Payphones A New Option for Resellers
With the explosion in mobile phone technology dealers could be forgiven for thinking the days of traditional payphones are numbered, but not according to Jeff Wilkes who says when times are tough businesses are always looking for ways to save money, control costs and create a revenue stream.
The economic slowdown is fuelling demand for payphones available to buy in the EMEA, as opposed to renting - helping end users consolidate operating costs and call charges.
Dealers are also being urged to consider the multitude of service locations where they are still required, from counter-top bars to hospitals, restaurants, hair salons and prisons. The emphasis is more on staff from far flung countries abusing the "landline" to call home or premium numbers!
“Often dealers can overlook the many sales opportunities that still exist for traditional payphones across a wide range of locations,” said wilkes. “It may surprise them to realise that in an age of mobile communication demand for payphones remains consistently strong due to increased requirements to control unauthorised call access.”
He highlighted: “In these challenging economic times more businesses are looking to buy devices outright as opposed to renting, which could potentially save them hundreds of pounds, recouping their outlay in less than 12 months. In addition payphones can stop staff or customers making unauthorised calls, running up expensive landline bills, as they can be pre-programmed and call times/charges easily adjusted.” Solitaire Payphones also allow free access to emergency calls and freephone numbers such as Childline, an OFSTED requirement for schools.
The Solitaire 2000 plug-and-play device, ideal for domestic/ shared /rented accommodation locations where arguments can arise over the telephone bill, the best-selling 6000 model with ‘taxi‘ buttons, auditable cash records and coin refund whilst a 6000 High Security model benefits from a robust steel casing and armoured handset cord.
A wide range of hoods, cabinets, a payphone trolley and all-weather phones are available, as part of an extensive product range, Jeff concluded: “There will always be a need for payphones in environments that may lack mobile phone signals, batteries running down, credit has been used up and also sites where mobiles are just not appropriate. Furthermore, in these cost conscious times, payphones are very effective in helping businesses control charges, as they can restrict access to only allow certain programmed numbers or calls to head or branch offices for example. Payphones continue to represent excellent margin and revenue opportunities for our customers.”
Jeff also highlighted how when selling a telephone system, dealers can offer the 6000 or 6000HS as an extension off the PBX to save on line rental.
