Phone number on back of clothing?

[Lucan Unlordly]

I've been printing clothing for many years and have debated the benefits of having a phone number on the back of workwear throughout that time. I've never ever taken note of and used such to contact the wearers company.

Right now I'm sorting some shirts for a female Dog Walker who's asked for her personal phone number to be included in the design. I'm not so sure it's good practice to share it with the world?

 

[cjd]

That's a decision for your clients surely?

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

That's a decision for your clients surely?

Yes, on a lone female walking across fields and footpaths displaying her phone number for all to see, but I'm more interested in whether anybody takes note of phone numbers these days, if ever?

A web address or snappy slogan yes, a number NO, in my book.

 

[cjd]

I suggest you take a look at the white vans that you see around the place.

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

I suggest you take a look at the white vans that you see around the place.

I suggest you go and see somebody who can help you understand the difference

But let me try.........

A Van, and it doesn't have to be white, has big letters on it and additional explanatory text that can be seen from a distance and often parks in view of potential customers.

A T-shirt doesn't............

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

If you Google "dog walkers near his Lordship"
You will find her number anyway

 

[fisicx]

A number is less useful than a URL, email address or QR code or whatever.

Even on a van

 

[cjd]

I suppose our one-girl dog walker could buy a whole bunch of different T-shirts with phone, URL, QR code, email address, passport number etc and A/B test them for us.
But maybe she just likes to talk to people?

 

[fisicx]

Maybe so. But if you are close enough to see the number why not just talk to them.

 

[cjd]

I'm using binoculars from the car park.

 

[HFE Signs]

My view would be it's fine for something like a construction company using a commercial number, although is this going to encourage nuisance phone calls rather than potential for new work? A company name and website will have the same benefits without the negatives.

A personal number would be a definite no, sadly, you run the risk of becoming a victim of pranks and harassment.

Anyone wanting your services will look you up from the other information you print i.e. Trading Name, Website or Socials

 

[fisicx]

I had my number on a jacket and used to take the dog for a walk at places I found on the internet when I searched for dogging sites. Never used to see many dogs. But did get lots of funny phone calls.

 

[WaveJumper]

Where is this thread leading us

 

[HFE Signs]

I had my number on a jacket and used to take the dog for a walk at places I found on the internet when I searched for dogging sites. Never used to see many dogs. But did get lots of funny phone calls.

Remember the old car stickers 'Honk if you Bonk'

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

I've been printing clothing for many years and have debated the benefits of having a phone number on the back of workwear throughout that time. I've never ever taken note of and used such to contact the wearers company.

Right now I'm sorting some shirts for a female Dog Walker who's asked for her personal phone number to be included in the design. I'm not so sure it's good practice to share it with the world?

Personal safety issues aside would a potential customer really follow someone to note a business phone number?

I'd be much more likely to remember a business name on a T-shirt, or van, and then Google that or mention it to someone.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

QR code to contact page/website?

URL?

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Definitely not number, but name would be fine, who would get out a pen and paper to write down a 11 digit number anyway, a name could easily be remembered

 

[Kerwin]

I imagine it'll be best if the client has one of those special short numbers that are really easy to memorise. I've forgotten what they are called though.

 

[Gecko001]

As far as know there is no law that says that you are not allowed to refuse to put the number on the shirt when it is requested by a customer, though refusing could lead to a difficult conversation. A reason you could give for refusing is that the information is too personal. Suggest a website address instead. That is not too personal.

 

[Kerwin]

As far as know there is no law that says that you can refuse to put the number on the shirt. A reason you could give for refusing is that the information is too personal. Suggest a website address instead. That is not too personal.

Ironically most business websites have their phone number on them.

 

[HFE Signs]

Ironically most business websites have their phone number on them.

Indeed they do, I wish they would all ditch the phone menus and the AI assistance though - our phones are answered by people and we get so many people comment on how nice it is to phone a number and get a real person

 

[cjd]

We know that this lone dog walker has a phone; we don't know she has a website.

 

[Gecko001]

Ironically most business websites have their phone number on them.

They probably do not have a website. If this is the case, problem solved. Can refuse without causing offense.

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

Personal safety issues aside would a potential customer really follow someone to note a business phone number?

In fairness re safety issues, I know it's her personal number, others won't, which may change to a business number as and when she recruits some staff.

I still think it unnecessary, or low on the list of alternatives such as a link to information online, which at this stage will probably be Instagram.

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

I suppose our one-girl dog walker could buy a whole bunch of different T-shirts with phone, URL, QR code, email address, passport number etc and A/B test them for us.
But maybe she just likes to talk to people?

The irrelevance of your reply is gives good reason to suggest you stick with non-descript phone systems.

 

[KM-Tiger]

who would get out a pen and paper to write down a 11 digit number anyway

Pen and paper? So last century. Given that the world and his wife now seem to always have a smart phone at the ready then just photograph the number. Job done, you have it for later.

 

[fisicx]

Pen and paper? So last century. Given that the world and his wife now seem to always have a smart phone at the ready then just photograph the number. Job done, you have it for later.

Or photograph the qr code, url, hashtag, whatever.

 

[cjd]

Lone lady dog walker guys, annual income below taxable personal allowance. No web site, no Facebook page, no tech, cash only. Just call me.

 

[GLAbusiness]

I don't think you should refuse. Better to explain downsides and offer advice

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

I don't think you should refuse. Better to explain downsides and offer advice

I've not said I'll refuse to include the number. Others have thrown that in the mix!


I'm gauging opinions to see if I'm alone in thinking they are less useful than pre web and social media days and will advise accordingly.

 

[martin_shl]

Is it worth encouraging her to get a VOIP number that can keep her personal number private?

 

[Gecko001]

I've not said I'll refuse to include the number. Others have thrown that in the mix!


I'm gauging opinions to see if I'm alone in thinking they are less useful than pre web and social media days and will advise accordingly.

You did mention your worries about you putting a personal number on the shirt of a female dog walker. I assume those worries were for the safety of said dog walker. Are you saying that is irrelevant now?

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

You did mention your worries about you putting a personal number on the shirt of a female dog walker. I assume those worries were for the safety of said dog walker. Are you saying that is irrelevant now?

No, not irrelevant but not my call....

I'll make my thoughts known but the decision is theirs.

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

Is it worth encouraging her to get a VOIP number that can keep her personal number private?

I'm printing the t-shirts, trying not to give broader business advice, but yes, thankyou, I can suggest a VOIP number

 

[cjd]

If you mention VoIP, tell her that the calls can be forwarded to her mobile. The caller doesn't see her mobile number

 

[HFE Signs]

I think as a printer you do owe it to her to point out your concerns and it is likely you are more experienced in this than she is. I would certainly have the conversation around safety and the advantages/disadvantages of displaying her number - to me this would be obvious protocol. The ultimate decision is hers but you can sleep well knowing you've given good advice.