Why do you use 08** numbers

[Premier Numbers]

Hi all,

Perhaps you could help me out. Why do you choose to advertise an 0845 or an 0800 etc number for your business?

What do you consider to be the pro's and cons?

Thanks

 

[CherylDavis]

Not really an answer but a consumers point of view:

I was offered such numbers and turned it down. I do not want to use them, they are annoying and most people have either mobile phones which are not included in the "free costs" anyway or home bundle deals and such costs are higher and not included in the deal.

My cons are therefore that they are not value for customers and most of us look up lists to avoid them if we can. (Rant rant rant. 0845) 0800 on the other hand from a home phone is ok. If you want to call a company, most are usually out and about or at work.

Pro's if you want to be a more national company 0800 avoids using local numbers.
Bear in mind that people from abroad can't ring 0800 0r 0845 either ( I believe they can't anyway, could be wrong.)

A person who does these tried to convince me I should have one of these, but I stil feel not value for me or my customers.

Just a personal opinion though.

 

[smo]

We are looking at getting an 0800 number because we want to make it cheaper (incentivise) people to call us.

The problem ive found is good numbers seem to cost up to £1000 and there is no way i'm paying that on top of the call costs just to save a customer 5p!

 

[fisicx]

I won't call an 08 number. It's not included in my mobile phone package so it's not free.

It's been shown that a local number Is more effective even for national organisations.

There are no pros only cons.

 

[Premier Numbers]

I won't call an 08 number. It's not included in my mobile phone package so it's not free.

It's been shown that a local number Is more effective even for national organisations.

There are no pros only cons.

I have to agree that the mobile networks are not playing ball when it coms to 08 numbers. Lets hope Ofcom have their way with them soon! There is the 03 option for mobile users and they are becoming more and more popular. They are included into inclusive minutes for mobile callers.....fantastic numbers!

 

[fisicx]

In other words, there is no reason to have an 08 number.

 

[Premier Numbers]

In other words, there is no reason to have an 08 number.

There are plenty of reasons to have an 08 number for your business, professional image, national coverage, etc etc

I was just interested in peoples personal reasons for wanting to advertise them for their businesses

Premier Numbers

 

[Talay]

In other words, there is no reason to have an 08 number.

A huge percentage of your potential customer base will never understand any other free number than 0800. They may understand it is not free from a mobile at the minute but to be honest, most folk know 0800 and they think every other number such as 0870, 0844, 0843 and 030 anything are all akin to 2012 versions of the 1990s 0898 premium rate numbers.

Now you can spend the rest of eternity trying to educate them, where BT and the government has failed (does anyone remember 0808 ?) or accept that 0800 can possibly drive enquiries from which you can make sales or offer up a non geographic number or limit yourself to a single area code telephone number.

0800 does cost though, so if you are selling widgits with average prices of 5p and mean quantities of 20, you make think it is not worthwhile. However, if you sell products or services with values in the £100s or £1000s, then the price of a 10/20/50p phone call would appear a pretty good return on your investment.

At the moment, it needs to be backed up with a mobile friendly number for sure but given the choice, I'll call the 0800 from my landline and I'll never call a profit sharing or non geographic number if I can possibly help it.

 

[crphillips]

We have 0800 numbers. We're stacked out with work and always have been. If someone is too tight to pay the charge from a mobile then they ain't going to spend 6k with us so I'm happy for them to go ring the crappy one man band down the road for 5p a minute less.

My main reason for the 0800 number is that we keep expanding and moving premises and it takes about 2 mins for me to transfer my 0800 number to my new landline. I can move to any area and don't need to change a thing. Same website, same business cards, same invoice and same quotes.

 

[Consistency]

I have to agree that the mobile networks are not playing ball when it coms to 08 numbers. Lets hope Ofcom have their way with them soon! There is the 03 option for mobile users and they are becoming more and more popular. They are included into inclusive minutes for mobile callers.....fantastic numbers!

I hate number beginning with 08 and 03. They are not included in minutes but so many times we will ring a company and they say "sorry we only have an 084, I interupt and say I don't like dialling 0845's and she says "oh it's not an 0845, it is an 0844, if you would have let me finish"

Bizarre - same blooming thing.

Why should mobile companies play ball however? Are these freephone numbers going to pay to pick up a mobile call?

I hate these numbers, if I see a company advertising 0844, 08 anything, I skip and go to the next. Can't always do it with banks and so on but even Tesco and Boots has an 0845.

 

[Premier Numbers]

I hate number beginning with 08 and 03. They are not included in minutes but so many times we will ring a company and they say "sorry we only have an 084, I interupt and say I don't like dialling 0845's and she says "oh it's not an 0845, it is an 0844, if you would have let me finish"

Bizarre - same blooming thing.

Why should mobile companies play ball however? Are these freephone numbers going to pay to pick up a mobile call?

