<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by cweinerphd:
I have the opportunity to purchase the electra elite 48 with 4 phones and vm for $700 for our small business. I would need to purchase 2 additional phones. We are moving into a new office and were in an HQ situation so I have never needed to deal with phone systems before. Is this a good option? Vendors are offering new systems for $3000 (6 phones, vm, cabinet, installation, warranty/support). Thanks!
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Many people undervalues the expertise and value of a professional telephone system vendor. They forget that the telephone system only is as good as the features that are activated and programmed by the vendor and his staff. Heck, most people don't even know some of the features that their system can do, because they didn't take the time to explain to the vendor what they want the system to do, when it's first set up.
Now, for your situation, the used system (elite 48) sounds reasonably priced, and the 2 extra handsets will run you about $150 / each. You will come out ahead if you buy the used one, and find a certified NEC dealer to support you, and do the installation & programming for you. Plan for about 8 hours for a competent tech and a thorough job of install/programming.
Unless your dealer proposes a system that's significantly different from the Elite 48, then I would choose the above route.
