Setting up multi-line for business, what do I need

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Jan 07, 2006 Posts: 2

Ok, I know very little about using/setting up multi-line phones and know even less about doing it with Vonage. Here is my situation though:

I manage an existing restaurant that does a decent amount of delivery business (between 3-10 incoming calls per hour). We have 4 phone lines, 2 for phone, 1 for fax & computer modem, 1 for credit card and student account card machines.

I am getting ready to open a second location for the owner and they will be starting from scratch. The second location will have cable internet and process CC's via software, so that eliminates the CC phone line. In the beginning it will do similar delivery business but should expand quite a bit in the future.

So....

What kind of set-up would I need with Vonage?

We only need 1 incoming phone number.
We need to be able to answer as many as 3 calls at a time with room to upgrade/expand later.
We need to be able to put them on hold, music is not necessary.
We need a dedicated fax line.
Our computer will be online constantly, not using much bandwidth though.

That is about it. I don't think we have the need of any type of PBX setup and I think Vonage would be the most cost efficient. Could someone suggest what type of Vonage connection and how many numbers I would need? Also, what about all of the hardware I would need to wire it up.

All connections will be in the same room in the restaurant. I will probably go with a multiline cordless with multiple handsets (any suggestions on specific equipment?) but I will go with corded phones if needed, not sure about the number of phones you can have per connection.

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Jan 09, 2006 Posts: 1

Hi, I got same problem. My client will be calling just to only one number, But all these calls must be spreaded over 4 lines. I have AT&T 974 model phones. Problem with networking in our office. By the way I'm owner of Travel Agency.

Will be glad to get any ideas.

Posts: 4751 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Aug 30, 2005 Posts: 4751

I see you're not getting much action here in the way of answers. The problem that I see is that, like most businesses, you want multiple lines with just one telephone number. I don't think Vonage is set up for that. Generally they provide one number for each line. I think you need to call them and talk to an agent who understands their offerings in the commercial market.

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Jan 07, 2006 Posts: 2

With normal normal lines you just have each ling roll over to the next and with PBX systems it hunts for a new line. Not sure if vonage offers either of these features.

Posts: 109 · Vonage Forum Senior Joined: Jun 21, 2005 Posts: 109

why not get 4 lines...all with different numbers...and publish 1 of the 4 numbers then go into you features part on the web and set-up the simu ring function to ring the other 3 phone numbers.

Posts: 6

I just did a multi line system with roll over between 3 of the 4 numbers on an existing PBX system. In the set up page of the Vonage Business Account you enable call hunt and then the call would automatically be transferred to another number when a busy signal is detected....I probably can answer any other questions you have. But I hope this is a start for you. I am in the beginning stages of recommending vonage to all my customers.
Darren