I hate these numbers, if I see a company advertising 0844, 08 anything, I skip and go to the next. Can't always do it with banks and so on but even Tesco and Boots has an 0845.

Most large companies will offer an 08 number as they cover a national customer base. 01/02 & mobile numbers advertised by companies tend to be smaller one man bands. 0845 numbers are actually included into many bt plans and also many mobile providers have these numbers included into inclusive minutes as a 'bolt on' package.

 

[crphillips]

I can't really say I bat an eyelid at an 0800 number. I just ring whatever I need to ring to get the job done. I wouldn't ring premium rate technical lines but anything else I'm not fussed. All depends how many numbers your phoning a day i suppose.

It's lucky my customers don't base their decision on who they use by the number they have.

We don't have a memorable 0800 number. Got a couple of double figures in it but that's it. I have no desire for a memorable one as I don't advertise so don't need people to remember it.

 

[David Griffiths]

. 01/02 & mobile numbers advertised by companies tend to be smaller one man bands. .

Are you serious?

 

[Premier Numbers]

Are you serious?

Indeed.unless of course the company in question has purchased a local number in each area, thus advertising nationally on a local scale. Or purchased a specific memorable local number. By smaller companies, I mean local ones

 

[No Missed Calls]

Hi, we use an 08 number to portray a national image and not to be constrained to a particular region.

 

[David Griffiths]

Indeed.unless of course the company in question has purchased a local number in each area, thus advertising nationally on a local scale. Or purchased a specific memorable local number. By smaller companies, I mean local ones

You said "one man bands".

 

[Premier Numbers]

You said "one man bands".

Indeed, these are also included

 

[David Griffiths]

Indeed, these are also included

You said that 01/02 numbers tend to be one man bands. Not that they were included. Clearly a ridiculous statement.

 

[Premier Numbers]

Thank you for your opinion

 

[MartinLedley]

I could only give you the same answers other have, but what I will say is that you can find alternative numbers to 0845 etc... numbers by going to saynoto0870.com. you'll be surprised how many alternative free numbers there are for the premium rate ones.

 

[Premier Numbers]

Perhaps it would help if people were properly educated in regards to these 08 numbers. 0845 numbers as an example cost 2p per min to call daytime and 0.5p all other times. Hardly 'premium rate'

 

[roydmoorian]

Perhaps it would help if people were properly educated in regards to these 08 numbers. 0845 numbers as an example cost 2p per min to call daytime and 0.5p all other times. Hardly 'premium rate'

Considering that over 50% of all calls are nowadays made from mobile phones where the user has already paid for a call "bundle" could you tell me what the cost of phoning an 0845 or 0844 or 0870 or even an 0800 number would be ?

 

[Premier Numbers]

Considering that over 50% of all calls are nowadays made from mobile phones where the user has already paid for a call "bundle" could you tell me what the cost of phoning an 0845 or 0844 or 0870 or even an 0800 number would be ?

Assuming you have the 0845 bundle then they are inclusive. If not then it would really depend on your mobile provider and you would need to check with them.

I can tell you that 03 numbers are mobile friendly, ie inclusive from mobiles

 

[roydmoorian]

Assuming you have the 0845 bundle then they are inclusive. If not then it would really depend on your mobile provider and you would need to check with them.

I can tell you that 03 numbers are mobile friendly, ie inclusive from mobiles

So if I pay extra for an 0845 bundle (didn't know that they existed) then that would cover calling an 0870 nuumber ?

 

[Premier Numbers]

So if I pay extra for an 0845 bundle (didn't know that they existed) then that would cover calling an 0870 nuumber ?

I believe 0845 is standardly inclusive with bt. As for 0870, they used to be charged at 10p a minute. Of com has now changed this. Doubtful they would be included in to minutes to be honest

 

[Daxo]

A business is advertising a service; I am interested in procuring their service and wish to make enquiries, - why do I have to pay for the privilege of making an enquiry? This is the problem I have with 0845 numbers and similar. Why does a company who wants to do business with me believe it is right that I am charged to phone them in pursuit of availing their services? Besides 0800 numbers, non geographic numbers offer no value to consumers whatsoever.

As for the OP’s assertion that 0845 numbers and similar are free from mobiles if you buy them as a ‘bolt on’ bundle of minutes, I’m sorry but that is idiocy, - if I’ve had to PAY for a bolt on bundle then it is clearly NOT free.

 

[cjd]

08xx numbers are no use to the vast majority of businesses - according to Ofcom, they will actually prevent people calling you. By far the best numbers to use are 01 or 02 but if you need a so called national presence, use an 03.

(08 numbers are promted by telcos because they get a revenue share, not because they're any use to you for your business.)

 

[Premier Numbers]

08xx numbers are no use to the vast majority of businesses - according to Ofcom, they will actually prevent people calling you. By far the best numbers to use are 01 or 02 but if you need a so called national presence, use an 03.

