Small Business Phone Equipment: A Buyer’s Guide

Enhance communication and professionalism

Email and social media are valuable communication tools for your small business, but a phone call is still the quickest, most direct way for your customers to reach you—which is why partnering with the right phone service is essential. But that’s just the first step; next, you need to find the right equipment. 

At Walmart Business, we know how challenging it is to equip a new company with the right tools and technology. To make it easier, we’ve rounded up the most essential small business phone equipment—here’s everything you need to keep those lines of communication open.

Small business phone equipment checklist

The basics

Start by choosing a phone system. Ideally, you’ll want a base and several handsets, depending on the number of people in your office. Look for scalable solutions that allow you to add more phones as you grow. 

You can choose cordless or corded phone systems. If you go cordless to keep employees from being stuck at their desks, be sure to stock up on extra batteries for the handsets. 

Beyond scalability, prioritize these features:

• Digital answering system: Unless you’re planning to be available 24/7, it helps to have an answering service at the front desk so you don’t miss out on new business opportunities. 
• Phone book directory: Being able to store your most-dialed numbers saves time.
• Conferencing capabilities: Make sure you can set up conference calls between your office and outside lines.

Conferencing equipment

Speaking of conference calls, it’s a good idea to put conferencing equipment in your meeting rooms. Conference phones allow for more clarity than a typical speakerphone feature, so someone calling in remotely can hear as well as if they were in the room.  

Here’s what to look for in a conference phone: 

• Noise reduction technology: Focus on models that filter out background noise, allowing for more clear conversations. 
• Multiple microphones: Having more than one mic makes it easier for the conference phone to pick up voices coming from different areas of the room. Some models even come with wireless microphones that can be placed throughout the meeting room—a nice feature for especially large groups.
• Simple interface: Look for an intuitive, easy-to-read interface that cuts down on confusion. 

Headsets

Depending on the type of business you have and the number of calls you handle in a day, you may want to equip your employees with phone headsets so they can multitask and have hands-free phone conversations. 

Basic headsets with in-line phone controls and noise-canceling microphones are perfect for the office environment. Wireless Bluetooth headsets allow for even more freedom; if you have to choose one or the other, prioritize battery life over other features.

You can get both style and value with a simple RGB headset. These are typically used for gaming, but you don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy neon lights and comfortable ear cups.

Save with Walmart Business+

The right retail partner makes finding the best small business phone equipment for your company a breeze. In addition to Walmart’s everyday low prices on phones, headsets and conferencing equipment, Walmart Business+ has a number of benefits designed for entrepreneurs like you. With a Walmart Business+ subscription, you’ll enjoy free shipping with no order minimum,¹ 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards on orders of $250 or more² and the ability to analyze your shopping habits with Spend Analytics. Sign up and start saving today!

¹Excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges.

²Exclusions apply. See full terms for details.