Is it worth having my address on my website?

[lyonsdown]

I'm told that as I'm a sole trader I don't have to have my address on my website.

As I'm a callout service covering a large area, and customers always prefer someone who's virtually next door them, I thought it might be worth simply not showing my address.

Yes, it would put some people off, but I reckon fewer than who'll be put off seeing I'm located ,for example, 30 miles from them, and therefore will look for another company.

 

[fisicx]

Put your address on the site.

And don't use an 0800 number either. A local number will get you more calls. Just make sure it's clear on your site what area you cover.

How do you know they want a repair man who lives next door? I'd prefer to use someone who knows what they are doing.

PS. Just had a look at your site - there are a bazillion things you could do to improve things. Join UKBF as a full member and get a website review.

 

[lyonsdown]

thanks
I have to say, though, with thousands of customers already, most tell me the 0800 number is the reason the called me.
I can't get a local number for every town in a 50 mile radius of central london.
I used to work for Yellow Pages (when they were good), and their exhaustive research showed customers' main criterion on ringing a local company is that the business is located near them.
Otherwise they think they're paying extra for travelling time, even if they're actually not. And they think if something goes wrong and you have to go back on a freebie, the business would be less likely to return if they're located far away.
Frankly, I think the customers in that research are probably right in most cases.

 

[fisicx]

So if you have thousands of customers already why do you need more?

But if you do, fixing the site will bring in a lot more business.

 

[paulears]

The UK web design association have some useful information - and they mention this"

Registered information: For a UK registered business, the website needs to display the Company Information i.e. the business name, place of registration, registered number, registered office address and if it is a member of a trade association. For sole traders and partnerships, the address of the principle place of business must be displayed. - See more at: http://www.ukwda.org/blog/is-your-website-legal#sthash.Sc2x2oFS.dpuf

This suggests that an address is NOT optional.

 

[HazelC]

Hello,

I would agree with @fisicx - put the address of your website. For me it makes it more real.

I also have to agree with a local telephone number - an 0800 number does put me off calling people, maybe you would find 'thousands more' customers if you used a local number?

Hazel

 

[MrComputerSaint]

Put your address on the site.

And don't use an 0800 number either. A local number will get you more calls. Just make sure it's clear on your site what area you cover.

Agree. Keep the address on there. and people don't like 0800 numbers. I think corporate clients in Medium to large businesses don't care about 0800 numbers as much but small businesses and local residents like the use of a geographic number.

 

[Nochexman]

I have to say, though, with thousands of customers already, most tell me the 0800 number is the reason the called me.

I suspect that people like your 0800 number because it is alongside the local address on your website. If you were to remove the address they would like your 0800 number a lot less.

Maybe you should consider getting a post box address in an area that you would like to generate more business from, add it to your website, and see if that improves your business.

 

[Gecko001]

The address is needed so that if there is a problem the customer can contact you. So at some point in your dealings with your customer you must supply him/her with your name and address if you are a sole trader. You must put your name and address on invoices/receipts. If your website is just advertising your business, I do not see why you need to put your address on it. If you use your website for taking payments then that might be different and you might need to put your name and address on your website.

Basically the customer must know who they have entered into a contract with (written or verbal contract) so that if things go wrong the courts can contact that person to issue writs etc. You will have their address because you sent them the goods or visited them in their home, so you can take action iif the cheque bounces etc. The other party to the contract needs to know your address as well.

 

[Suzanne Smith-Byrne]

I'd day for a local business an address is important.

 

[Paul Norman]

Leaving aside the legal aspects for a moment, I personally would not do business with you if I noticed no physical address on the website.

I also, like Fisicx, no not like 0800 numbers. They can be VERY expensive to call if you are using a mobile. Which I do. Most of the time.

 

[bharris]

Why don't you show both your local number and the 0800. If I wanted a local trade I would (and do) look for a local number, there are many companies who portray as covering local area however they just subcontract the work to actual local trade (they all have a 0800 number). Sell yourself. local address, local number and as said make it very clear as to what you do and what area you cover.

