Why do you use 08** numbers

[Talay]

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.

I agree the usefulness has been marginally diminished with their not being free to call from mobiles but I don't use my mobile if I have a landline to hand. I guess people who can't afford a landline are not going to be customers.

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.

Expensive ? I don't think so. A chargeable 0845 number costs around 12p in set up costs and then about 5p per minute to call. An 0800 number costs a few pence per minute with no set up cost to the owner AFAIK.

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).

Customers do resent chargeable 08 numbers from rip off corporations but 0800 is free and most people know that.

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.

The quote was that 64% know 0800 are free to call. Thus 36% are unsure but may call in any case. Their not knowing does not, according to this research, preclude them calling the number anyway, which cannot be correlated that 36% would not call.

And what percentage only use a mobile ? drug dealers, pimps, the great unwashed, all of whom are not exactly prospective customers. The figure will vary depending upon your customer demographic but I can't see many customers for most products only having mobile phones.

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

Just proved that to be an incorrect assumption because there is no data proving that people who do not know an 0800 number is free to call will not call that number in any case. In addition, market penetration is assisted because you have an 0800 number against not having one, as 64% of the population know it is 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.

I will agree that many people know 01 is a regular number but is that greater than the 64% who know 0800 is free to call ? no data to hand. But people also associate 01 numbers with a particular area. If I wanted a local service, I would call 0800 but would not necessarily call someone with an area code outside my own. That would be limiting your market unnecessarily.

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.

But as you agree, people just don't know how much it costs to call them, when they know it is free to call 0800. Likely years to reach 64% customer knowledge ? 1.7^500 perhaps ?

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

The mobile issue does have to be resolved I heartedly agree.

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.

I could not agree more about costly 08xx numbers. No-one ever set up the website www.saynoto0800.com now did they !

Strangely I think we are on the same side, just about.

 

[Salt&Pepper]

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!

All of the above. I refuse to call 08 numbers. Often if I am looking for something (ie insurance) I just call those who have a local number or 03.

If for whatever reason I end up working with a company that has an 08 number I just ask for a mobile or they will have to call me.

03 is the way forward.

As to the cost of numbers, does anyone remember any 08xx number by heart? Certainly not me, so I would just pick one from the bunch.

 

[Salt&Pepper]

I guess people who can't afford a landline are not going to be customers

.

not at all, I haven't had a landline for years, my parents don't have one either. Since you can get a fibre optic internet connection or in some places a radar wi fi connection, landlines are pretty much redundant.

 

[davidwhitehouse]

Tracking marketing campaigns - attribution of sales.

 

[cjd]

Tracking marketing campaigns - attribution of sales.

That can be done with any number at all.

 

[ecommerce84]

We sell nationally and would never consider an 0845 or 0800, but I guess it depends what you are selling.

We are a small High St shop selling goods online, and we just use our geographical number, I feel it helps us get across that we are a small friendly shop, and that 0845's are more often associated with larger companies and quite often call centres and queues. (that is just my own personal thinking on how people view the numbers, but of course I could be wrong).

We have a picture of our shop, and staff on our webpage and talk about how we have been in business for 50 years. Somehow a non geographical number goes against what we are trying to get across to the customer.

On a personal level, I will always check saynoto0870.com before ringing an 0845 (and even an 0800 as I use my mobile more), but will ring anyway if they don't have an alternative number.

 

[captaincloser]

We sell nationally and would never consider an 0845 or 0800, but I guess it depends what you are selling.

We are a small High St shop selling goods online, and we just use our geographical number, I feel it helps us get across that we are a small friendly shop, and that 0845's are more often associated with larger companies and quite often call centres and queues. (that is just my own personal thinking on how people view the numbers, but of course I could be wrong).

We have a picture of our shop, and staff on our webpage and talk about how we have been in business for 50 years. Somehow a non geographical number goes against what we are trying to get across to the customer.

