Best Virtual Phone System for Campaigns

[Randy Sutton]

Hello everyone! I am looking for the best way to set up my communications systems and the best vendor. What I need/want is a separate number for motivated sellers to call on, one for my buyers to call on, and one for other investors to call on. Ideally it would be set up so when my phone rings I can see the number and recognize immediately that it is a seller calling even before I answer, or that it's a buyer, etc. I would be able to answer in the moment but if I choose it could go to voice mail for me to call back if I'm busy at the time the call comes in. It can have other features of course but I want it set up this way so when I send out postcards, online ads, biz cards, etc. I can print each with their respective number to keep them separate and identifiable but also so when the call hits my phone I know it is REI related. I always have calls coming in and I only answer numbers I am familiar with because apparently I'm on every telemarketers list about everything I have no interest in and they are time wasters so I no longer waste time answering when I don't know the caller or what it may be referencing.

If anyone can help with ideas or vendors I sure would appreciate your help. Thank you!

[Paul Kennedy]

Google Voice is your best free (or very cheap) option. You can have the number forward to your cell phone. You can chose to have the Google Voice number show as the number calling or the number of the person calling. You'll either have to use two different Google accounts to set up two different numbers, or do a workaround that will cost you about $20 to allow one account to have up to two numbers. Most calls will be free as well.

If you want to go with paid options, Grasshopper and Phone.com are good choices. I set my father-in-law up with Grasshopper for his construction business, and it serves him well. However, in hindsight I wish I had gone with Phone.com. More options available. Grasshopper is easier to set up though, so it just depends on how tech savvy you are. Both options allow for as many numbers as you want (each additional number carries an additional monthly fee though), allow for extensions and voice prompts. Pretty nifty, and plans start at about $25/month (unless you wanted to pay by the minute).

There are a few other services out there, but I found those to be the most well-rounded for the money. Hope that helps!