Warning over costs of directory enquiries call charges
Consumers are unaware of how much costs to directory enquiries services can costs, with over two thirds of people expecting calls to cost less than £1 and a number of people expecting calls to be free, like when they phone 0800 numbers.
A survey for a free directory enquiries website has found that many people underestimate the costs, especially as mobile call charges can vary considerably depending on your network.
The research looked at the costs of getting numbers from the two biggest directory enquires numbers – 118 118 and BT’s 118 500 service, and found that a 45 second call to both of these providers will cost up to £2.04 for T Mobile customers. A call to 118 188 from a landline will cost £1.61 whilst the same call to 118 500 will cost £1.88.
The costs increase even more if you ask to be put through to the number you’ve requested, with a five minute call from a landline to 118 188 costing £3.71 and £8.83 from 118 500, which is more than double. Mobile costs are even higher, with Orange charging £4.74, O2 £8.80, Vodafone £12 and T Mobile calls costing an eye watering £12.24.
Ofcom are currently looking into the regulation of non-geographic phone numbers, which includes both 118 and 0800 numbers.
Choose 0800 numbers for your business
0800 numbers are a great tool for businesses for a number of reasons. If you choose to move your offices, you don’t have to change your 0800 numbers or update your stationary. It is also good for customer relations as it not only allows your customers to call you for free, 0800 numbers are also more memorable and make your business seem more professional.
The 0800 Numbers Guide to Phone Entertainment
We know that people love 0800 numbers, but there are many other phone numbers floating around that also raise a smile!
Since the telephone was invented people have come up with various ways to make entertainment using the phone. Here are three of the best – sorry but they’re not 0800 numbers!
0800 Numbers Presents: Phone Entertainment
1) The Rejection Line – 09061 100 596
Extremely useful for the awkward moment when someone you’d never date in a million years asks for your number. The service operates under the mantra ‘unwanted attention, virtual rejection’ and is basically a chance to get away, only for the victim to call later and hear the bad news from someone else. Ouch!
2) Prank Calls – 0906 517 8891
With a variety of wind-up routines to choose from, bestprankcalls.co.uk are the practical joke kings. Choose a mate with a sense of humour – maybe someone who deserves taking down a peg or two! – and let the good times roll.
3) Shazam – 2580 (from mobiles)
Now an iPhone app, Shazam was around a long time before there was an app for everything. This revolutionary service put an end to having to remember the lyrics to the tune you heard on Saturday night or annoy everyone in the bar by asking “who’s this by?!” Simply dial the number, let Shazam end the call automatically and you’ll get a text with the artist and song title.
Those are some of the best phone services around, but don’t forget – for customer relations, easy business relocation and a professional appearance, choose non-geographical, freephone 0800 numbers.
Advantages of 0800 numbers
Whether you’re thinking about relocating your business in the future or simply looking to add an extra touch of professionalism, set up 0800 numbers for your business today.
0800 Numbers for Relocation
Many businesses relocate for a variety of reasons – expansion, industry changes, competition – maybe just to reach a new audience. Non-geographic 0800 numbers makes this transition simple and avoids having to send out new contact details and changing the stationary every time. Who knows what the future holds for your business?
0800 Numbers for Customer Relations
And of course, your customers will be grateful for the freephone number, especially given the bad press that businesses have received in recent years for forcing customers to call premium rate numbers. 0800 numbers give your company a friendlier face as well as adding a more professional appearance to your business card.
Don’t forget, 0800 numbers can be redirected to any landline or mobile number.
Small Business Telephone Systems
No matter what the size of your business, whether home-based or a small start-up, your company could benefit from the introduction of a small business telephone system.
Small Business Telephone Systems are a great way of introducing services that will help your business run more smoothly. Incorporating voicemail or welcome message provide your customers with an avenue to share their thoughts, leave contact details and receive call backs.
Small Business Telephone Systems can also include auto attendant, allowing customers to choose a department, person or voicemail service, giving them the choice and saving time and money. It also cuts out the need for a designated receptionist, which can be costly and lack flexibility.
Small Business Telephone Systems create a larger corporate image for your company, disguising your size and location, allowing you to look more experienced and dynamic.
Telephones should never be looked at as a necessity but an avenue for selling your business as they are often the first point of contact for your customers. It is therefore important to give a professional image with a Small Business Telephone System.
Memorable Numbers
How many times have you needed a number for a taxi after a late night, only to be met with an array of taxi numbers? Which ones are at the forefront of people’s minds? It is always the most memorable number, the most repetitive and catchy.
Your business can benefit in the same way, using your number as a way of marketing your company and letting people know about your services.
Memorable Numbers increase sales and response rates.
Memorable Numbers sell the services of your business.
Memorable Numbers transform a business necessity into a marketing tool.
Memorable Numbers are often non geographical numbers or can be combined with such to increase the efficiency of your telephone infrastructure further. Your business would benefit from national presence, increased identity, large corporate image and a recognised business number to increase your customer base.
Memorable Numbers are a simple but effective way of increasing your inbound business calls and staying one step ahead of your competitors.
Intelligent Numbers
Intelligent Numbers are better known as non geographical numbers. This means that they are not static to any given location, giving a national presence and large company image.
Intelligent Numbers are generally hosted onto current networks, providing flexibility, efficiency and continuous support. Often being combined with several call management solutions, Intelligent Numbers increase sales and response rates.
Intelligent Numbers are dynamic as they can be directed to several lines, landlines and mobile phones, allowing your business to take control of its inbound call solutions.
Intelligent Numbers means your business never has to miss a call, business lead or sale ever again.
Intelligent Numbers increase company presence, client base and networking capabilities
Intelligent Numbers come in a variety of ranges, including freephone, national rate and local rate numbers, giving your business more flexibility in terms of call charges, rebates and line rental.
• Increase sales
• Increase response rates
• Increase national presence
• Improve company image
• Provide flexibility
• Provide Choice
Telephone Call Management Solutions
Telephone Call Management Solutions are services provided by telecoms companies to help your business’s telephone infrastructure work to the best of its ability. A telephone is a necessity for a business but this does not mean it has to be seen as one. By adding additional services to your designated line you can manage the efficiency and productiveness of your telephone needs.
Telephone call management solutions can come in a range of packages, including voicemail, welcome message, auto attendant, call whisper and call forwarding, all of which help direct calls to correct lines. Additional features may help the organisation and marketability of your company, such as fax to email which allows all fax correspondence to be received through an email inbox and SMS Text Marketing which allows new products and services to be highlighted to consumer via text.
By managing your inbound calls your business can improve on sales leads, increase response rates, monitor the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and provide a more comprehensive customer service.
SMS Text Marketing
This morning I received a text message from my beauticians telling me about their latest offers and their new member of staff. It felt so personal, as if they knew me, wanted to speak to me and were looking forward to seeing me again soon.
This is the benefit of SMS Text Marketing; it provides an avenue for marketing your services and contacting your customers whilst maintaining excellent customer service. By receiving an individual text message customers feel valued and significant.
SMS Text Marketing allows products and services to be advertised in a friendly way, knowing that your message is being heard and received. It also allows you to monitor the effectiveness of your campaigns, offers and staff members.
SMS Text Marketing is simple and effective
SMS Text Marketing is a cheap way of advertising your company’s services
SMS Text Marketing provides individual marketing solutions
SMS Text Marketing is a great addition to any business wishing to increase sales and the range of clients using their services.