6 Top Retail Business Phone Services Of 2024

Introduction

Are you looking for one of the best retail business phone services for your growing business needs? We got you!

Landline or traditional phone systems are often more expensive and inconvenient for unlimited calls, and VoIP services are cost-effective and flexible alternatives to them. But if you are feeling overwhelmed with so many options available today, then keep on reading to discover the best business phone service for your retail business.  

6 Top Retail Business Phone Services

1. Emitrr
2. Vonage 
3. Ringcentral 
4. 8×8
5. Grasshopper
6. Dialpad 

6 Top Retail Business Phone Services: A Quick Glance

Benefits of Retail Business Phone System

1. VoIP for Retail saves cost 

As a retail business, you might be required to communicate with your vendors or customers internationally and if you have been using a landline to make calls, then that might be costing you a fortune. Switching to a internet phone service for retail business can allow you to save a lot of money because then you’d have to bear the charge of only internet access and, of course, the software that you are using. Both of which cost way less than using a landline for making international or even national calls. 

2. VoIP offers advanced features

Simply being able to make cheaper international calls is not enough. What if you want to record calls for quality purposes, what if you want to call insights, or simply want to transfer the call to the right person or department? There is only so much that you can do with a landline. A VoIP service can allow you to do all this and much more. So this is another big advantage of using a VoIP service for your retail business. 

3. Seamless integration with CRM

VoIP phone systems can easily integrate with your CRM, e-commerce, or point-of-sale system. This means you do not have to bother about losing previous client data. This means your staff members can display the client call history, their name, email, and any other relevant detail that is present in your CRM on a single dashboard. 

4. VoIP ensures smooth retail business communication

Business phone systems are designed to improve communication. With capabilities such as call routing, call forwarding, etc., your team members can forward a call to the right person, which can allow you to handle communication from your cell phone anywhere. It can even send text messages upon missing a missed call. All these extra features ensure smooth communication and better output. 

5. Improves customer experience

CRM, Point-of-sale, and e-commerce integrations allow you to display client details before you make the call. This gives you an opportunity to personalize your greetings and to be better aware of your customer’s needs. With VoIP phone service, you can have multiple phone numbers that automatically forward calls to the line that is not busy, reducing customer wait time. All these factors help in improving customer experience. 

6. VoIP improves retail business productivity

Automation, easy accessibility, and CRM integration help in reducing repetitive tasks and application switching. IVR and automated replies also help save a lot of time that goes to waste in replying to frequently asked questions. With all these capabilities, VoIP phone service can help your team to be more productive and put their time to better use. 

7. Never miss sales opportunity for your retail business 

Missed calls from clients or vendors can be lost opportunities for you if you are still using a landline or cell phone. VoIP phone systems come with missed-call-to-text capability, which sends an automated text message to your customers asking them about what they need help with. And all of this gets tracked, so you can always get back to those missed calls or queries and never miss a sales opportunity. 

Features to Look For in a Retail Business Phone System

Call Routing: Route your customers to the right person

Making your customers wait in long wait lines only to connect them with the wrong person can be really irksome. This is where call routing comes in. This feature routes the caller to the right person as per the caller’s input, thereby saving both the agent and the customer time. 

Interactive Voice Response (IVR): Save precious time

As a retail business, your caller may be a vendor or a customer you purchased merchandise from, and depending on their problem, they need to be connected to the relevant department. With an interactive IVR menu feature, they can easily press buttons and be routed to the right department or person, saving precious time. 

Call Disposition: To describe a call’s outcome

This option allows the person who answered the call to add a tag describing the call’s outcome, for example: demo booked, not interested, query solved, etc. This simple feature allows other team members to identify the outcome of the call without even listening to it. 

Call Forwarding: Forward your retail customers to the right destination

With the call forwarding feature, you can seamlessly forward customer calls to a different retail location, in-store number, main office, or even online department. What’s more, is that if the person is not at their desk, then this feature can also forward the call to the person’s cell phone, making it very useful for retail businesses. 

Call Queue 

If your retail business is growing rapidly and you get a lot of calls, then this feature can be utilized to put other callers in a queue. However, putting your clients in long lines can irk them, so consider opting for customer texting service to improve your customer service and customer experience.