On a personal level, I will always check say noto0870.com before ringing an 0845 (and even an 0800 as I use my mobile more), but will ring anyway if they don't have an alternative number.

Best post of the lot and very sound adice. Like most people of my generation I skip past all the 08 and 03 numbers and most mobile numbers and look for someone who gives a local number and local address even if that address is miles from me..it's an essential.

There is a wolfload of carp talked about 08 and 03 ...always has been. You lot are having a giraffe ain't ya ?

If you are in busienss without a landline then think again.

 

[crphillips]

I've got to disagree. We operate on an 0800 number only. We have no landline listed anywhere for our company. Every year is always busier than the last with higher turniver and profit. We've had our busiest years in a recession. Many companies in the same line of work as us are going bust and we're booming.

What im saying is you can't put your success down to whether you use a local number or not.

Our website easily gives the impression of a smallish local, family run business regardless of what phone number we're using.

The key is to get your website and other advertising media correct. The number doesn't matter.

 

[captaincloser]

I've got to disagree. We operate on an 0800 number only. We have no landline listed anywhere for our company. Every year is always busier than the last with higher turniver and profit. We've had our busiest years in a recession. Many companies in the same line of work as us are going bust and we're booming.

What im saying is you can't put your success down to whether you use a local number or not.

Our website easily gives the impression of a smallish local, family run business regardless of what phone number we're using.

The key is to get your website and other advertising media correct. The number doesn't matter.

The number does matter. It always matters and you would probably be doing even better with a landline for those who prefer it. You have no way of knowing -no comparison- but I would suggest your success is down to a little more than a free number to call ?

Surely you would know why your success is bettering your industry standard for currently going bust as you say and it aint the number is it ?

 

[cjd]

The number doesn't matter.

Of course it does! it's as important as anything you do with your communications - you've read the OFCOM research, you don't have to speculate.

 

[crphillips]

I'm not suggesting our success is down to using a freephone number. We're successful because we're good and that's it.

I initially used an 0800 number because we move around a bit due to expansion and didn't want to be changing the number regularly.

To be honest I find using an 0800 actually helps us to attract the type of customers we're after. We're not trying to attract the type of customer that would worry about the call cost from a mobile. I reckon it's dependent on the products/service your offering and who to.

 

[QuickHomeBuyers]

After much debate and discussion and thought I decided to list an 0800 and a local landline for the ease of use.

Its pretty certain that an 08 number would have to be pointed to a landline or a mobile if are out all day, so why not list that anyway?

However, I never find any logic in 0870 numbers.

 

[crphillips]

I don't list our landline because all of our work comes recommended. This means people hang on to our number and pass it out to their friends. I don't want clients to have our landline number in their phone or address book in case we move as they'll no longer have our number anymore.........freephone number........one number....forever.....simplz. We're very busy and have more work than we can do so why rock the boat?

 

[captaincloser]

Arguiung against a landline is pretty much arguing aginst BT and all the of the other providors. BT still have a large market share..and the argument that you dont want your customes to have your lndline number is enough for me not to want to business with you.

The possibility that you may start moving around does not wash.Any normal business would keep in touch with their clients. O8 numbers are a red flag to many put here and it has naff all to do with the cost of a call so the argument of 'I wouldnt want someone as a customer if they worried about free calls ' does not was either. As a customer I need to know where I can track you down. Its that simple.

Many suppliers do not want to be traceable hence the funny numbers and nothing to do with service to customers

 

[cjd]

Much of this is historical; 08xx numbers were/are sold as 'a number for life' because they are non-geographical and so could move with you! whilst your geographical 01 and 02 number was physically fixed to your local exchange.

These days, of course, you can also take your geo number wherever you go - even out of the UK - if you use VoIP.

The other point is that it was - and still is, in the non-VoIP world - impossible to get an 08xx number without a geo number as they are fixed to them for billing purposes. So everyone with an 08xx number also has has a geo and could advertise both - which I generally recommend for 0800 numbers. [This is the reason say no to 0870 can find alternative numbers to call.]

