I stumbled onto this phone system software today and was curious if anyone is using it .... http://www.gotvmail.com. It has tons of features - probably more than needed in many instances. With the service starting at $9.95/month (includes virtual fax service) it looks like a pretty good deal.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Kim

Hi Kim, I haven't tried this service simply because it's just my husband and I (and we try to keep things as literally virtual as possible) - when we do need to deal with calls to and from clients we simply use Skype as it allows for a free voicemail feature with the purchase of a SkypeIn number.

I think if you have a multi-VA practice and communicate with clients by phone often enough then this might be a good option. I did watch their little video and it sounds like a neat thing to use - but at $10 per month for only 50 minutes (plus $25 setup fee) I wonder about the actual value.

Have you tried it or are you just investigating?

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One of my clients uses GotVMail for his 800 line. It's easy to use and set up.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Tess

I'm just researching ...... a lot of the features would not apply to a solo VA.

My initial thought was for those that pay for efax services ($10 - $20/month), it may make sense to have the extra bells and whistles by using GotVMail. Another thought, while it may not work for a solo VA, it may be something to recommend to a client who is seeking solutions to phone issues.

It seems like a good product.

Kim

Thanks Shari for the feedback!

Kim

Kim,

I use Kall8. I got a catchy 877 number, voicemail, and fax for $5 per month + $.069 per minute. It calls directly into my home phone and shows my 877 number on caller id when it is my business line. Perfect for me since I am new and get few business calls. I get an email when I get a voicemail or fax. I can read and listen to my messages/faxes right from my email.

-Kellie

I use GotVMail and love it! I was spending $10/month on just a fax number and this seemed to be a much better fit for me. I have already recommended it to a potential client who found it to be exactly what she needed. It announces calls on my cell phone with caller ID and allows me to answer or send directly to voicemail. I can also get voicemail messages via email if I choose.

I agree that Skype could be used with a SkypeIn number, but I opted for this due to the multiple lines you can set up. It allows you a little more flexibility and there is a huge amount of extras that come with the $9.99 cost per month. I chose a 1-800 number (extra cost), but the $9.99 also includes a regular toll-free number.

My referral to the potential client also garnered me a free month's service, which is a great bonus. I am contemplating becoming an affiliate, but shall have to think further upon that. Hope that helps!

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Thank you for the feedback Kellie ..... I will definitely look into Kall8!

Kate

Great feedback ...... it definitely makes sense to get the extras that the phone system comes with if you are paying about the same for just efax service.

Is there a minimum pages for the efax service?

Thanks!!

Kim

Hi Kim,

There doesn't seem to be a minimum required for the efax and your toll-free number given is the same as your fax number, so that's handy. You can also do this: (no extra charge either!)

Your callers can help themselves to forms and printed information using our simple Fax-on-Demand feature.

You simply fax documents into your account, creating a library of documents that callers can request via fax instantly any time of day. Ideal for order forms, maps or anything else you want your callers to access on-demand 24 hours a day.

I had forgotten you could do this, cool! Some of the other features I didn't mention were you can set your hours of business for your lines. If they call you after hours, you can set a different message to be able to reach you alternatively. You can use your GotVMail to conference call, which could be very handy. Another use is if you receive a call at home from one of your extensions, you can put the caller on hold and transfer them to, say another VA's cell phone or even another extension.

Anyway, hope that helps!!

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Thanks Kate for the great feedback. I think the fax-on-demand would be a great feature further down the road. GotVMail will go on my list of services I want to use.

Thanks again!

Kim

I use OneBox (www.onebox.com). I also looked into GotVMail but when comparing the two, found that OneBox offered the same services as GotVMail at a cheaper rate. OneBox charges $49.95 for 2000 minutes, while GotVMail charges $99.95 for the same amount. OneBox even has a Conference Center, allowing conference calls for up tp 32 people, a feature not available on GotVMail.

Hallo,

GotVMail does have conference calling, but I agree does not allow you to conference up to 32 people, only 5.

GotVMail: Creating a conference call is easy with your GotVMail account. You can conference up to five people per call.

Great feature if you need it, I can't imagine a situation where I might need to conference in 32 people, but I know where to go to get it, thanks for the info!

Kim, good luck!

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Originally Posted by slimthick2001

I use OneBox (www.onebox.com). I also looked into GotVMail but when comparing the two, found that OneBox offered the same services as GotVMail at a cheaper rate.

Thank you for pointing out this product ..... I really like the feature - sync Outlook Contacts. It also mentions on-line calendar and I'm wondering if it will also sync your Outlook Calendar. OneBox is definitely another service for me to look into more.

Thanks again!

Kim

You're welcome Kim.

They do offer some really cool features. I haven't even played around with the mail sync yet.