Call Transfer: Assist your retail customers better 

During a call, your team member may realize that the caller’s query may better be answered by a different department or person. In such a case, the call transfer feature comes in very handy. 

VoIP Calling

A VoIP phone system for retail business does not require any telecommunication infrastructure, nor does it require an IT team to handle maintenance, backups, etc. The entire VoIP phone system is hosted by the VoIP service provider, allowing you to simplify communication and focus on other aspects of your retail business. 

Call Recording: Improve your retail business services 

Call recording features can help you record client calls allowing you to monitor call quality and gather customer feedback to improve your retail business services. 

Reporting and Analytics: Improve your retail business performance 

Phone calls can offer a lot of insight that can be used to make data driven decisions. VoIP phone systems offer reporting and analytics features such as wait time, customer behavior insights, agent performance insight, etc. that can help you identify gaps and improve your retail business performance.  

Voicemail Transcription: Save precious time

If a caller leaves you a voicemail, you do not have to keep them waiting for too long. With the voicemail transcription feature, you can turn the voicemail into text and find out why the call was made without needing to listen to the entire call and respond accordingly. 

User & extensions: Sync with your team

Sync with internal team members using extensions with direct dial. Edit extensions if needed, and add multiple extensions and team members to cater to more calls and queries. 

SMS & Text capability: Simplify retail business communication

Some VoIP phone systems, such as Emitrr, offer SMS or texting capabilities with features such as webchat, automation, message scheduling, auto-replies, campaigns, etc. This added function can improve vendor and customer communication and even better and help you take your retail business to the next level. 

6 Best Retail Business Phone Systems: A Detailed Analysis

Emitrr

Emitrr is the best retail business cloud phone system and the best business communication option that can be accessed on any desktop or app. It offers all the useful VoIP features that you may possibly need. It integrates with 1000+ local business software ranging from EMR to dispatching software, and integrates with your business apps, etc. Emitrr is super affordable and offers great value for money. Moreover, it also offers SMS capabilities for even better and simplified communication. Here are some more details about Emitrr: 

Emitrr Features

• Call routing
• Call notify
• Call queue
• IVR
• Call pop
• Call recording
• Call forwarding
• Automated assistant
• Call hold and transfer
• Extensions
• Edit extensions
• Missed call to text capability
• Advanced analytics
• Integration with 1000+ local business software ranging from EMR to dispatching software
• Call pop feature
• Integration with business apps
• Monitor call quality
• Reporting 
• Call disposition
• Call pop-up
• Direct dial

Emitrr Integrations

Emitrr integrates with 1000+ CRM tools and local businesses, including:  

• Zapier 
• Mailchimp 
• Hubspot
• HousecallPro
• Freshdesk
• Slack
• Salesforce
• Instagram business
• Chrome extension
• Facebook messenger
• Zendesk Support
• Dentrix
• Dolphin
• And more…

Emitrr Pros

• Superior customer service 
• Easy to set up dashboard 
• Very easy-to-use 
• Multiple useful VoIP features
• Seamless integration 
• Affordable & flexible pricing
• Customizable
• Versatile
• Saves time 

Emitrr Cons

No major issues with this software 

Emitrr Pricing

Emitrr is one of the most affordable VoIP software and its pricing starts at $149 a month. 

Emitrr Customer Support 

• Capterra: 4.8/5
• G2: 4.7/5

Vonage

Vonage is a popular business communication tool and a great call center solution that allows you to seamlessly connect via voice, video, and messaging. The platform offers plug-and-play service, a variety of features, built-in collaboration tools, mobile integrations, etc. Additionally, Vonage offers easy activation, month-to-month contracts, business service by their technical professionals, etc. You can use this software for your retail business however, the pricing and call quality are not the best. 

