OpenPhone App: The Phone Alternative For Small Businesses

Are you a small business owner looking for an affordable phone solution with more benefits than a standard landline?

I recently was, so I polled our group members and asked:

What type of phone line do they use for their business? 

The results:

  • Landline with a phone number just for the store – 22
  • Google Voice – 8
  • Personal Cell Phone – 7
  • Additional Cell Phone/Number – 4
  • Only communicate via email/messages – 1

Then I posted a follow-up question, how much do you pay for your phone?

I received a variety of responses.
  • Most who pay for a landline said they pay for bundles (internet, phone, fax, etc.) anywhere between $89 and $200/month.
  • Someone said they love Google Voice because it’s free.
  • Another member said she hated paying for the landline so she opted to use her personal cell phone number.
  • And someone else stressed the importance of reading a contract because now she’s stuck with a one-year service.
When we opened our store in 2015 we were on a mission to bootstrap which meant bare-bones services for us.  I have to admit we have been lucky enough to share internet service with the other business owner in our building.  But having a dedicated phone number and provider for our retail store was never addressed.  I simply used my personal cell phone.
When we approached year-3 in our brick and mortar I knew it was time to find a solution.  And then Daryna of OpenPhone contacted me – she found the Savvy Shopkeepers Group and thought some of the business owners in our group could use a service like OpenPhone.
So I agreed to test it out and I am LOVING it!

OpenPhone: The Affordable Phone Solution for Small Business Owners, with a phone app demonstration.

What is OpenPhone?

“Small business phone system, reinvented.

OpenPhone adds a second phone number to your existing mobile device along with powerful features to help your small business communicate better.”

Let me start by saying it’s an app for iPhone users – the Android version is coming soon.  It works with wifi or cellular data.

Why does it work for our small business?

I understand every business owner will have different needs but this is why OpenPhone works so well for us.
I co-own a brick-and-mortar store with my sister.  We currently do not have any employees.  There are days and times where we are not both at the store together.  So when I was using my cell phone and I wasn’t at the store, I would then have to call or text my sister for answers or to give her information.   I also didn’t know when I was receiving a personal call vs. a business-related call.  I am all about systems – and this was a POOR system.
So when Daryna of OpenPhone said both my sister and I could have the following:
  • A phone app
  • Unlimited talking
  • Unlimited texting
  • Voice Mail
  • No setup fees
  • No contracts
  • Local or toll-free number
  • Transfer the current number you use (just contact them)
  • Customer Service
  • Personalization

More perks:  My sister and I both have the app installed on our phones, we both see when calls or messages are coming in, the calls and messages are NOT deducted from our personal cell phone plans AND the incoming calls are identified as OpenPhone calls so we can identify them as business-related calls and not personal calls.  YES!

Want to see how OpenPhone works?

Click on the image below, then click the play button to watch the demo.
OpenPhone - See How it Works

What’s the difference between Google Voice and OpenPhone?

You may be thinking this sounds very similar to Google Voice but there are many aspects of OpenPhone that make it better than Google Voice.  Click Quo (formerly OpenPhone) vs. Google Voice to read about the differences.

How much is OpenPhone?

OpenPhone‘s plan start at $15/mo. Here’s a snapshot of their two plans:

OpenPhone pricing comparison showing Starter and Business plans.

I wanted to test this service out before recommending it and if it isn’t already clear, I am very HAPPY with it.  I sent many, many emails to Daryna who graciously answered ALL of my questions.

We’ve been using it for a month and I’m so happy we found a phone solution for our business.

OpenPhone is currently offering one month free if you want to check it out – click here to get the app and offer so you can sample it yourself.

Want to learn more?

  1. Follow Savvy Shopkeeper on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for email updates!
  2. Visit the Shopkeeper’s Academy to learn more about our group memberships and 1:1 coaching.
  3. Listen to the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast.

I share some of the most helpful information and tips for retail business owners on the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast. I know you’re busy so episodes are short and sweet at around 20 minutes. Want to work less, profit more, and grow? Listen on any of these platforms:

You’ll find the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast on all these listening platforms: Spotify  Apple  iHeart  Audible  Amazon Music

*Some of the links or codes I share are affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission if you make a purchase after using them—at no extra cost to you. I recommend these products because I genuinely believe they’re helpful for shopkeepers, not because of the commission I might earn. Please only purchase items if you feel they’re truly useful and will help you reach your goals.

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