0800 numbers

Posted on: Mon, 11/06/2007 - 15:45
0800 numbers

Hi there,
Recentley, i got an 0800 number for my business, thinking it would entice people to call my company over another, however while watching an old dragons den episode on tv, a guy came on with a directory only for companies who had 0800 numbers, It was only a short clip but when the guy said if there were 2 similar ads from 2 companies but one had a freephone number which would you phone, to which two of the dragons Duncan Bannatyne and Rachel Elnaugh replied they would phone the one with the normal number because it would be the smaller guy around the corner and not the big company who would charge the earth.

I'd value your opinions on this as i've spent money on t-shirts and ads with the number on and have it on my website with the 0800 number and also about to get it on the van.

take care

Paul

ELECTRICAL CONCEPTS
Domestic & Commercial Electricians www.electrical-concepts.co.uk Call on 0800 458 9118

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Posted on: Mon, 11/06/2007 - 23:30 #1
freefone no's

Hi Paul,

I've been living in a world without freefone numbers but thinking back, i would agree with the guys. I remember looking in yellow pages and would always try the local dialling codes first, as you would often call a freephone number and be put through to someone the other side of the country. I think it's the trade off between wanting to be portrayed as a local company or a national. The big national one looks good etc, but often you alienate the person round the corner who wants a local sparky they can trust...

It's a weird world... small companies often try and make themselves look like large companies, and large companies often try and make themselves look like small ones... what the hell happens if your a medium sized company!




www.funkypuffin.com




www.funkypuffin.com

Posted on: Sat, 16/06/2007 - 09:33 #2
0800

I like using local businesses whenever I can, so I think I am with Andrew on this one. If I wanted an electrician I probably wouldn't search out one just because I can call them for free. It would be a different thing later on though when you have more of a network (thinking of your global conquering plans) of electricians. At that point having the same number for everyone and a receptionist booking appointments would make a lot of sense.
Anna
Moderator, flyingstartups.com

Anna
Moderator, flyingstartups.com

Posted on: Sat, 23/02/2008 - 13:14 #3
0800

Hi All,

Just did a search on this topic so pleased to find a thread about the whole 0800 thing...

I too was thinking of getting an 0800 number, soley to divert to my landline/mobile. I will be a very small company to start with, however I want to be B2B initially.

I can definately see the appeal of local businesses retaining their local numbers. You can even attach a certain amount of pride then to the area code/region you are serving.
But, for B2B I'm not so sure. Particulary when you're small, but aiming to serve large companies (me trying to serve businesses in the aviation industry), perhaps it's better to 'seem bigger?'

Having said that, you can't beat personal service- maybe it's good to be able to call the business owner on his mobile! It's only when you get bigger that you need take the step to be able to divert calls all around the place, etc. Personal service works for small business!

Comments pls! :)