Experience of 0844 or 0845 numbers

[RJB]

Hi:

Does anyone have any experience of using 0844 / 0845 numbers as a mechanism to redirect calls to a standard phone number? My wife is looking to set up a business and is interested using non-geographic number.

There are a number of companies offering this service for free - many even offering to pay a small amount per call.

As I am a cynic by nature.. I'd be really interested in any feedback on this type of service and any good companies to approach.

Thanks in advance

[SneakSMS]

I know fast2host.com provide it for free (or at least used to). I use them for hosting and their service and customer support is great.

When I used a number temporarily, it was free to set up and forward to a landline, and quick to get running.

http://telecoms.fast2host.com/nts.cgi?target=signup

[edit] they provide 0870 numbers, if that's helpful at all

[KM-Tiger]

A search of this forum should show you many threads discussing why 084* and 087* numbers are not a very good idea.

Why not use a geographic number - much more trustworthy - and VOIP?

[streetslocal]

You could try:
http://www.ukfreeswitchboard.co.uk/

Excellent system and allows call q's and music on hold etc and all free.:)

[KidsBeeHappy]

I use opal telecom for a freephone number. We have used them now for about 7 years and had no problems or issues at all. Everything is very good, and very easy. And the customers tend to use it.

[cjd]

As I am a cynic by nature.. I'd be really interested in any feedback on this type of service and any good companies to approach.

Thanks in advance

You're right to be cynical, you really shouldn't use 08xx numbers (except 0800).

You'll see why here:

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=46850

You can see how we do it here:

https://www.voipfone.co.uk/Call_Forwarding_And_Divert.php

[starsgazing]

There are a number of companies offering this service for free - many even offering to pay a small amount per call.
Just 0845 Numbers (http://www.just0845numbers.co.uk/)
Free for you. Lo-call rates for the customer.. Win - Win :D

[cjd]

Just 0845 Numbers (http://www.just0845numbers.co.uk/)
Free for you. Lo-call rates for the customer.. Win - Win :D

Except for:

65%-78% of consumers either won’t call, are unlikely to call, telephone numbers used in adverts - even for products they are interested in - if they use these numbers: 0845 (65%), mobile (70%), 0870 (73%), 0844 (76%), 0871 (78%).

Source: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/numberingreview/research/

[RJB]

Thanks very much to everyone who replied.

Very much appreciated. The replies have been very helpful indeed.



Thanks again


Robbie

[Call Tracker]

We offer both 0845, 0844 and geographic numbers with reporting underneath and the option of call recording on top. We are about to carry out a test with a large retailer using an 0845/44 for a period of time and a local geographic number after that and will analyse the results. I'll post the details on here when it's completed as I think the whole psychology of whether consumers will call 0845's or not is very interesting.

[JamesCartwright]

As people with some contract mobile have to pay for 084* and 087* numbers (but can get other local number calls included in their free minutes) you may lose some customers who don't want to pay extra to call you. I'd go with a regular number.

[cjd]

As a by-the-by, we're just about to tell our people about a new phone trick that allows you to call an 0800 for free using your mobile.

If you you have contract a mobile with included minutes, you call this number

029 2000 0800 (put it in your phone book)

then dial the 0800 number you need. You don't need to be a Voipfone customer and you won't be charged anything for either call.

It works because you get 02 numbers included in your call package and we get a tiny amount from the network operators that carry the calls. It's not enough to make it worth our while but we dislike extortionate mobile call pricing so we do what we can.

Even if you have a paygo mobile, it's usually cheaper than calling the 0800 number direct - you need to check your provider.