How Not to Get Ripped Off By the Phone Company

Discuss this Article
No responses yet, be the first...

Mention "telecom" or "the phone company" to business owners and they usually roll their eyes, sigh, scream...maybe even curse under their breath. But the reality is, there are a lot of horror stories out there when it comes to your telephone bill.

Just last week, a new charge for $240 per month popped up on one of our customer's bill that was for "low percentage of call completion"-which is a new excuse for phone companies to charge for ring no answers. In another instance, we saw on a prospective client's bill fraudulent charges totaling $60 per month for the last 6 months. Worse yet, many small business owners are paying for lines that ring to nowhere (because who has time to check?).

So here are some quick tips on how you can avoid these scenarios with a very small amount of effort:

1) Scan your Bill monthly - things pop up. There's even a name for those non-descript, seemingly small (fraudulent) charges: "cramming' (named for it's relation to "slamming," a practice where your long distance carrier is changed without your approval). Check the last few summary pages prior to details. If you see a charge you don't recognize, it's a worth a call.

2) Call your phone company and apply a PIC Freeze-this avoids slamming from other long distance companies. A PIC Freeze is A Preferred Interexchange Carrier Freeze that helps prevent unauthorized changes to your chosen primary (1 ) long distance carrier.

3) Engage a Telecom Expense Management firm, i.e., TEM.-they audit your bill and typically get paid for 50% of any savings found. This is a new buzz word for small business. It's usually found in the corporate world, but it is definitely catching on in the small- to mid-sized markets.

4) Know your Contract Dates & TERMS...many companies have Auto Renew clauses and unless you send written notice within 30 days of expiration of your intention to cancel or NOT extend contract, you renew for your original term!

5) Find a telecom advisor - a partner who isn't always selling. Many advisors offer several products/services and don't charge you for the value add of their expertise. Look for someone who takes the time to really understand your needs and only quotes for what a small business needs. Find a total solution, because in the end they will save you money.