Land-line and mobile number, or solely mobile?

[deanpunchard]

Hey,

First real post here, and just after some opinions.

Firstly, I'm a freelance 3D artist. I work mainly from home, but do sometimes take contract where I work in other studios.

I am wondering what to do with regards to phone numbers. Currently I have a mobile number, and this is on my website, and other stationary. However I'm thinking that just a mobile number may make me appear more amateur and perhaps put people off calling. For me personally, I wouldn't be put off ringing a mobile number, as I would feel I'm getting directly to the person I want to speak to, but perhaps others don't think the same?

The cost of a land-line isn't massive, aprox £15, but I'm not a fan of throwing money away for no good reason!

The other option is to look at the forwarding services online to my mobile, however I know very little about this, and wouldn't know where to start!

So I guess my question is whether to install a land-line, as well as the mobile, or just stick to mobile only?

Cheers,

Dean

 

[fisicx]

Are you getting enough work through the mobile? If not then you need to look at other options (including a landline). On the other hand, it could be your marketing that's not up to scratch and landline won't make it any better.

But if it were up to me I'd have both options so that your potential clients have a choice.

 

[Faevilangel]

I did exactly the same as you and had my mobile everywhere, I spoke to a UKBF member called CJD who runs a VOIP company, which lets you buy landline numbers and redirect to a mobile.

It costs £2.40 a month (inc vat) but gives a much better appearance for a business.

I started off with just the redirect to my mobile but it got more expensive (calls to mobiles are charged at 10p a min) so I bought a phone through them and if I don't answer the landline, it's redirected to my mobile. Best of both worlds.

It's one of the best decisions I made as it pays for itself so many times over.

 

[cjd]

You should really have an 01 or 02 number - 07 mobile numbers are ok for plumbers, builders and other trades that are expected to be on site or travelling but not for office- based businesses - it tells the world that you're very small and haven't gone to the expense of getting a 'proper' number.

01/2 numbers also feel less disposable, less anonymous - people like to feel that the comapny they are dealing with actually exists ;-)

Have a look at this:

http://www.voipfone.co.uk/EP_UK_Telephone_Numbers.php

 

[StevensOnln1]

Another recommendation for Voipfone from me. Their tech support were very helpful with setting up my phone when I switched from another VoIP provider.

 

[GraemeL]

Same recommendation for cjd's business from me also I now have a Cambridge landline number that I can divert to my mobile as I choose.

G

 

[ianm10]

Also worth checking with your ISP. I have two geographical VOIP numbers provided by my ISP for free. All you then need is a VOIP phone or you could use a softphone (e.g. windows, Android or iPhone app)

 

[ITsoldUK]

Another tic here for cjd and voipfone.

Hassle free and very flexible.

Maintaining and securing websites since 2004.

 

[dnorkett]

Vodafone do a mobile phone business contract, that is both a mobile and landline, so you can ring the landline number and it goes straight to the mobile, no divert costs, no landline costs.

I have found it quite useful as I don't have an office as such, and I also think it looks a little better to have a landline number on the website.

 

[Alan]

We also use & recommend voipfone.

The pre and post sales support is excellent. Not that we needed much, but just a little when getting things going.

We have a local number to our area. If you are dealing with smaller local businesses this helps them understand that you are a local service, in our opinion.

With voipfone, we started with just free computer based software (Voiper) which works a bit like Skype, we also had redirects and voice mail.

Later we purchased 'real' phones, we actually got Cisco phones, which were easy to plug in and set up rather than the Snom phones supplied by voipfone (sorry cjd) only because the cisco were cheaper. They work very well.

 

[deanpunchard]

Thanks for the advice. VoIP does appear to be a good solution, and would remove the need to physically install a new line. I think I'll give the software version a go, my pc is always on when I'm in the office, however I'd need to check that it works ok alongside my other programs as I use very processor intensive programs.

Also worth checking with your ISP. I have two geographical VOIP numbers provided by my ISP for free. All you then need is a VOIP phone or you could use a softphone (e.g. windows, Android or iPhone app)

Can you elaborate on the softphone idea please? I have an android mobile and this coukd be another solution.

Cheers guys,

Dean

 

[Alan]

Zoiper softphone has an android app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zoiper.android.app&hl=en

With voipfone you can have multiple extensions (£1/month each) one can be your android, one could be your PC with Zoipersoft phone, one could be a deskphone. They can all be linked to a group so they all ring at once. Or any combination of what ever.

 

[cjd]

The best smartphone VoIP app we've seen so far is Acrobits:

http://www.voipfone.co.uk/acrobits.php

(I notice that that page reads like a bloody advert - i need to get it changed!)

 

[Alan]

@cjd I did search your site before posting, using the keyword 'android' and it came up with nothing thats why I missed Acrobits.

When you update the page you can include Acrobits for Android too http://www.acrobits.cz/95/sip-voip-for-android-devices

 

[deanpunchard]

Thanks for all your advice, I have decided to go with Voipfone, and all seems to be great with it so far! I decided to go with the software version for the time being, and I'll see if I need anything more in the future.

Cheers,

Dean

 

[The Cue Store]

Another vote for Voipfone, currently having it redirected to my mobile.

Going to set it up to Snom300 in the next couple of months as well for when I'm in the office, just need to I work out what I need to do it.