 

[billmccallum1957]

Otherwise they think they're paying extra for travelling time, even if they're actually not.

But they are!!!! If charged by the hour, it will take longer to travel between job site and base & job site and suppliers, so will cost MORE.

If the job is priced as a whole, the price will take into account the additional travel costs and increase the price.

 

[StevensOnln1]

I also, like Fisicx, no not like 0800 numbers. They can be VERY expensive to call if you are using a mobile. Which I do. Most of the time.

0800 numbers have been free to call from mobiles since July last year. Of course lots of people don't realise that so I would still provide a local number alongside an 0800.

 

[Paul Norman]

0800 numbers have been free to call from mobiles since July last year. Of course lots of people don't realise that so I would still provide a local number alongside an 0800.

You are right. I didn't know that. But, as I pay a fixed charge for a call bundle, there is no benefit in 0800 numbers to me. Because even if they are free, they will have the same impact on my bill as otherwise.

And I will be honest here. If I want to contact a business I will. The telephone number being of a certain type is problem not going to swing the decision.

 

[TLMartin]

I use an 0333 number because it is included in minute allowances... although I think more awareness needs to be made of this.

I did hear from a recent client, she nearly didn't; call me because she thought I might use a referral service... i.e. a middle man who got a commission for routing a call to me, thus meaning the price would be more, so I'm currently considering getting a second ghost number of an 01952 to go along side it and give people the choice of both - but this is also good as all calls route to my mobile and as I'm from home at the moment and want to move to an office I don't want a major phone number change in the future

0800 is good as its free phone for all.... but people aren;t always aware its free from mobiles now... so maybe worth giving them a local number to call aswell

 

[Newchodge]

I would not do business with a supplier of any kind that did not show a valid address. where do I send the court claim forms if something goes wrong?

 

[RickyD2411]

yes put your address on your site, its one thing that google looks for when ranking local websites.

 

[Number People]

Research has suggested that 0800 freephone numbers generate 3 times more calls than standard phone numbers, and yes, 0800 numbers are included in mobile call packages now too.

I think it mostly all boils down to preference. 0800 numbers are well known freephone numbers, so some people would take advantage of this and would be more likely to call it, as there is no cost. But on the other hand, there will be those who feel that they wouldn't know who they were calling and so would prefer to call a local area code number.

I would totally agree with other posts and advertise your 0800 freephone alongside a local geographic number to give customers the choice as to which number they call.
<self promotional content removed by Mod>

 

[fisicx]

Research has suggested that 0800 freephone numbers generate 3 times more calls than standard phone numbers, and yes, 0800 numbers are included in mobile call packages now too.

What research? I would rather call a local number than an 0800 number. and if you read the many threads on many fora you will discover most people feel the same.

 

[Vectis]

Research has suggested that 0800 freephone numbers generate 3 times more calls than standard phone numbers...

Just out of interest, research carried out by whom? The consensus of opinion on here would seem not to agree with you.

 

[Number People]

As I said, it does boil down to preference, which is why its a good idea to give the customer the choice and display a variety of numbers.

We provide free local (01,02 or 03) National (0843) and freephone (0800) numbers for business or personal use. Leaving it up to you to decide which number/s would suit you best.

 

[AllUpHere]

As I said, it does boil down to preference, which is why its a good idea to give the customer the choice and display a variety of numbers.

We provide free local (01,02 or 03) National (0843) and freephone (0800) numbers for business or personal use. Leaving it up to you to decide which number/s would suit you best.

You have avoided the question. What research are you referring to regarding 0800 numbers receiving many more calls?

 

[Number People]

I believe the research was carried out by the Institute of Direct Marketing (IDM) and there was also some research carried out by Teleculture 2000 regarding British customers preferring to do business with a company that uses an 0800 number. The Henley Research Centre has also done some research suggesting companies who offer freephone numbers care more about their customers.