 

[Remote Resources]

FWIW O8 numbers also put me off, because I only use a mobile. In fact it annoys me that 'freephone' numbers are more expensive from a mobile and not included in the monthly package I pay for.

I actually don't understand the 'non-geographical' number advanatage. I find local numbers reassuring, especially from retailers. I find 08 numbers as much of a put off as businesses with PO Box addresses - because it looks like (and you are) hiding something.

I also don't like that fact that I am paying extra to speak with you, although this annoys me much much more when I am already a customer and have a problem, ala Virgin Media and your stinking 0845 numbers and never ending 'hold' status.

Ratbags.

I too use saynoto0870 proudly, although you definitely have a tarnished reputation with me already if I have to take such measures to contact you!

 

[simonswords]

I agree with all the points cjd makes - we use an 0800 number for all of my businesses. I want potential customers to call us, so it makes sense for me to give out a free phone number. Not only that, I believe an 0800 number gives us the feel of a slightly larger and more established organisation.

 

[crphillips]

We would go down the VoIP route and have a landline but to be honest it's taken us around 6 years to get all of our numbers sorted with BT and don't fancy starting again.

I'm not sure why your trying to tell me that I'm wrong thugh as I'm not arguing against a landline.

All I'm saying is that we use a freephone number and we're stacked out with work prett much all year round. That's all.

 

[cjd]

I'm not sure why your trying to tell me that I'm wrong thugh as I'm not arguing against a landline.

All I'm saying is that we use a freephone number and we're stacked out with work prett much all year round. That's all.

I'm only commenting on the generality of 08xx useage - there are bound to be some businesses where it works well.

But even then, I always say publish the local number too - that way you can only gain from those callers that are mobile only and cost conscious.

(Shortly, OFCOM will make 0800 free from all phones so my objection will go away.)

 

[Talay]

... (Shortly, OFCOM will make 0800 free from all phones so my objection will go away.)

Are there any published dates for this as yet ?

Also, what will the charges be for redirecting a call from a mobile to an 0800 to another mobile ?

 

[cjd]

Are there any published dates for this as yet ?

they aim to publish by the end of the year - I don't know the timetable after that.

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/simplifying-non-geographic-no/

Also, what will the charges be for redirecting a call from a mobile to an 0800 to another mobile ?

Sheesh, I dunno but I wouldn't want to have to listen to it!

 

[Talay]

Also, what will the charges be for redirecting a call from a mobile to an 0800 to another mobile

Sheesh, I dunno but I wouldn't want to have to listen to it!

I agree. If they try to pass the whole charges on to 0800 number holders it will kill many 0800 services. I just hope it will be more equitable !

 

[Jet Virtual]

I think it depends on who your target market is.

0845 > Great if targeting National market bad for mobile users
0800 > Great for National market bad for mobiles
Local > Great for Local market Great for mobiles

Hope this helps!

Daniel

 

[ChyrillStucker]

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

There are many advantages that 800 and 845 numbers offer such as:
· An 800 or 845 number creates a better image for your business since your business appears to be global.
· Customers feel free to call you from all over the globe without having to worry about the expense of the calls made.
· If some of your employee is outside, he can call you on 800 numbers rather than searching for regional number. So, there is no need of maintaining a call log for reimbursement.
As I see, there is just one disadvantage that every deal might not turn out well but you still have to pay for every incoming call.
I have also been using an 800 number from The Real PBX. I am running a small business and I have noticed customer’s thinking about my business has improved quite a lot. So, it is better to opt for one.

 

[captaincloser]

There are many advantages that 800 and 845 numbers offer such as:
· An 800 or 845 number creates a better image for your business since your business appears to be global.
· Customers feel free to call you from all over the globe without having to worry about the expense of the calls made.
· If some of your employee is outside, he can call you on 800 numbers rather than searching for regional number. So, there is no need of maintaining a call log for reimbursement.
As I see, there is just one disadvantage that every deal might not turn out well but you still have to pay for every incoming call.
I have also been using an 800 number from The Real PBX. I am running a small business and I have noticed customer’s thinking about my business has improved quite a lot. So, it is better to opt for one.