Any advice CJD?

 

[ITsoldUK]

Another vote for Voipfone, currently having it redirected to my mobile.

Going to set it up to Snom300 in the next couple of months as well for when I'm in the office, just need to I work out what I need to do it.

Any advice CJD?

Nothing.

Just login to you voipfone account. Connect the phone and it will config with your account auto style.

The actual steps may vary but that is it in a nutshell.

Simples

Regards
Daren

 

[cjd]

Another vote for Voipfone, currently having it redirected to my mobile.

Going to set it up to Snom300 in the next couple of months as well for when I'm in the office, just need to I work out what I need to do it.

Any advice CJD?

There's not much to do, you just buy a snom from us and it arrives pre-configured; just plug it into your router and it'll work. You then just set up a divert when you need it.

We're in the process of submitting an app to Apple which will automatically divert from your snom to your mobile (and back again) when you move outside a set location. That'll be out in feb sometime.

Otherwise just call 020 7043 5555 and talk to one of the guys about it.

 

[thelegalstop]

In my opinion the "credibility" of landlines is getting less important, however some people, sometimes even unconsciously prefer to contact companies with a land line. As the others say, if you have enough work through the mobile and you have built up your name - then why bother with a land-line. On the other hand - it does not cost a fortune. I believe that if you are good at what you do and manage to build up a name in your niche, people will not be that concerned on whether you have a land line or not

 

[Faevilangel]

I can vouch for the snom phones being auto configured, just plug in and they work straight away.

Been running mine 23 months now and couldn't be without it.

 

[The Cue Store]

Thanks for the replies.

Is there anyway of setting up wireless probably a stupid question.

 

[cjd]

Thanks for the replies.

Is there anyway of setting up wireless probably a stupid question.

Not daft at all - it's a common request.

There are no good WiFi VoIP phones - they're just too battery hungry.

Luckily DECT phones are a much better solution anyway. The Gigaset range are the best at the moment.

http://www.voipfone.co.uk/shop.php?method=view&pid=68

 

[The Cue Store]

I'll have a look at the Gigaset one. The other option is a long ethernet cable so I can use the Snom 300.

 

[Faevilangel]

If your pc isn't next to your router (like mine, I am upstairs) there is a cheating way to get the snom working without an extra long cable.

Plug the ethernet into the pc, and then set up the phone to share the internet connection from your pc.

My pc runs on wireless, and my phone runs perfectly from that

 

[The Cue Store]

I'll be working on a laptop as I'm not a fan of PC's after years of using laptops.

 

[Faevilangel]

Same thing applies, just plug in the ethernet and voila the phone would work.

 

[cjd]

Faevilangel means that the snom has an integral switch so you take your ethernet cable out of your PC/laptop, plug it into the snom, then plug another cable into the snom and connect to the PC/Laptop.

Of course, if you're using WiFi instead of a cable connection, this isn't going to work for you....

 

[The Cue Store]

I will be using WiFi so a long Ethernet cable it is then.

 

[Alan]

Instead of long cable you can use power line adaptors. They work a treat.

I use TP-Link http://www.tp-link.com/common/subject/powerline/TL-PA211/

 

[Faevilangel]

Of course, if you're using WiFi instead of a cable connection, this isn't going to work for you....

works for me My pc only has a wifi connection and runs my phone fine

 

[The Cue Store]

So you aren't directly connected to the internet?

 

[Faevilangel]

So you aren't directly connected to the internet?

Correct, my pc has no internet connection plugged into it, it uses a wireless card I added to it.

The phone is then connected to the pc via the ethernet which shares the connection from the wireless card.

I used to run an ethernet to the pc, but it was 30m+ and was trailing up the stairs etc so I ditched it.

 

[The Cue Store]

Sounds like the option I'll be taking thanks.

 

[cjd]

works for me My pc only has a wifi connection and runs my phone fine

Well that'd good to know - generally speaking though, it's not a recommended method, but if it works, it works

 

[The Cue Store]

The less wiring the better I think, but that's just my opinion.

 

[Faevilangel]

Well that'd good to know - generally speaking though, it's not a recommended method, but if it works, it works

Exactly, I used the same method to run my media player until I upgraded to the wireless version

 

[BusinessTeam]

Evening,

We agree with all other advice, a geographic number will enhance your brand and nature tat clients see you as n established operation. Www.voicehost.co.uk get our vote every time, just £2 per month for a geographic number.

Best wishes

Richard

 

[Carolyn1124]

Thank you all!

I stumbled across this thread when Googling non-geographic telephone numbers. Now it looks like the answer to my question is Voipfone (or others similar ) And I've found this hugely helpful forum to boot! Cheers!

 

[Jet Virtual]

Thank you all!

I stumbled across this thread when Googling non-geographic telephone numbers. Now it looks like the answer to my question is Voipfone (or others similar ) And I've found this hugely helpful forum to boot! Cheers!

That's what forums like this are for

 

[Rosewood Farms]

Instead of long cable you can use power line adaptors. They work a treat.

I use TP-Link http://www.tp-link.com/common/subject/powerline/TL-PA211/

Thanks for that tip - after reading this thread I went out & bought one to connect my home to my office, 150m apart (we previously had a dongle in the home office so this is saving £16 a month and faster internet!).