But hey, as I said some people love them, some people hate them.

Luckily with virtual numbers people can choose what number they advertise for business / personal use.

 

[fisicx]

So you can't provide any evidence that 0800 numbers generate 3 times more calls than standard phone numbers. It was just a random statement you made up.

Here's something I made up: numberpeople make up statistics and publish them as facts.

 

[simon field]

Here's something I made up: numberpeople.co.uk make up statistics and publish them as facts.

Ah, but there's clear evidence of that Graham

 

[japancool]

Leaving aside the legal aspects for a moment, I personally would not do business with you if I noticed no physical address on the website.

I also, like Fisicx, no not like 0800 numbers. They can be VERY expensive to call if you are using a mobile. Which I do. Most of the time.

0800 numbers are now free from mobiles. But clearly, Ofcom haven't done a very good job in communicating that to people.

 

[japancool]

There is indeed research out there that shows that 0800 numbers generate more calls, certainly when I started out in telecoms. I remember seeing it in various industry magazines.

But that was back in 1998, before mobiles were around. I suspect those statistics are about 15+ years out of date.

 

[Number People]

Bit harsh guys...

We haven't made up any statistics or made up random statements. I have listed the sources.

I don't think we have done anything wrong - simply trying to help out another business by showing them "yeah actually there has been some past research to suggest xxx" but also advised that its down to personal preference.

lyonsdown has already confirmed his customers tell him that the reason they call is because he has the 0800 number.

 

[fisicx]

We haven't made up any statistics or made up random statements. I have listed the sources.

Can you link to the source where is says 0800 numbers generate 3 times more calls than standard phone numbers? I've just done some checking and the sources you mention don't make that claim in any of the reports I've read.

The thread also suggested lyonsdown would get even more calls if he also had a local number on the site. To suggest 0800 is the better option is disingenuous.

PS: it's not harsh - if you make a statement many UKBF members will ask for evidence.

 

[japancool]

Here's the thing - Teleculture 2000, which is a paper published by the Henley Research Centre, was published in 1994.

I was wrong, it seems. The research is over 20 years out of date, not 15 (although I did say "15+"). The supremacy of 0800 numbers in marketing has gone the way of Boo.com, AltaVista and VHS.

 

[Nochexman]

We haven't made up any statistics or made up random statements. I have listed the sources.

Well, actually, you didn't list the sources, you said "I believe the research was carried out by", which isn't the same thing at all.

What you say might be true, but equally it could be untrue.

Maybe you should start from the beginning again :0)

 

[MarekBober]

It is always good to show who/where you are. It always build up trust and looks professional not a mirrage company.... I cannot imagine any B2B player with no such data on the web... gain and remain trust.. this pays off.

Happy to share
Marek

 

[BillWong]

Every Market for every businessman is option,Your will have your own follower by you do so.Find out your value ,principle and offer your best to the clients who need your services and products.

 

[Newchodge]

Every Market for every businessman is option,Your will have your own follower by you do so.Find out your value ,principle and offer your best to the clients who need your services and products.

Well, exactly.

 

[IanG]

Geographic every time, in fact I'd normally not only prefer to see 0151 but also an exchange code local to me also.

0800 generates 3 times the business? The 90s wants its stats back.

 

[Smilemina]

I dont think it's a problem if you put your address in your website, conversely, I think it's a good thing for you, make your website looks more professional,to let people know you more clear, trust you more. for business like this, some time if no address I think they not good maybe want to cheat me...but if have address, I think if anything wrong I can visit the address ask questions.
Of course what you thought is possible happen, but if you offer a good price and good service, people should be like to send an offer to you even you far from them. So I think you can put your address, and write how far and how long to reach, 1-5 km; 5-10km; 10-15km...different distant will be reach different time, put the time but should allow for unforeseen circumstances.

 

[jojo16]

you can rent a virtual address that you can show in your website, it's not worth to put your real address, internet is full of freaks and irresponsible persons,so you should be careful about that