

So....  If you plan on having calls directly connected to you and don't need the additional features of voicemail, call hold, transfer, etc. AND/OR will be sending most callers to voicemail - a 2 legged billing plan might be an affordable option for you.