(08 numbers are promted by telcos because they get a revenue share, not because they're any use to you for your business.)

I'd have to disagree with you. 01 and 02 numbers are great for local advertising but 08 are better for national. With more and more people becoming familiar with 03 numbers I believe these will soon be the number of choice for businesses

 

[mrsadcafe]

I have noticed you are all talking about telephone numbers and would like to know what would be best for a one man band like me to drum up some business.

At present i only use my mobile no.I was thinking about an 0800 for the North west but i was told in the past that customers ring local lines and not numbers out of the area,not sure about 0800 no,s.

sorry no intention of pinching the thread,i have only just started my business up and wondered what customers go for?

 

[british steve]

I don’t think anyone cares about 0800 number anymore. When BT had the monopoly and calls were expensive then they had their place. Since phone calls are now so cheap people don’t really care and many people are now on call inclusive price plans so are not bothered by calling 01/02/03 numbers. Also until 0800 numbers do become free to call from a mobile the 40p plus per minute call charge will put those people off. Until recently we had have a dozen 0800 numbers and over the last 3 years traffic has died on them hence we have now cancelled them and only use 01 number. As for 0845, 0844, 0870 numbers etc, many people won’t phone them at all as they have no idea how much the call is or will cost.

These days 0800 numbers are a waste of time and money.

 

[cjd]

I'd have to disagree with you. 01 and 02 numbers are great for local advertising but 08 are better for national. With more and more people becoming familiar with 03 numbers I believe these will soon be the number of choice for businesses

It's not me you're disagreeing with - opinions are irrelevant - it's Ofcom research.

Telephone numbers are all designed for different purposes. Telephone companies talk of them as ‘products’ – they are not all equal.

Telephone numbers are also perceived differently by consumers. How they feel about a number and what they think it costs them to dial it, can radically affect what they think about your company and whether they will call you or not.

In short, they are part of your brand and image and they are not easily changed once chosen, so it’s important you consider the type of number to use carefully

Ofcom research tells us that:
1. Consumers know what 01 & 02 numbers (geographic numbers) are and believe them to be the cheapest number to call
2. 64% of consumers know that 0800 are free to call
3. Consumers think there is little difference in cost of calling 0844, 0845, 0870, 0871
4. Consumers always overestimate how much all types of calls cost.
5. Consumers are less likely to call numbers that they perceive to be more expensive to call and/or are unfamiliar to them.
6. 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/

 

[Moneyman]

i think that they are over rated except for big companies which are obviosly spread across hundreds of sites.
the cost of telephoning is basically not an issue anymore. you get so many free minutes or free periods to make the per call cost a minor cost. The real pain in the butt is when you are on a mobile and you get all that speel about charges everytime you call. For a small company it tells the customer nothing and can mean that it is impersonal.

 

[cjd]

I have noticed you are all talking about telephone numbers and would like to know what would be best for a one man band like me to drum up some business.

At present i only use my mobile no.I was thinking about an 0800 for the North west but i was told in the past that customers ring local lines and not numbers out of the area,not sure about 0800 no,s.

Customers do ring local numbers and do not like 08 numbers. That's just a fact. Occasionally there is a need for national number. In that case 03 is generally the best choice these days because they're included in mobile packages and are charged at normal national rates.

But on top of that, you need to consider not just the inbound side of things - ie how customers can call you - but also how you can call them.

Most number providers are just resellers providing an inbound service only. They make a living by charging combinations of a monthly fee, a divert charge to your mobile or landline (because they can't provide an actual telephone service themselves) and by receiving a payment from in inbound call provider for use of the revenue sharing 08 numbers.

If you want to dial out using the number you can't, your stuck - your CLI is not your inbound number. And you're probably stuck with the provider who gave you the number too. Most of them can't port numbers to other services so if you get bigger or want to do more with the number, you're bu$$ered.

There are far better and cheaper ways than using an inbound number provider these days. [Oviously this means VoIP ]

 

[Talay]

Perhaps it would help if people were properly educated in regards to these 08 numbers. 0845 numbers as an example cost 2p per min to call daytime and 0.5p all other times. Hardly 'premium rate'

I have Sky for my landline. It might cost 5p plus VAT to call a 0845 but there is a ridiculous 10-15p set up cost. Go factor that in as well !

 

[crphillips]

I think if you have to worry about the odd 5p or 10p per minute then you need a new job.

 

[Talay]

Considering that over 50% of all calls are nowadays made from mobile phones where the user has already paid for a call "bundle" could you tell me what the cost of phoning an 0845 or 0844 or 0870 or even an 0800 number would be ?

Source ?

Calls by number or calls in length ?

