I've used this company several times and have had no problem with them, but lately I have taken to always asking users of 084/087 numbers for alternatives (regardless of whether they are listed on here or not), to at least "make the point" and sometimes, to see what sort of attitude you're met with.

This firm has an alternative 01x number, which they publicise as for international callers, but I can confirm works (0113 2650222), but the responses I got were "interesting", for all the wrong reasons.

"Thank you for contacting Pharmacy2U. Unfortunately the only number available is the 0845 803 9033 however this number is charged at your local calling rate therefore it would cost as much to ring your next door neighbour.".

I replied, thus....

"Thanks for your prompt response, and I understand you're not able to provide an alternative number - but I am concerned by your comments about the local calling rate.

I keep getting told this by numerous companies, however my phone company (fixed line and mobile) appears to have other ideas - they let me call a friend in Aberdeen for the same price as colleagues in Bristol (they are both landline numbers). But 084 & 087 numbers always cost more. "Local rate" is usually a euphemism for "expensive rate". My experience is not uncommon, either.

Can you advise further?" - I didn't want to go straight in with the "campaigning" approach. Their response?

"Thank you for contacting Pharmacy2U. I can advise that the 0845 number is charged at a local calling rate and is charged at the rate as calling a local land line."

I'm trying to decide whether I'm in "head, brick wall, bang" territory or not....

The ASA already advise that naming these numbers "local rate" and "national rate" is incorrect.

They will take action against companies that perpetuate this untruth in their adverts or on their websites.

@japitts,

I'd start with the "polite" approach, pointing out that "local rate" no longer technically exists apart from wording from BT, but that calls to 01/02 and 03 numbers are charged at standard geographic rates, and 0845 numbers are at seperate (sometimes higher) rates...

also as they already have an 0113 number it would be better and more helpful to their customers if they just had that number to call as it is actually less expensive to call, especially from a Mobile.

I hope that makes some sense.

My inclination would be not to trust any advice given about medicines, as it may be way out of date and not relevant to you.

You should ask them to confirm that their advice only relates to the (now obsolete and unused) "BT Standard" tariff prior to 2004. At that time, and with that qualification, the advice would have been accurate.

It is unfortunate that Ofcom has not bothered to update the statement in the National Numbering Plan to reflect changes made in 2004. Some mistakenly believe that the statement given there is true, and repeat it whilst failing to mention that it only relates to the company which now originates only 25% of non-business telephone calls.