atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information So what would you install here?

Thanks for the update Bill, no worries.

Can you run the Polycom Cordless IP phones on this sofware. They seem to have great range and features.

Sounds like one of those jobs that no matter what you do the wife is not going to be happy. And if you do come up with a solution she will think it costs too much. I know you are stuck since you do the husbands office but seems to me you are in a no win situation.

Yeah, right.

I once did a system in a 36000 Sq ft home on the historic register and with an indoor swimming pool. Only Engenius had the range needed with all the plaster lath, etc. So it was a mix of vodavi key phones and Engenius. Their kids loved it because they could take the Engenius downtown (they were up on a hill overlooking the city), but the customer was never entirely happy. I haven't heard from them for a few years now so I suppose they have gone on to try something else by now. If I had it to do all over again, I would probably explore one of the Panasonic solutions. Panasonic was always just a tad more friendler to residential applications.

Well, thanks guys for the suggestions, I will take them to the next job. The husband called and asked that we remove the equipment that we had installed at the house. Apparently she likes the Costco alternative or she contacted someone locally that provided one of your solutions. Anyway, in some ways I feel relieved, I don't have to deal with her when she is 2 hours away. In others I am pissed that we spent all that time getting a working solution and will probably have to eat most of it.

Thanks again

Thanks for reminding me why we should say NO when asked to do residential. You should insist on being paid for your work and materials. Politely inform the customer that this is a commercial system and is not 'returnable' to the manufacturer. Also tell her that Costco does not come out to your house and do custom designs and installs, so they have to pay for your time AS AGREED. A non-paying client is a social acquaintance. Do you give away phone systems and free installation to your buddies? I mean did they invite you to their last dinner party? If not they are not even social acquaintaces. Are you running a business or trying to win a popularity contest?

Bingo!

Ed, let us know what you see installed when you go back to pick up your system...

I have to agree with you and the others, you will be better off not having to deal with this customer..

On the other hand, I am starting to encounter small businesses that request/require a system comprised of ONLY portable phones. I try to persuade them to stick with desk MLT's, but they are adamant that the convenience of a portable is what they want.

The perceived convenience is that they can wander around their office, consult with other workers, talk while looking for something in a file cabinet, or while standing at a table, reading a blueprint.

The trend is caused, I think, by the almost universal use these days of cell phones, when they are out of the office, so they want the same "feel" when they are in the office.

I am with you all, residential is a PIA. The part that gets me is that this woman went out of her way to tell me numerous times that she had a MDA. Yet she did a "Cheap shit Charlie" on us. It may be awhile before I get the stuff back, we have two systems to move and an entire school district to install before the 1st of the year. Why do they always want last minute?? I will report back on what she put in there.