Ermm.Correct me if I am wrong but 0800 an o845 cannot be called from abroad.
The image given if you just list a non geographic umber is actually very poor..do your ow survey and find out. Free numbers alone in adverts or company details are very bad for a companys image.

 

[captaincloser]

There are many advantages that 800 and 845 numbers offer such as:
· An 800 or 845 number creates a better image for your business since your business appears to be global.
· Customers feel free to call you from all over the globe without having to worry about the expense of the calls made.
· If some of your employee is outside, he can call you on 800 numbers rather than searching for regional number. So, there is no need of maintaining a call log for reimbursement.
As I see, there is just one disadvantage that every deal might not turn out well but you still have to pay for every incoming call.
I have also been using an 800 number from The Real PBX. I am running a small business and I have noticed customer's thinking about my business has improved quite a lot. So, it is better to opt for one.

Ermm.Correct me if I am wrong but 0800 an 0845 cannot be called from abroad.
The image given if you just list a non geographic number is actually very poor..do your own survey and find out. Free numbers alone in adverts or company details are very bad for a company's image if you are small and pretending to be big.If you really are big...like Vodaphone ...then they are fine.

 

[Call Tracker]

Ermm.Correct me if I am wrong but 0800 an 0845 cannot be called from abroad.
The image given if you just list a non geographic number is actually very poor..do your own survey and find out. Free numbers alone in adverts or company details are very bad for a company's image if you are small and pretending to be big.If you really are big...like Vodaphone ...then they are fine.

0800 and 0845's can be called from abroad BUT it depends on whether the carrier in the country being called from has an agreement back to the UK. This is generally the case with the large networks but not necessarily with the small ones. So with these number types it is always best to state that calls made from abroad cannot be guaranteed.

With regards 08s vs geographics, this is a debate that will rage because everyone has a view. The reason behind this is becuase of the cost of ringing them from mobiles is disproportionate and often not part of inclusive tarrifs. However, our experience (based on anaylsing millions of calls per year) is that people are still calling 08 numbers and if they want a product this will not put them off calling.

if you want a number thta is "national" but included in mobile call plans then you need to be looking at 03 numbers which consumers have yet to fully get their heads round!

 

[ChyrillStucker]

Ermm.Correct me if I am wrong but 0800 an 0845 cannot be called from abroad.
The image given if you just list a non geographic number is actually very poor..do your own survey and find out. Free numbers alone in adverts or company details are very bad for a company's image if you are small and pretending to be big.If you really are big...like Vodaphone ...then they are fine.

0800 and 0845 numbers can be called from abroad. I have been using the same for my business and as far as the image is concerned, it is my personal perception of business and I won’t blame you if you think the other way round. For me, a toll-free number has proved to be a great opportunity to spread my business globally.

 

[cjd]

Just as a matter of fact, geographic numbers are the only type of number that can be guaranteed to be called from outside the UK.

For many reasons - commercial, operational and technical - all other numbers may not work. That's why most big companies advertise a geographic number alongside any 08 number they might also use, for their customers outside the UK.

 

[Jet Virtual]

If you are expecting calls from abroad I would avoid 0845/0800 numbers. It's not worth the risk of certain countries not being able to dial.

Better off with local numbers.

 

[premiumrate]

there are so many resons why you should have premium rate number . i am in this business and just check my website or call my premium rate number and ask to speak to yusuf. i will tell you one by one. my website is inveroak dot com

 

[premiumrate]

there are so many resons why you should have premium rate number . i am in this business and just check my website or call my premium rate number and ask to speak to yusuf. i will tell you one by one. just google inveroak and thats me