Vonage Features

• Three-way calls
• Auto forwarding
• Call flipping
• Call logs
• Call screening
• Call recording
• Voicemail to text
• Voicemail to email
• Call continuity
• Auto attendants
• Click-to-dial
• Call blocking
• Team messaging
• Call queues

Vonage Integrations

• Salesforce
• Slack
• HubSpot
• Clio
• Bullhorn
• Zapier
• Zendesk
• Zoho
• Authvia
• Coronet

Vonage Pros

• Customizable dashboard
• Intuitive interface
• Friendly customer service

Vonage Cons

• Lots of glitches 
• Poor call quality
• Only basic features
• Expensive

Vonage Pricing

• Mobile: $13.99/per month/per line
• Premium: $20.99/per month/per line
• Advanced: $27.99/per month/per line

Vonage Customer Support 

• Capterra: 4.1/5
• G2: 4.3

RingCentral

RingCentral is an AI-powered communication platform, and its VoIP service is known as RingEX. The platform offers more than 300 pre-built integrations, analytics, etc. It offers a handful of useful features but is quite expensive as compared to other retail phone systems. Here are more details about the RingCentral phone system:  

RingCentral Features

• Call queues
• Call recording
• Advanced call monitoring
• Up to 8-digit extensions with site codes
• Toll-free minutes
• Multi-level auto attendant and IVR

RingCentral Integrations

• Zoho
• Google
• HubSpot
• Salesforce
• Box
• Zendesk
• Microsoft
• And more..

RingCentral Pros

• Comes with built-in text message service
• Good call quality
• Good user interface

RingCentral Cons

• Very costly 
• Poor support

RingCentral Pricing

• Core: $30/user/month
• Advanced: $35/user/month
• Ultra: $45/user/month

RingCentral Customer Support

• Capterra: 4.2/5
• G2: 4/5 

8×8

8×8 is one of the best business communication and contact center option that allows businesses of all sizes to simplify and improve their communication channel, be it calling or texting. Retail businesses can also take advantage of 8×8’s useful unique features such as 3-way calling, overhead paging, etc. However, 8×8’s call quality is not the best nor is there customer service. Here are some more details on 8×8’s VoIP service:  

8×8 Features

• Ring group
• Call monitoring
• Call queues
• Call forwarding & transfer
• Call waiting & parking
• 3-way calling
• Local number porting & direct dial number
• Overhead paging

8×8 Integrations

• Salesforce
• Zendesk
• HubSpot
• Cresta
• Balto
• Servicenow
• Okta
• Google workspace
• And more..

8×8 Pros

• Seamless integration between the VOIP handsets
• Easy setup training
• Useful VoIP features 

8×8 Cons

• Poor customer service
• Poor quality

8×8 Pricing

8×8 has not revealed its pricing, so you’d have to get in touch with them to know more about this. 

8×8 Customer Support 

• Capterra: 4/4
• G2: 4/4

Grasshopper

Grasshopper is a popular virtual phone system that offers a virtual phone number, a robust system, and features without the expense of any additional device. Grasshopper is known for its affordability and good call quality, however, it offers very basic VoIP features and has a cumbersome process. 

Grasshopper Features 

• Call transfer 
• Instant response
• Voicemail transcription 
• Extensions
• Business phone number
• Simultaneous call handling
• Custom greetings

Grasshopper Integrations

• Google voice
• Skype
• Zapier
• LiveChat
• And more..

Grasshopper Pros

• Affordable
• Good call quality

Grasshopper Cons

• Cumbersome incoming call workflow
• No analytics available
• Basic features and integrations

Grasshopper Pricing

Starts at $14 a month

Grasshopper Customer Support

• Capterra: 4.4/5
• G2: 4/5

Dialpad

Dialpad is another AI-powered VoIP platform that distinguishes itself by offering plenty of AI-integrated functionalities. It can be a good choice for retail businesses that want to simplify their communication by utilizing AI-powered communication tools. Dialpad offers useful features and has an intuitive interface. However, it is often called out for its poor call quality and connection issues.  

Dialpad Features 

• Call recording
• Call forwarding
• Call routing
• Voicemail transcriptions
• HD call quality
• Real-time analytics & reporting
• And more..

Dialpad Integrations

• Salesforce
• Zendesk
• HubSpot
• Zoho
• Dynamics
• Copper
• ServiceNow

Dialpad Pros

• Useful calling features
• AI transcript
• User friendly interface  

Dialpad Cons

• Call disconnections
• Call quality issues

Dialpad Pricing

• Standard: $15/user/month
• Pro: $25/user/month
• Enterprise: Custom

Dialpad Customer Support 

• Capterra: 4.5/5
• G2: 4.4/5

How to Select the Best Retail Business Phone System? 

