How to Charge Call Costs

[thames]

Hi there, Folks

Every time I sell a 3CX system, I hate the fact that I then pass my customer over to one of the trunk providers (usually Orbtalk) for the trunk and channel costs AND the call costs which they pay each month to let's say Orbtalk.

We do have a RID code which we have never used. I'm not sure how you all do this but would love it to be US that makes the money from the calls rather than someone else.

Is this doable with 3CX? Our billing platform which we have used for many years is WHMCS and I would love to hear from anyone who has (a) succeeded in charging their 3CX customer fort he calls and, if there is anyone out there using WHMCS as well, (b) how you are charging using that platform without too much work importing the data etc.

Many thanks - I've been meaning to ask this question for years. Hope there is an easy way to do this.

Cheers
Chris

 

[Alphabetic]

I know with our supplier we get charged from Voiceflex (Wholesale) and we would invoice the customer monthly based on the call rates we set. Or, we can buy bundles and then add our margin on top. I know CallCentric have good call bundles as do Voipfone. You can also use 3CX's CDR (https://www.3cx.com/docs/billing-interface/) to generate reports for billing but it's probably better to do it from your SIP provider's reports.

 

[VoIPTools]

We need to pause for a minute and ponder the whole idea of selling SIP services directly. If you purchase wholesale SIP services and invoice your customers directly, YOU are responsible for calculating and remitting the federal, state, and municipal taxes. You better think long and hard about whether this is something you want to do. We looked at the administrative tasks required and concluded that it was too labor intensive -- especially if you have customers in multiple geographical locations.

That doesn't mean you cannot make money selling SIP services. Most SIP carriers have a partner program where you sell their SIP services, but they bill your customers directly and pay you a monthly commission. At least in the USA, that is the approach I would recommend. It keeps you safe from unanticipated tax liability, allows you to make money on SIP services, and frees up your staff to perform other billable activities.

 

[SteveITS]

they bill your customers directly and pay you a monthly commission. At least in the USA, that is the approach I would recommend. It keeps you safe from unanticipated tax liability

Ditto. Also, I've heard the fines for not paying the taxes correctly are pretty steep.

 

[cobaltit]

As a VoIP provider I can confirm that it is a PITA and not something to be taken lightly. We spend a decent chunk of change on a compliancy company and billing platform to make sure all the taxes are paid correctly. Many cities/municipalities have realized that VoIP was untaxed and so you see a lot of Utility User Taxes popping up practically overnight. Partnering is the easier way to go if you just want a slice of the pie.

 

[thames]

Thanks, Folks. I'll stick with the commission system methinks!