 

[Talay]

08xx numbers are no use to the vast majority of businesses - according to Ofcom, they will actually prevent people calling you. By far the best numbers to use are 01 or 02 but if you need a so called national presence, use an 03.

(08 numbers are promted by telcos because they get a revenue share, not because they're any use to you for your business.)

Ofcom research tells us that:
1. Consumers know what 01 & 02 numbers (geographic numbers) are and believe them to be the cheapest number to call
2. 64% of consumers know that 0800 are free to call
3. Consumers think there is little difference in cost of calling 0844, 0845, 0870, 0871
4. Consumers always overestimate how much all types of calls cost.
5. Consumers are less likely to call numbers that they perceive to be more expensive to call and/or are unfamiliar to them.
6. 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/cond...view/research/

But your own quoted research states that 64% of people know calls to 0800 are free. Do you seriously think people knowing numbers are free to call somehow makes them less likely to call rather than more likely ?

65%-78% won't call revenue sharing numbers but how many will call 0800, which 64% know is free to call ?

What percentage of customer know what 01 & 02 numbers are and believe them to be the cheapest number to call ? Is that more or less than the 64% who know 0800 numbers are free to call ?

What percentage of the population knows how much it is to call the much touted 03 numbers ?

As with all lies, damned lies and statistics, what appears to be an argument denigrating 0800 numbers may actually be one supporting their use because the only quoted relevant statistic is that nearly 2/3rds of the population knows, not thinks, but knows that 0800 numbers are free to call.

 

[cjd]

But your own quoted research states that 64% of people know calls to 0800 are free. Do you seriously think people knowing numbers are free to call somehow makes them less likely to call rather than more likely ?

I'm not arguing against 0800. 0800 are pretty well known and understood by customers and they had an honest job to do as sales lines. BUT their value has been eroded by the high use of mobiles where the call is not only not free but is actually expensive.

They're still useful for marketing campaigns but to get over the fact that not everyone knows what they are and that they can't be called for free from mobiles, they should always be used in conjunction with an 01 or 02 number and in adverts using the words 'free call 0800 etc' so that all the bases are coverd.

But you can't compare 0800 with other 08 numbers because 0800 are paid for by the owner of the number at a pence per second rate - they are actually very expensive to use for the number owner. Whereas other 08 numbers charge the caller and pay the number owner a kickback. In other words, the caller - your customer - is paying twice to call you and they resent it (as the numbers show).

65%-78% won't call revenue sharing numbers but how many will call 0800, which 64% know is free to call ?

Sadly the Ofcom link no longer works or I could tell you, but we can make a few intelligent guesses.

Start with 36% not knowing what an 0800 number is then, of the 64% who know what it is add an amount for those who only use a mobile and don't want to pay for an expensive call.

Whatever your guesses are, you've limited your market unnecessarily.

What percentage of customer know what 01 & 02 numbers are and believe them to be the cheapest number to call ? Is that more or less than the 64% who know 0800 numbers are free to call ?

Again I could tell you if Ofcom hadn't removed the paper. However, it's safe to say (and Ofcom's paper said it) that almost everyone knows what an 01 number is and that it's the cheapest number to call (0800 excepted). I'd worry a little more - but not much - about 02, but as it's used for London, I doubt there's a significant issue there.

What percentage of the population knows how much it is to call the much touted 03 numbers ?

Very low. It's a risk using one at the moment although their use by public bodies like doctors, the BBC, hospitals etc is getting them more widely know. I only suggest using them if you really must have a national number. My position is that 01 and 02 are the best numbers you can use in almost all circumstances, but if you must use a national number an 03 is the best choice.

(Unless you need a free call sales line - but until the mobile issue is solved for 0800, I'd still avoid using one.)

As with all lies, damned lies and statistics, what appears to be an argument denigrating 0800 numbers may actually be one supporting their use because the only quoted relevant statistic is that nearly 2/3rds of the population knows, not thinks, but knows that 0800 numbers are free to call.

This is not an argument denigrating 0800 numbers; they have their (limited) uses, it's an augment denigrating other 08 numbers - almost all of them are forms of theft in my opinion and will actually harm your business if you use them.

 

[fisicx]

And don't forget that 0800 suggests you re going to connect with a call centre or answering service. 01 or 02 suggests you are going to connect with someone who can help.

0800 might be free from a landline but you can get more leads if people perceive they aren't going to get a press 1 for sales tie message.

 

[Talay]

And don't forget that 0800 suggests you re going to connect with a call centre or answering service. 01 or 02 suggests you are going to connect with someone who can help.

0800 might be free from a landline but you can get more leads if people perceive they aren't going to get a press 1 for sales tie message.

Utter tosh.

Please show me the evidence to support your proposition that people think 0800 numbers are reserved for call centres and all 01 and 02 numbers are connected to helpful people.

I have an 02 number and can be very unhelpful if you call my residential number when you should be calling a call centre !