Toshiba Phone System

Help on a basic business phone system?

I have been trying to do some research on getting a phone package/system for my needs, but the internet sites I have been using are going over my head, so thought I'd try and get advice here. Our situation is: We have a small business/shop. There are only three people that work in the business. We have one phone line which deals with our main number, and another which handles the fax and card machine. We have the phone number printed on all business stationery, and i am concious that when this phone is engaged, we could be missing out on sales (we have an answerphone, but I'm sure a large % of people won't leave messages) So... is there a cost effective way of attaching another phone to this one line, and one phone number, so that it can be used on two different conversations at the same time? Any help would be appreciated! Mike

Public Comments

1. Not exactly. Two conversations require 2 phone lines. How you deliver those lines is just a matter of what's available to you. On this side of the pond, you could use VoIP, cable dial tone, or phone company. You already have 2 lines...that fax/credit card line does not have to be left dedicated all the time, but you will lose the ability to use it if it is being used by someone on a phone call. Check in to internet service providers and dial tone, or network based credit card processing. Then, you could convert the second line to a hunt group of the first line, and use a switch to receive faxes when they arrive.
2. Why not try the IP PBX system/virtual PBX service. This one is packed with features necessary to address the communication needs of small business with online control center, it provides businesses with a single number that connects all their communications such as phone, fax and email.
3. Another option is set up call diversion on busy to the other line(will have to put phone on it as well as pdq) or to a nominated mobile.
4. you need to add a second line, and get call hunting... or use the fax line as a second line, and have the line hunt to the fax machine (not a good idea, and must be wired properly to prevent callers from getting an ear full of fax tones when they call in) i would recommend stepping up to a VoIP provider with hosted PBX.... http://phonebooth.com offers service for $20 for each extension...