Toshiba Phone System

Does a small business need a PBX? Can't we just use cell phones?

I am starting a small business with 2 partners. They want us to buy some kind of mini PBX for a business phone system. I say--no way. Can't we just use cell phones? Who wants a desk phone these days? There must be a way to buy a plan where you can transfer phone calls to each other, and maybe even have an auto-attendant feature, right? If anyone has used cell phones instead of a PBX, I would love to know what you used and how well it worked. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. no way on the pbx. the cell phones are the best way. when you do need a system there are plenty of reputable sellers of full systems on ebay. or go to a local auction and pick one up from another startup that spent too much starting up. a problem you should avoid. same goes for office furniture. I bought a very nice desk, chair and bookcase for 50.00 at a bankruptcy auction .
2. You can do what ever you want - but, if it is proven by your partners that PBX is the way to go, and it will not cost a lot of money for the business expense, they also have the right. If you think that cell phone is cheaper and will do - you have to prove your theory to your partners. I think Fax machine/with copier is a must also.
3. I use Ring Central for my small business. It's a virtual PBX and incoming calls are automatically forwarded to my cell phone or any other phone I designate. You can set up a toll-free number or local number for a low monthly fee. You can set up mailboxes for each person in your company, and although I don't use it, there is a dial by directory feature as well. You can even set up different voice mail messages for when you're out of the office or on the phone. I have been using it for over a year, and I have been very pleased! Here's the link to check out all the features: http://www.ringcentral.com Hope this helps!