Free phone numbers

[Robert_S]

Does anyone have one linked to there buisness ?

 

Were they worth it and did they make a difference to the amount of calls you got?

 

cheers

[arbclimber]

Does anyone have one linked to there buisness ?

 

Were they worth it and did they make a difference to the amount of calls you got?

 

cheers

 

I have several 0800 numbers for businesses I have and they work really well. However for arb and suchlike they aren't generally a good idea.

[Robert_S]

Why do you not think arb mate?

[arbclimber]

Why do you not think arb mate?

 

Sorry, that was a bit of a rubbish answer wasn't it. Not used to having to substantiate my opinion on this type of subject. Ill try again.

 

With service type industries, and in particular service industries such as arb and landscaping, potential customers will generally be looking for a small local outfit as they assume they will be trustworthy and reasonably priced. 0800 numbers tend to put these type of customers off as they assume that the company is larger and therfore more expensive and less personal.

 

There is also growing awareness that 0800 numbers can be linked to mobile numbers set up by ghost landline contracts. Meaning an 0800 could be owned by someone who 'travels', if you know what I mean.

 

Hope this is a bit more helpful.

[Mark Bolam]

Another thing to consider -

 

Do you really want the type of customer who would choose a company because it would save them the price of a phone call?

[treequip]

With service type industries, and in particular service industries such as arb and landscaping, potential customers will generally be looking for a small local outfit as they assume they will be trustworthy and reasonably priced. 0800 numbers tend to put these type of customers off as they assume that the company is larger and therfore more expensive and less personal.

 

I agree completely.

 

I tried an 0800 number and while I can’t prove it was down to the number I saw a downturn in domestic enquiries. If you do use one, definitely keep it away from Thompson local (if you use them)

 

Andy

[Graham]

I was conned into trying one once via YP. They can moniter the calls. I had a total of 13 in the year and a couple of them were from me making sure it worked! My advice......don't bother.

[arbclimber]

Seems like we are all agreed then.

[Tom D]

Steer clear mate, if someone quobbles about 20p on a phone call, you don't want their custom. 0800's are for companies where a long call may be involved, insurance or customer care for example. Also having a LOCAL number is vital IME, I have three numbers one for each of the areas we cover, depending on where I advertise I put the right number on.

[arbclimber]

Steer clear mate, if someone quobbles about 20p on a phone call, you don't want their custom. 0800's are for companies where a long call may be involved, insurance or customer care for example. Also having a LOCAL number is vital IME, I have three numbers one for each of the areas we cover, depending on where I advertise I put the right number on.

 

Damn fine advice.:thumbup: