Of course the dedicated business line is a must and it seems like the cell phone is the way to go at this time. It adds mobility and a higher probability for timely customer service when the time comes. JD, I like the idea of having someone to act as "secretary" to answer a line if you are unavailable (preforming an inventory).
A business line will get you a free listing in your local Yellow Pages (generally, it's a free listing in the white pages, and a "line" listing in the Yellow Pages). As your business grows, you will want prospective customers to be able to find you ... and if they've heard the name of your business, they will want to find you in the phone book. (Yes, I know it's hard to believe that people still use phone books in this day and age! )
You might also look into a "Market Expansion Line" with your current (landline) service provider. This is a service that provides a new phone number, but the calls ring in on your existing phone line, with a different ring tone. (That way, you can know to answer it with your business name.) When I set up mine in the early days of my business, you paid a small monthly fee, and then only paid for the calls that you received. I believe it was also eligible for the free Yellow Pages listing, and you can convert it to a "traditional" phone line at any time in the future. I think you can also have it "forwarded" to any phone -- so technically, you could have it forwarded to a cell phone.
There are a TON of options out there nowadays, so check with your local phone company and see what they offer.
Here's a link to Qwest's Market Expansion Line info: http://www.qwest.com/pcat/large_business/product/1,1016,117_4_25,00.html
You can find out about your local Yellow Pages directory options through the national association: http://www.buyyellow.com/index_flash.html
Or by using the contact information in the directories you likely have laying around your house.
Because in the Home Inventory Service business, "all business is local," you should consider at least a line listing in your local Yellow Pages (many areas have more than one book; choose the "major" book for your area, even if the "other" book offers you a better deal). It's probably not worth your while to pay for anything more than a line listing, as (at least in my local books), there isn't a specific Yellow Pages section for "Home Inventory Service." You just want to be listed in the White Pages so that if someone knows your business name, they can find you there.
I do not have a land line phone as I only use cell phones. I have the Family Plan with Verizon wireless with two phones and two different numbers. One is my personal phone which is never given out for business and the other is my business phone. I place the phone on vibrate and dont answer it while doing an inventory as it is unprofessional and takes time away from the client. The extra line is only $9.95 per month and both share the minutes, plus the air time between them is free.
Linda, my Customer Service person has the business phone, so if someone does call, she answers it if she is available. Otherwise it goes to voicemail and one of us will get the message later.
I have a separate business line and I give my cell phone out. I write both of them off. I DO NOT answer the cell when on an inventory. Its like stealing money from your client Erik
Hello I was wondering what type of phone do you use for primary business and customer contacts. cell, home phone, or do you use a separate home business phone. and do you take phone calls while on an inventory. I'm looking for the best business practice to use for professionalism.
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Hello I was wondering what type of phone do you use for primary business and customer contacts. cell, home phone, or do you use a separate home business phone. and do you take phone calls while on an inventory. I'm looking for the best business practice to use for professionalism. 
