Now that you’ve decided that two-way radios are the right communications solution for your organization, what are the next steps for getting your purchase started?
Whether you are purchasing two-way radios for the first time or upgrading equipment, there are a lot of options at different price points to consider. As a first step, we recommend starting a conversation with one of our experts so they can help you buy two-way radios that are the best fit for your particular situation.
Questions to Ask
When we start working with a new partner, we ask a lot of questions so we can understand your needs.
- What are you trying to achieve with the purchase?
- What is your timeframe? (Do you have an immediate need, or are you doing long‑range planning?)
- How many radios do you need now?
- How many do you estimate you’ll need in the future?
- How big is the coverage area?
Sometimes people don’t know the answer to all these questions right away. That’s when it helps to develop a long‑term relationship with a provider who can work with you as your needs change and grow.
The Days of Long Applications Are Past
A trusted communications partner isn’t going to ask you to fill out a credit application until you agree on a solution that is right for your team.
Some people are hesitant to apply for credit or to set up an account with a company. They remember the hassle they had to go through in the past to apply and get approved for credit.
But those days are gone.
If you decide to work with a licensed two‑way radio service provider, they should have a simplified process, like our simple credit application.
People fill it out in two minutes.
The Credit Application
Our credit application is a one‑page form that asks for the following information:
- Name, address, phone number
- Type of proprietorship or business
- Tax ID#
- Contact at Accounts Payable (AP)
- Amount of credit requested
- Whether a purchase order is required
- Authorized users, credit limits per user
- Name, title, date, and signature
That’s it.
Should You Set Up an Account?
Everyone’s different. Some people know what they need, and just want to pay cash, or use a credit card to make a purchase.
Other people are new to the idea of using two‑way radios for communication. Some folks aren’t aware that you need an FCC license to operate most two‑way radios, for example.
When people are just getting started, they sometimes prefer to start with an initial purchase and see how it works. Most communications providers are happy to work with people to build on an initial foundation.
For example, what if you want to buy 10 radios now, and then add 10 more at the end of the year, during the busiest season? In those cases, it can be more efficient to set up an account so your purchasing is aligned with your company’s budgeting system.
And remember, a good communications system is one that is scalable and customizable. So it’s important to think about what you might need in the future to allow team members across devices and distances to communicate conveniently and safely. Your inter-department communication needs can change over time.
A Trusted Guide
Purchasing communications equipment is an important decision, and one that’s best done by talking with a qualified two‑way radio provider who can sit down and discuss the business’ communications challenges, and the right solutions.
A lot of this is part of good customer service practices. If you search for the cheapest deal online for two‑way radios, you’re not going to talk to an actual human being who can help determine what’s right for your company now, and into the future.
This is my final word of advice: Find someone you trust to discuss your situation, someone who will actually walk the shop, the halls of a school, or the grounds of a park district with you.
The specifics of how you purchase and start operating your radios will grow naturally out of that relationship.
It’s all about communication, after all.
