Rebate on 0870 numbers?

[multilingual]

I have just been contacted by a company who wish to handle my incoming calls from my 0870 number. They don't want to deal with outgoing calls, not interested in selling me anything else.

I will get back 2p per minute from them if I switch. In other words they will pay ME to receive calls.

Am I missing something or is this a basic thing that I have been unaware of?

JB

[Top Hat]

The answer is yes you can earn on 0870 numbers, if you search Google I've seen offers of around 4p per min.

However the telecoms companies that operate them are often dodgy (my experience anyway) so investigate your supplier.

We use square1communications and get 1.5p per min (I think, maybe 2p) but most importantly they are reliable and they pay.

[multilingual]

Cheers T.H.

Been doing my own homework on this and it seems as though I can get about £200 per year back at 2p per minute.

However, just been looking at another thread on a similar topic and many people are saying that 0870 has a negative image.

I suppose that making money out of customers phone calls is a bit naughty really.

JB

[MorethanWords]

It is a bit naughty, yes. But everyone does it.

A financial adviser I know supplies regular numbers for existing clients and 0845 for big corporates to phone back on and on promotional material.

In other words, he keeps existing clients happy by not having a higher rate number, but takes advantage of the big boys in the same way they take advantage of everyone.

[mustang]

A client of mine once said:

"I am sure that I want a person who moans about calling an 0870 number to be my customer"

I would say that not all of us are able to think that way...he must be in a pretty comfortable position.

[Rob Holmes]

We had a 0800 number and switched to 0871 (10ppm) for support calls and it certainly increased the quality of the support calls - yes 0870 and 71 have a negative image to those who want to be on the phone alot but we use them to our advantage.

Also private clients get my direct line so they don't have to pay large amounts per minute to call.

Rob

[billcutter]

Joe Public dont like calling 0870 numbers,and you might lose customers as a result of using one.Because they are not included in free call packages,and it can can cost up to approx 8p a minute to call one at peak rate.

Ofcom are proposing banning revenue sharing on them anyway.

Have a look at the site www.saynoto0870.com to get a feel of the problem.

[multilingual]

Interesting views on that site.

However, I would have to say that if Joe Public are put off, but business users aren't then that is fine by me.

If we change to 0845 or 0800 then we might see a slight increase in calls but, like Mattrix points out, what will the quality of those calls be?

0870 might keep the 'tyre kickers' away. (metaphorically speaking)

JB

[free0870numbers.co.uk]

As I provide these numbers I would have to suggest going for an 0870 or 0845 for most businesses.

If you are in a really competitive industry then an 0800 number maybe best.

Most of our customers go for 0870 as they make on the calls and the callers are of better quality.

If anyone is interested I can provide either free to uk business forum members and offer a rebate of 1.75p per min on 0870 numbers. I will also lower the pay out minimum to £20 instead of £30.

[odeniyi]

Revenue share for 0870 numbers will be phased out within 12 months and the calls to 0870 numbers lowered. This is due to consumer complaints similar to dialling 070 numbers.

We offer numbers but don't give rebates for anything lower than 10, 000 minutes per month.

We rather focus on providing additional functionality that helps clients' business and image. Virtual switchboards and low cost call answering are two such services.

Enjoy the ride while it lasts :)

[free0870numbers.co.uk]

If you don't want to offer a revenue share then all your customers will just choose 0845 numbers surely?

0700 numbers have started to phase out as the call charges are close on 4 times that of an 0870 number.

Can I ask where you got your information that revenue share will be phased out in 12 months?

[odeniyi]

Have a look at the ofcom link below for where I got my info.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2005/09/nr_20050928

0871 is also to be re-classified as premium rate. The changes will upset the business plan for a lot of companies. Methinks Free numbers will disappear over night and those who have "FREE" numbers will suddenly be charged.

Your thoughts?

[free0870numbers.co.uk]

Well that is interesting...

Thanks for the heads up. I heard about changes to ngn's a while ago but this seems a bit more official now.

It does mention in the report that if suppliers wish to keep the prices at the current rate then they can do.

If they inform the customer at the start of each call. This means that customers will be even more confused as to what they are paying for a call to an 0870/0871 number and will have to phone it to find out.

I think a little chat with suppliers and ofcom is needed to find out exactly what is going on.

[Hayles]

On the subject of call charges, can anyone offer some advice on how to reduce our quarterly phone bill of around £1,000!?

We have two landline numbers, one for our venue and one for our catering company. As we're not in the office all the time, we have them both on permanent divert to our mobiles - hence the high charges as we pay for the calls.

We're seriously considering changing to an answerphone giving our mobile numbers but I'm really not sure if this would be a good idea. We pride ourselves on answering the calls. If I'm looking for a supplier and an answerphone cuts in I usually hang up!

Any ideas or suggestions?

[odeniyi]

Hayles,

If you send us copies of your last bill and tell us who your using we'll see if we can offer you a cheaper deal- normally this is possible.

Alternatively it might be cheaper to use a call answering service who forward on messages.

Another option is to use an 0845 number which tries several locations before routing to the mobiles. This means you answer the call when you can and only divert to mobile when you're not in the office rather than permanent divert.

Another slant is to use an 0845 number and a call answering service. Try your office number first, try the mobile and answer if convenient or use the call answering service if it isn't.

This kind of advice is our area of speciality so send me a private message if you want more info or details - as can be seen here we freely give information to all.

[odeniyi]

Icmeredith,

Act below if you're concerned about ofcoms proposals...

http://www.inboundresellers.com/

[free0870numbers.co.uk]

Hi

Already registered. Was going to tell you about it actually. Don't know if it will make a difference though.