How to Decide Between Answering Machines and Voice Mail

Most of us use some type of system to take phone messages. For awhile, it looked like voice mail systems might phase out the telephone answering machine, but the machines still has its fans. Consumers must decided which fits their needs better.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look at what the majority use—voice mail. Voice mail is a computerized method of recording and storing voice messages. It is often a good fit for businesses with many extension phones or users of mobile phones or cell phones.
2. Screen your calls with an answering machine. Answering machines allow you to listen to a caller when you just don't have the time or desire to talk. You can't do that with voice mail, although you can screen with voice mail if you have caller ID.
3. Go with voice mail if you hate programming anything more complicated than coffee. Although most of today's answering machines are simple to operate, voice mail is easier. Often it's just a matter of connecting to your voice mailbox and pushing the number 1.
4. Compare costs. Answering machines cost more upfront, but lack the monthly charges of voice mail. At some point, answering machines require less expense.
5. Discover the reliability of voice mail. It works while you're on another call, when the power is out and is never damaged by the elements, including lightning.
6. Choose voice mail if you like to check your messages from other locations. Although some answering machines allow you to do this, voice mail makes accessing messages from remote locations easier. However, voice mail menu options often offer too many choices, while answering machines let you delete with the touch of a single button.
7. Consider voice mail more environmentally friendly. Answering machines use electricity that can release more greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. Answering machines also require materials that contribute to the garbage when you throw them out.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the capacity of both voice mail and an answering machine. Neither does much good if your mailbox or answering machine fills up too quickly.

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