If you’re in the middle of an exhausting and all-too-tedious search for the right office phone system, you’ve probably figured out that not all phones are created equal. With so many different available features and price points, choosing a system that meets your needs and is within budget can be challenging so here are five steps to help you do just that.

Take Stock of Existing Equipment – Can any of your existing equipment or phones be used in tandem with a new system? For example, many business phones can be adapted for a VoIP system using a simple adapter.

What Are your Current Business Needs? – Determine what your business needs are and what you’re looking for in an office phone system. Do you need several extensions with voicemail for each employee? Do you need mobile solutions for remote, traveling employees?  Assessing your current needs will allow you to narrow down your options to systems that will meet those needs.

Consider Optional Features – Some businesses opt out of additional features simply because of the price but such features can give you a competitive edge and may very well be worth the extra cost. These may include auto-attendant, call conferencing, of call hunt, which automatically forwards unanswered c alls to another person instead of going straight to voicemail. Carefully consider each feature while keeping your situation in mind.

Look for Scalability – If you anticipate expanding your business in the near future, look for phone systems that offer scalability so you aren’t forced to spend the money on an entirely new system when you do grow. You should be able to easily add additional extensions without any hassle or exorbitant cost.

Decide What Type of Service is Apt for your Office – There are a handful of different types of phone services available, including VoIP, private branch exchange (PBX), key system units (KSU), and KSU-less systems. Each has a unique offering and there is a type of system apt for businesses of all sizes and budgets.