The ultimate checklist for buying a virtual phone number in India

Why opt for Virtual Phone Numbers in India?

Virtual Phone Numbers are gaining prominence in India for their unique features. The utility of Virtual Phone Numbers in India can be witnessed by businesses that have enhanced customer communication. OTP verification is now a common way to gain access to any platform using unique phone numbers as a stamp of credibility. Virtual Numbers help businesses with hassle-free OTP verification, among other benefits. 

Businesses use Virtual Phone Numbers to reach their customers in a seamless manner through platforms like WhatsApp. It provides a safe outlet for businesses to maintain the privacy of their employees. At the same time, businesses can access virtual inboxes along with their Virtual Numbers. Platforms like Alohaa provide Virtual Numbers with Virtual Inboxes where all the SMSes received on these Virtual Numbers can be viewed on a single screen and can be stored for extended periods of time.

However, there are a number of things that businesses need to keep in mind before choosing a Virtual Phone Number in India.

Here is the ultimate checklist that businesses can use before buying a Virtual Phone Number in India.

• Analyse how Virtual Numbers will be more beneficial for your business than regular phone numbers: Virtual numbers have many benefits, especially over regular phone numbers. However, businesses should always analyse for themselves how their organisational structure will benefit from Virtual Phone Numbers in India so that they can justify their investment in Virtual Numbers. This will also help various stakeholders understand why the business needed Virtual Numbers.

• Understand the needs of your business: Before opting for a Virtual Number, you need to make a plan of how your business will make use of the Virtual Numbers. As an aggregator platform, you would essentially need Virtual Numbers assigned to service providers. As a customer service platform, you will need to assign the Virtual Numbers to the customer service executives from your team and plan out how you can provide a consistent service to your customers. This will help businesses maximise their returns from the Virtual Numbers.

• Set goals for the results you wish to see from switching to Virtual Numbers: These goals can be qualitative or quantitative in nature. Businesses will be able to make the most of their Virtual Numbers if they have clear goals in mind and results that they want to see. For example, businesses might want to see 10x faster customer query resolutions through Virtual Number, 3x customer retention or even 5x savings in costs.

• Plan out how many Virtual Numbers you need to start with: One of the most important aspects of Virtual Numbers is how easy they are to scale. Your business can start off with very few Virtual Numbers and grow as the team grows. Therefore, you need to carefully assess how many numbers you need to start with and don’t over-commit to the Virtual Numbers.

• Plan how you will scale your Virtual Numbers: As the very next step, you will need to map your scaling journey with Virtual Numbers. You will need to write down the criteria that would warrant buying new Virtual Numbers. This involves setting a milestone for the users. For example, if the number of customers crosses a certain level, you will need more Virtual Numbers, or if a new product is launched, you might need new Virtual Numbers to push the marketing of that product. Another example could be for agencies or aggregator platforms that will need to purchase new Virtual Numbers for every new client onboarding.

• Plan out how you will train the employee to use the platform: Switching to Virtual Numbers might not be easy for all employees. An initial induction will ensure that the users understand how to use the Virtual Numbers to their maximum potential. It will also help the business ensure that there are fewer errors while the users make use of their Virtual Numbers.

• Choose a reliable service provider with quick customer service: Experts that assist you every step of the way will go a long way while your business transitions to Virtual Phone Numbers. While adding new numbers, getting curated services or even with payment-related issues, the Virtual Number service provider also needs to have reliable customer service.

• Choose a platform based on your budget: Any new tool may solve a lot of business-related issues and may be a wonderful addition to your business, but it needs to fit your financial budget as well. Tools should not be financially draining because they are meant to save costs. So before opting for a Virtual Number, you should factor in the expenses and the potential savings Virtual Numbers could generate and then make your decision accordingly.

• Explore the features of the service providers: Every Virtual Number comes with different unique features. Some are specifically curated for businesses, while some are only for personal use and don’t offer additional features. Businesses should explore each of the features and assess if these features fit the needs of the business.

• Assess if your get customised benefits from the service providers: Most Virtual Numbers come with many features that may not be useful for a business, at least in the current state the business operates in. The businesses might still have to pay for all the features, which would be a needless cost. Therefore, if businesses find a service provider that customises the products according to the needs of the business, it will be more cost-efficient for them.

Parting Thoughts

Switching to Virtual Numbers will definitely enhance your business communication. Choosing the right service provider for your Virtual Number will shape the path for your conversations with your customers and how you can leverage them. 

Platforms like Alohaa are dedicated to providing a seamless service that checks all of the boxes on the checklist for getting a Virtual Phone Number in India. With customised services and quick turnaround from experts, your business is in safe hands with Alohaa.

Book a demo with Alohaa and explore the wonderful ways in which your business can benefit from Virtual Numbers in India. Supercharge your business with Alohaa today.