Save on Conference Calls

About Conference Calls

A conference call is a business tool that allows multiple individuals to speak on the phone simultaneously to discuss projects, share strategies, and exchange ideas. Instead of arranging an in-person meeting – which may require extensive travel arrangements, hotel stays, rental cars, and other expenses – a conference call is relatively easy and affordable. Conference call groups can vary from just a few individuals to hundreds of participants, and different options may allow video conferencing or webcasts for that face-to-face feel without the related travel, time, and costs.

Ways to Save on Conference Calls

Today, many online companies serve as the “bridge” for conference calls by providing centralized telephone numbers that multiple callers can hook into. Groups interested in a conference call can arrange for toll or toll-free numbers for participants to call and can choose from a wide range of features to serve their meeting needs. The key to finding ways to save is to choose the best conference call service to meet those needs without adding unnecessary and expensive extras.

Choosing the Right Service

Choosing the right service is the best way to save on conference calls. Before signing up, the meeting coordinator should look at the features the service offers to decide it they are appropriate for the teleconference. Popular features include:

• Participant mute capabilities for presentations
• Ability to record calls for unavailable participants
• Dial out and disconnect capabilities
• Live operator assistance
• Volume controls
• Types of call time limits
• Numbers of participants the call can include
• Type of technology used to support the call
• Roll call ability to monitor participants
• E-mail reminders for upcoming calls
• Reservations for peak call times

Rates for conference calls can vary widely, and choosing the type of call service that provides more basic features can significantly reduce the price.

Toll or Toll-Free

Most call providers offer both toll and toll-free numbers to use for conference calls. During a toll call, participants are charged per-minute fees based on their long distance service and employers are charged a per-minute fee from the call service, though employers can urge their employees to use free cell phone minutes and other options to save on phone bills. If employees opt for the toll-free number, the meeting organizer is charged a higher per-minute rate to compensate.

Shortening the Call

Because many conference call services charge by the minute, shortening the length of the call is one of the best ways to save. Consider recording the call instead of allowing ongoing discussion to trim minutes, or e-mail participants preliminary information before the call so they can preview it to eliminate needless reviews or questions.

Types of Fees

While most conference services operate on a per-minute fee plan, some do offer flat rates for unlimited numbers of minutes. This is a great option for companies that may make multiple conference calls each month with a large number of participants and can lead to substantial savings. Different flat rate fees may even be available for different sizes of calls. For example, a company that makes several calls per month but only includes a dozen participants may be able to pay a much lower fee than a company that makes the same number of calls but includes a hundred participants.

Rates

Rates for conference call services vary based on several factors, including the type of call made, features available, the length of the call, number of participants, and whether or not the call is made during peak business meeting hours as defined by the service provider. Per minute rates generally begin as low as three cents for toll call rates or 12 cents for toll-free rates. Flat rate fees may be as low as $10 per month for small companies or $50 for larger companies with more call participants. While these rates may seem like a great deal for the type of service offered, business owners should also investigate potential monthly membership fees, setup costs, and other hidden charges that can inflate the fees.

Online Conference Call Providers

There are dozens of conference call service providers available online that offer a wide range of rate plans, features, and other amenities. Savvy business owners will comparison shop between providers to find the best deal to suit their professional needs as well as their business’s budget. Reputable providers include:

• Low Cost Conference

Teleconferences save physical costs.

• LiveOffice Teleconferencing
• Budget Conferencing
• AT Conference
• True Conferencing
• FreeConferenceCall.com
• ConferenceCall.com
• Corporate Conference Calls
• Unlimited Conferencing
• Call Worthy

In Conclusion

There are many ways to save on conference calls if business owners are willing to investigate different features and plans to meet their needs for the lowest price. With a bit of work and some care for how calls are arranged, teleconferencing can be an affordable, effective tool for any size business.

Look for more cost-saving business strategies at LoveToKnow Business.