Conference Call Price Comparison — It's Apples to Apples for Comparison Shopping

We would expect a reasonable difference between the cost of a bag of fresh apples from the grocery store and a gourmet boutique's imported French apple cake, right? Each is meant to meet a different set of customer expectations. In the same way, a conference call price comparison should be based on similar products, each designed to fulfill specific business conferencing needs. Make your conferencing price comparisons based on the same services and follow our checlist below for some user freindly tips.

Conference Calling Checklist & Rate Plan Comparisons

If you know what you need, side-by-side conference call price comparisons should answer the following applicable questions:

• Is there an activation fee for implementing a conference call rate plan?
• What expenses are included in a flat fee?
• How is a per-call price figured?
• Are calls clocked on a first-caller-in, last-caller-out basis, or when the meeting organizer signs on and off?
• Is toll-free conferencing available? At what price?
• Do my long distance carrier's normal long distance fees apply?
• How many conference participants are allowed on each call?
• Does the conferencing plan include a participant call-in option or only outbound calling?
• Is operator assistance available? During what hours?
• Is reservationless calling an option?
• Is 24/7 technical support available?
• What is the quality of the audio technology?
• During what hours is conference calling available?
• What security levels are available?
• Are there call-muting and group-muting options?
• Is the calling plan flexible, to meet your changing needs?
• Is upgrading to a different rate plan an option?

A simple tally sheet comparing rate plans and conferencing prices will help you cut through the clutter of glitz and promises and base your purchasing decision on solid comparison information and hard facts. Know what you need and what you don't, and what you are willing to pay for and what you are not. If you only want to make pies, apples by the bag will always be a better bargain than a fancy cake created for someone else. Comparisons of conference call rate plans will send your business in the right direction.