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Has anyone been installing Vodavi systems in rough environments, such as gas stations or restaurants? The reason I ask is that a gas station owner is in the process of buying a third system from us and says that he's not comfortable with the STS phones holding up well. I agree that in other high-abuse environments, like telemarketing firms, the phones seem to be a bit weak. We can install the "Gold" version and use the new 30XX series phones, but I am not sure if they will hold up any better. The last thing I want to do is sell this returning customer something he won't be happy with.

Anybody have any 30XX phones installed in these types of environments?

I've seen a few. But I'm not all that thrilled with the durability of the Triad phones either, they seem to have an issue with handsets. Aside from that, I just don't like the Triad handset and the deepset cord plugin.

The STS phones will last as well as any other as far as I know, and are cheaper to replace.

We've had some problems with some bad phones but I don't think it was the environment. Some bad speakers, some hook switchs. No problems with 30 button sets ever.

3015-71 - real nice instrument and excellent quality. Have not had one failure or break yet.

If customer was unhappy/shy with VODAVI i would
lean toward PANASONIC KXT series. I have them in
service now for over 20 years. I would not be happy
in this act but sometimes we have to bend.I know
i would be trying to please customer at the same time that would be my best shot. I would rather
give em a STSe but oh well.

STSE:

Ironically, this customer came to us looking to buy a Panasonic system and we discouraged it because their buttons are so small and close together. Big, greasy "mechanic's fingers" would surely have done them in within a short period of time.

I agree that KX-T phones are rugged and hold up well, but the buttons are even smaller and closer together now with the 77XX phones. Hey, our primary product line is Vodavi, but I still use a Panasonic KX-TD1232 in my house!

The problem that I have is that Vodavi appreciates our business; Panasonic couldn't care less whether we sell their products or not despite the fact that we have been selling them for 20+ years. At least Vodavi stands behind their product for it's dealers and also rewards them for their efforts. I want to use Vodavi, but if the customer is spooked, then we owe it to them to give them what they want.

Since we are a Panasonic dealer also, perhaps we can try one at the new site. I am just afraid that it will hold up better than the STS phones have and it will make us look bad having sold them three STS systems. Maybe I am being overly-cautious, but a fourth system from a gas station owner is almost unheard of.

Years ago was a SAMSUNG dealer. They had a rubberized faceplate made for the 816/824 keysets
for that model. I had a trucking firm where i used in shop area.Worked great. No problem

Im sure you have seen them of cash registers in
fast foods.

I would think you might suggest to VODAVI looking
into providing them at a low cost to dealers.

ED:

Try www.telephonecovers.com

Ed, go with the product you like and follow STSE's advice, althought his link is a little messed up :p
www.telephonecovers.com

Thanks all of ya. I bookmarked that link, I'm sure it will come in handy next time I replace a phone at the sale barn. We used to use those things all the time on 1a2 key sets in dirty places and they work real well.