I'm new to Skype and would like to use it for my business. Is there a way to speak to someone on the phone to get answers, rather than sending a help ticket and waiting 24 hours for a response? It would be so much quicker to get set up with what I need and get my questions answered if I could speak to a live person.
Here are the things I'm interested in:
1) Can an 800 number ring into a Skype number? Right now it's ringing into a land line. Otherwise, how do I use Skype and still keep my 800 number?
2) How do I set up a conference call in advance? Is there a number that everyone calls into? I don't understand how it works.
3) What are the advantages of a business account vs everyone having their own individual accounts? I have a small number of employees in home offices so it's not clear to me whether or not I need a business account.
4) Can I eliminate my phone system if I use Skype? Is there a replacement for it?
Thanks to anyone who can answer any/all of my questions!

Hi there,

I'm unfamiliar with any way you can get to speak with someone at Skype other than through these forums. As for your questions:

1. Take a look at this previous forum thread: http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=109552.
<em>However, if you want to put a customer contact point/call center in place using Skype, we suggest you look at OnState Solutions for Skype, which offers a dedicated web-based sevice for Skype. They provide toll-free numbers that your clients can use.

2. For Skype conference calls check out http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/conferencecall/.

3. It depends what way you're going to go with Skype. Going at it via the business route can mean standardized names and centralized control through the BCP. With your size now, you may not need this, though.

4. You can eliminate your phone system using Skype, or complement it using Skype alongside. Take a look at OnState's Skype PBX for an example replacement/complement.

Hope these help. Let me know if any other info is needed.

Shawn

1). You can purchase a local SkypeIn number, then have the 800 number calls forwarded to the SkypeIn number, so that calls to 800 number can ring on your Skype.
2). You can use PrettyMay Skype PBX for Windows to set up conference room with up to 25 participators, it's easy to use.
3). You just need one Business account for your company, and your employees can use their own Skype account.
4). Yes, you can use PrettyMay Skype PBX software to set up a 100% Skype based phone system for your business.

Dear srogelberg,

I successfully used four business accounts until they were blocked a year ago. So far the consequences are:

- no explanations from customer service whatsoever
- Skype holds my money, so I am unable to get a refund for unused credit on business accounts http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=230831

Consider this info and be aware of the other side of the coin.