New business phone number

[PDRD]

Hello all,

I need to get a new phone number for my Ltd Co. which will initially operate from my home. I have a second mobile phone in place to give me a separate number but I wish to provide an alternative to mobile as some customers (general public) are wary of mobile only phone numbers.

My initial thought was to get a second landline installed at home but are there other options? Can you get virtual numbers? Something like a freephone 08001234567 which automatically re-directs to my mobile, so the customer phones 0800 but come through to me?

Where would I look for a service like this?

Are there any pitfalls with this service? Does an 0800 number lack the 'local firm' feel that a second landline would provide?

Any thoughts or advice is welcome.
Thanks
PDR

 

[Nomis Connections]

Hi PDR,

You can get a non-geographic number (0800, 0844, etc.) and point it at your landline or mobile, but you'll be paying a monthly rental and call routing/forwarding charges.

Non-geo numbers are good for a national feel, but if you want more of a local presence you can also go for UK virtual numbers (beginning in 01, 02) that you can also point to a landline/mobile number. Once again you'd pay rental and a forwarding charge.

Your other option is to go for a VoIP solution. You'd get a phone with its own direct dial number and some great features that you manage through an online portal. You can twin your phone with your mobile so both ring at once. You can also add geo and non-geo numbers onto the service without paying a forwarding fee.

It all works over your broadband connection - no need to install a second landline.

We offer the services above and would be happy to go through some options with you to make sure you get the right solution - if you'd like to PM me your details we'd be happy to have a chat.

Matt

 

[ITsoldUK]

Seconded from the above post.

All depends on your target market location.

I would do as above, GEO number for local marketing and 0800 for nationwide.

I use voipfone and can add/remove numbers per campaign as required.

HTH

Regards
Daren

 

[ctrlaura]

Vodafone currently have a Red Business Plan where you can get a local landline number on your mobile.

http://www.vodafone.co.uk/business/price-plans/red-business/index.htm

 

[cjd]

You have a few choices, but I think the best one for you would be to get a number from a VoIP service and answer directly using a proper hardware VoIP phone. That way there are no redirection charges and you can also make outbound calls which present the correct telephone number to your caller.

It's generally best to use a normal 01 or 02 number than any other type. 0800 numbers are less useful than they where because they're not free from mobiles and they are much more expensive - they have their uses though.

If you go the VoIP route you can also divert calls to other phones whenever you need to - it's usually to a mobile for when you're out.

From us a number costs £2 pm. (cf £5 pm for an 0800 and an inbound call fee of 3p per minute)

VoIP is very flexible and will grow as your business grows.

Lot's of options, if you'd like to give us a call on 020 7043 5555 - one of the support guys can talk you through them. (They're tech support, not sales - they'll give you proper advice.)

 

[Aberdeen Accountants]

Check out Soho 66, they offer local UK numbers & 08/03 numbers for a very affordable rate.

I think 0800 numbers can put some people off because they get charged by the mobile operators.

 

[PDRD]

Thanks for the info, I will be in touch with you Voip guys to find out some more info as its not something I have come across before.

I have done some investigating and it seems that my house has a second line physically installed already so it may be a case of BT activating it, but at what cost....

Thanks
People.

One more phone Q but I will start a new thread.

 

[Elam]

Hello -

I am using 'Switchboardfree' (can post link as newbie). Its to a degree a free option. You only pay for forwarding. Incl. answer service and message is forwarded to your email account. Very handy.

Search for those guys. Easy to setup, I use them for years and always works.

 

[Faevilangel]

Bt normally charge £125 to activate a new line

I use Voipfone (from CJD) for my landline, which is a handset attached to my pc, and if I don't answer the phone, it redirects to my mobile.

Cost is £2 a month plus the redirection charges (11p a minute (if I remember) to a mobile).

The flexibility of the Voip system is what drove me to use it, as if I need to move office, I only need to plug the phone in, in the new location and it will work.

No long delays while BT decides to switch it and no reconnection charges.

The phone number is the best money I spend on my business, by a long stretch

 

[GradwellDotCom]

VoIP is definitely your most flexible choice, and great for streamlining your processes and making your business more efficient.

As far as the number goes, you can have a memorable one from any area code you like, for example the area code for Bedford is 01234 - a nice easy one for customers to remember. In many cases, you can choose to keep the number you already have.

We have a page where you can browse the numbers we have: wwwDOTgradwellDOTcom/phoneservices/numbers/

Good luck!

 

[Jet Virtual]

I always say that if you want to target local business it is best to advertise a local number. If you want to target national business then go for an 0845 or 0800 number.

Sometimes it even pays to have both!

Best way is to test.

Best of luck,

Daniel