0845 numbers, how well known is it that it is a local-rate call?

Question

We are in Spain and are looking for a cheaper way of our UK clients phoning us. 0800 would be the top choice except it is very expensive for us at 5.5 p/min. The 0845 number would cost us 1.5 p/min and the client 2p/min (peak) or 0.5p/min (off peak).

We would need the number to be advertised, without a little note needing to be attached saying 'local rate number' hence why I wish to know if when Brits see this number do they automatically know that it is a local-rate number?

thanks all :-)

Answer 1

Most Brits know of the costs involved with non geographic numbers. What you have to remember with 0800 is it does cost for people phoning from mobile phones if the tariff doesn't include these numbers in the free minutes, so that might be a potential deterrent. There are plenty of options available to you and i'm sure speaking to the right people might help, check out citynumbers.co.uk, they are in my sources, nothing but good experiences and a lot of options available including the 03 numbers and virtual landlines numbers (these might prove useful to you).



You want to look at your business and see what it gives to the customer in return for what you pay. People might avoid 0845 due to it costing, however they might ignore 0800 as it's not free from their mobile. They might not be aware of what 03 numbers are either as these are new. So speak to the company i suggested, i'm sure they'll help you make up your mind.

Answer 2

Well I suggest moving to the newer 03 numbers. It will cost you less than the 0845 number to operate and the clients who call you will only pay the cost of a regular local call (which in some cases may be included in their phone plan). So it works out being cheaper for both parties.



For example, at Voip.ms you can get an 0330 number for only $2.50 USD per month which includes two concurrent channels of unlimited incoming phone calls.



http://voip.ms/

Note: I can't guarantee the price since it just lists a general price for all National UK numbers when I log into my account, but it implies the 0330 number is the same $2.50/mo.



-



Also I don't live in the UK, but I'm pretty sure that Brits are used to 0845 numbers and know the charges involved.

Answer 3

Yep, this is a great site. 0870 numbers are just cheaper premium rate numbers - the owner can earn half of the call cost, particularly annoying when you're waiting half an hour in a queue for british gas! Most annoying is that even local rate calls aren't included in mobile phone free minute contracts, so you end up paying way more than if it were a geographical national code.