As a trade business owner, you know how important it is to streamline operations, improve communication, and stay connected with your customers. CRMs like ServiceTitan, Jobber, FieldEdge, and CallSource offer powerful tools tailored to the trades, such as customer relationship management, scheduling, marketing automation, and analytics. However, when these CRMs bundle their services with a phone system, it might not be the best choice for your trade business.

At CIS, we understand the unique needs of businesses in the trades—whether you’re in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, or other services. Our UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) solution offers unmatched flexibility, savings, and integration options designed specifically for trade companies. In this blog, we’ll explore why partnering with CIS for your phone system is a better choice than relying on bundled options offered by your CRM provider.

The Hidden Costs of Bundled Phone Services for Trade Businesses

When you bundle your phone service with a CRM like ServiceTitan’s PhonesPro or now their Contact Center Pro, it may seem convenient to pay one bill for both. However, this approach often comes with hidden costs and limitations that can impact your trade business:

• Higher Price Points: Bundled phone services often come with substantial markups. For instance, ServiceTitan’s PhonesPro standard plans are priced between $30 and $40 per user per month, with advanced plans reaching as high as $130 to $180 per user per month. Their Contact Center Pro plan is similarly priced at a premium. These costs are significantly higher compared to partnering directly with a VoIP provider like CIS, offering a more cost-effective solution without sacrificing quality.
• Vendor Lock-In: If you decide to leave your CRM, you’ll lose access to the bundled phone service, forcing you to start over with a new provider. This can cause unnecessary downtime and expenses.
• Slower Support: Bundled services often rely on third-party providers for support, creating delays in resolving issues. ServiceTitan PhonesPro/Contact Center Pro, for instance, relies on another provider for troubleshooting, which can result in extended wait times and costly disruptions for your trade business.

10 Things to Consider When Thinking of Using a CRM with Bundled Phone Services

1. Flexibility: Bundled phone systems tie your communication tools to your CRM. What happens if you want to switch CRMs? With CIS, you retain control and flexibility.
2. Cost Savings: Bundled options often come with significant markups. CIS offers affordable plans without compromising quality, saving your trade business money.
3. Custom Integrations: CIS can integrate seamlessly with any CRM you choose, including ServiceTitan, FieldEdge, and more. You’re not limited to a single option.
4. Downtime Risks: If your CRM experiences an outage, a bundled phone system will likely go down too, impacting your trade business operations.
5. Support Delays: Third-party support for bundled services can slow down resolution times. CIS provides direct support to keep your trade business running smoothly.
6. Scalability: As your trade business grows, CIS can scale with you, offering features like multi-location support and advanced call routing.
7. Advanced Features: CIS offers features like webfax, free video conferencing, and free hardware installation—benefits often not included in bundled services.
8. Training and Onboarding: CIS provides free training on our phone system, ensuring your team in the trades can maximize its use without additional costs.
9. Vendor Independence: By unbundling your phone system, you’re free to work with the best providers for each aspect of your trade business.
10. Business Continuity: Your phone system remains operational even if you switch CRMs, ensuring uninterrupted service for your customers.

Why CIS is the Perfect Partner for Trade Businesses

At CIS, we pride ourselves on being a trusted provider for trade businesses. Our founder, Alex Macis, brings years of experience as the Telecom Manager at ServiceTitan, where he helped roll out PhonesPro. This firsthand knowledge of the trades and CRM+Phone integrations allows us to offer tailored solutions that address the unique needs of trade companies.

Exclusive Features from CIS

• Free Web fax: Send and receive faxes directly through your email or web portal.
• Free Video Conferencing: Stay connected with your team and clients without additional costs.
• Free Hardware Installation: We handle the setup so you can focus on running your trade business.
• All-in-One Provider: CIS is your single source for hardware, installation, and maintenance.
• User Training: We ensure your team understands and utilizes our phone system effectively.
• Custom Integrations: CIS can integrate with any CRM or software you choose, giving you unmatched flexibility.
• Multi-Location Support: Ideal for growing trade businesses that serve multiple regions.

The Importance of Unbundling for Trade Businesses

Bundling your CRM and phone system might seem convenient initially, but it ties your business operations too closely to one provider. If you decide to switch CRMs, you’ll also need to replace your phone system—a time-consuming and costly process. By choosing CIS, you can unbundle your phone service, giving you:

• Control: Freedom to choose the best tools for your trade business without vendor lock-in.
• Savings: Lower costs compared to bundled options.
• Reliability: Direct support and continuity, even during CRM transitions.

Ready to Save Money and Gain Flexibility?

If you’re a trade business owner using ServiceTitan PhonesPro or another bundled CRM phone system, it’s time to explore a better option. CIS offers affordable, flexible, and powerful Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) and Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) solutions tailored to the trades. Keep your favorite CRM and gain the freedom to integrate with other tools while saving money.

Contact Alex Macis at CIS today to learn how we can support your trade business. Let us help you unlock savings, flexibility, and better communication tools for your growing company.