Here’s how you can select the best retail business phone system:

Call volume requirements 

Before choosing a VoIP provider, understand the nature of your business. Do you need a VoIP service for outgoing calls or incoming calls? How many of your employees are taking or making calls? How many users do you have? How long do the calls last? Etc. Having clarity on the call volume requirement will help you in choosing the right option. 

Your retail business size

What is the current size of your retail business? Do you have a national or international presence? How quickly is your retail business growing? Consider these questions and look for a VoIP service provider that can cater to your growing retail business needs. Flexibility of adding more call users, more extensions, pricing, etc., are some things that you must look at when comparing options. 

Features 

Create a list of VoIP features that you absolutely need for your retail business, this could include call forwarding, call routing, call recording, and call transfer features, among others. Once you have a clear idea of what you absolutely need and what you can skip, it will get easier to narrow down your options. 

Use case of your retail business 

Depending on the size and nature of your retail business you may require a VoIP phone system for one or all of these use cases:  

Call center

You might need a VoIP service because you might be receiving a lot of customer queries or simply want to improve customer support for your call center. If this is the case then you must look for specific features such as call pop up, CRM integration, analytics, call recording, etc. 

Vendor communication

If you largely want a VoIP service to handle vendor communication nationally or internationally, then pricing, ease of call access, and international call availability will be an important consideration for you. 

Team collaboration

If you need a VoIP system for smooth team communication and collaboration, then looking for an option that is cheap yet comes with features like call forwarding, call routing, call disposition tagging, etc., could be very useful. 

Real cost

The price of VoIP service can range from $20 – $200 per user. And there are many different costs associated with a VoIP service which can all add on and become a big price tag. So consider all kinds of associated costs such as installation cost, price per user, additional fees such as toll-free minutes, plan upgrades, VoIP hardware, need for unlimited calls, etc. to find the real cost of your VoIP service provider. 

Security issues & latency 

Although all VoIP services are susceptible to latency, it is important to choose high-quality providers so that you do not have to struggle with poor call quality. For example, popular VoIP phone systems such as Vonage and Dailpad come with poor call quality. Some providers offer less downtime or latency than others, so make sure to ask whether the call provider offers an “uptime guarantee.”

From the security point of view, you must pick a provider that follows reliable security measures and uses a secure network.  

Why Emitrr is the Best Retail Business Phone System?

After reviewing six best VoIP for retail businesses, we think that Emitrr is the best option to go for. Here’s why:

Seamless integration with retail business software 

Emitrr integrates with over 1000 CRM and local business tools. It allows you to route calls based on your new and existing customers, it seamlessly syncs and pulls up information for customer support agents or even for anyone who wants to access the client history before making a call. 

Supports monthly plans 

Unlike other VoIP software, Emitrr does not bind you to a year-long contract and instead offers you the flexibility of monthly pricing. You can start with a monthly plan and see if it is working for you, or you can choose a VoIP phone system and be stuck with them in a year-long contract if you don’t like their service. 

Top-notch customer support 

Emitrr offers 24/7 customer support for its VoIP service. It has even been given a rating of 5/5 stars by current customers on Capterra. So, in case you come across an issue, rest assured you will get a quick response and excellent customer service. 

Feature rich 

Emitrr offers a wide range of VoIP features such as call forwarding, simultaneous calling, call routing, analytics, and dashboard, add and edit extensions, automation, and more. It has all the features that can help you simplify your retail business communication. Additionally, it also offers SMS features, so in case you are looking for an all-in-one retail business communication system then Emitrr is a great choice for you. Here’s a quick look at some feature that Emitrr offers:

Call Tracker 

Voicemail-to-text 

Import contacts

Track all calling activity 

Track calling metrics 

Manage user & extensions

Set up IVR menu

FAQs

Conclusion

If you are a retail business struggling to manage increasing calls over your landline and cell phone, then getting the best retail business phone service might be much better for you both in terms of cost and manageability.

After comparing the six best options, we found Emitrr as the best VoIP platform for retail businesses. You can get in touch with Emitrr to know more if it has piqued your interest.