As a result of a number of recent changes both in the Telecoms industry, and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more businesses are switching to internet-based telephony services for their communications, either internally, or with clients.
Whilst setting up a VoIP system can be fairly straight forward, some users will inevitably require help to do so, along with ongoing support with the service, as their requirements change. Therefore, more and more technology-based companies such as Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Creative Agencies are providing VoIP alongside other services they offer.
Coupled with the fact that running a VoIP network, establishing connectivity with other providers for telephone calls, and number porting can mean that running your own VoIP platform will ultimately require more resources and experience than an existing technology business can dedicate to it.
As such, becoming a partner with an existing communications provider can be an excellent option. In this post, we'll briefly outline some of the advantages of becoming a voice communications partner, and what Dial 9's Partner Programme can offer.
Why sell VoIP?
As we've already touched on, selling VoIP is a great way to add existing value to services a company might already be offering. If you're a Creative Agency that's handling media content and building a website for a client, why not provide them with a telephone number to be displayed as well?
VoIP can be as simple as a single local number that diverts all incoming calls straight to an existing staff member's mobile, or, a fully fledged phone system with multiple devices connected, and other features such as an IVR menu in use as well.
Generally, a partner programme will provide a platform, and all the tools required to be able to sell the service out the box, you'll just need to provide appropriate support with setting up the service, and any first line questions or issues.
What about existing telephone numbers?
If you're looking to provide a VoIP service to a customer that has an existing telephone number, it will normally be possible to transfer, or port the number away from their existing provider. This again is becoming more and more common place as customers want to move away from existing copper-based services and not be tied to physical line rental cost, or, if they are already using a VoIP service of some kind, and they simply wish to look for an alternative provider.
When partnering with an existing Communications Provider, you'll be to take advantage of their porting agreements with other Communications Providers, and they will be able to do the majority of the work required to get the number moved across. You'll just be required to provide a signed copy of a porting Letter of Authority (LoA) from the customer.
Why Dial 9?
If you are looking at becoming a VoIP partner, you'll be looking to find a Communications Provider to partner with that will be able to fulfil all of your requirements. Dial 9's partner platform has been created with flexibility, and ease-of-use in mind. Powered by the same platform that existing Dial 9 customers use, it's both easy to learn, and provide support for. We also have a wealth of documentation covering all aspects of the platform within our documentation.
Our partner platform allows you to configure your own pricing, and choose between different models according to your customer's needs. Call rates can be marked up by a simple percentage, or, if you wish you can set your own individual rates on a per-prefix basis. You can also provide bundles of minutes to your customers, and markup each individual chargeable item (such as a telephone number, a voicemail box or an extension) to any amount you see fit.
You'll also have access to a full billing platform allowing to you automatically raise invoices and charge for services using our GoCardless and Stripe integrations. Alternatively, we have extensive APIs and other billing features such as our SFTP export, to allow you to easily integrate with existing billing systems.
How do I get started?
To get started, we'll ask that you first get in touch with us to book a demo of the platform, which you can do on our website. We do require that all prospective partners have a chat with us and run through the system, as well as any specific questions or requirements that they might have, to make sure that the service is right for them.
Then, if you're ready to get started, we can normally get the service up and running and ready to set your first customers up on, within 24 hours.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch either via telephone on 0330 088 0906, or email to partners@dial9.co.uk.
