Quote:
Yes, the standard international access code *from* the United States is 011. We typically dial a toll-free number (1-800, 1-888, 1-877 or 1-866), or even a local number (in many places, local calls are free) to benefit from lower rates, to access the low cost provider. We would then dial 011 44 1XX.... or 011 44 2XX... to access geographic numbers. Some providers *will* route to 011 44 870 and 011 44 845, however these are charged at a large premium, and given the long queues, I'm not prepared to pay ~40c/minute where I usually pay 2c/minute to a geo number. Some providers simply do not route calls to anything other than +44 1, +44 2 or +44 7. +44 800, where available is usually charged the same as +44 870 which is why 0800 calls are of little use to people overseas. It is possible that our telephone provider, Bell South, will charge exactly the same for +44 8 as it does for +44 1, however I haven't tried it as international rates are high in the first place. Trying to find out in advance is impossible, so it would rely on examining the bill afterwards

Dave,

That info about national rate, etc that is on their site is new.  It wasn't there when I looked at it this afternoon.

He appears to be yet another person that is under the impression that 0870 is national rate though I'd do appreciate he has tried a little anyhow - at least they admit they get revenue from the calls unlike other charities, companies and our own government.

Your views are much welcome here, and I can see your point of view, and thanks for bringing up this old thread again.

You say you recorded no complaints about your number.  If you were to tell customers that you your 0870 number is revenue share, I'm sure they might view it differently.  It because very few people complain that big companies are able to get away with it.  Perhaps another viewpoint is because potential callers have been put off by your 0870 number and not bothered getting in touch, or perhaps most people accept 0870 is a con, but everyone uses it, and doesn't make a fuss (when they should)

And I take it, when you go home, and someone crashes into the back of your car, and to make things worse you get home and find that your washing machine breaks down, your satellite TV has a fault, you find the customer services numbers for all these situations, and find you have to spend 2 hours calling 0870 numbers to sort it out.  Now I take it you have absolutely no objections, in calling these numbers, because the cost of the call helps pay the wages for the customer service people who you would rather not phone, and prefer to be in a situation where you don't want their help, and in the case of the washing machine or sky not working, it's their fault in the first place!!

Oh, and these 3 companies on a geographical number on 1899 would cost 9p.  Calling them on BT option 3 (or equivilent on other providers) FREE.

Calling 0870 for 120 minutes at 8p per minute = £9.60!!!

Can you explain the advantages and benefits of paying a premium of ONE HUNDRED TIMES the cost you should be paying, cos sticking to your own principles and beliefs, you'd rather stick your hand in your own pocket and pay £9.60 for something that should only cost 9p!!

You also say that people calling your 0870 number has helped your charity and has helped rehouse your dogs.  Are you saying that you cannot survive without the 0870 number.  Would using a geographical number put your charity in serious financial threat?

If your business needs revenue from telephone calls to operate, then I suggest you use an 090 number.  As you clearly state, there's been no complaints about the cost, and people are happy to call you despite the additional cost, and you don't need to be contacted from overseas, so whats stopping you using an 090 number?

While I can see that a small charity might think it beneficial to get some revenue from revenue-sharing numbers - altho' I remain to be convinced  - I cannot see the benefit for a large national charity (especially when they admit that the revenue share is not important to them).

However, when I put it to one such large national charity that 0870 numbers were costing their members money, which was going to their telco and hence was not available for giving to the charity, they chose to ignore the point completely. 

I will be following it up when I have time and have collected the info I need. 

I totally understand your wish to retain some secrecy to protect the dogs, although most rehoming shelters are in the phone book etc so it seems a little unusual...  However, it is a bit of a lame argument because if someone wanted to deliberately harm or steal a Westie (in particular!) they would simply tell you a story in order to find out where you are, so it wouldn't really work!

I must say that, until I read more detail about the finance involved in 0870 numbers from other posters on this thread I was inclined to feel more charitable (pardon my pun too!) towards charities using these nos to gain a little more revenue, but I'm afraid they have rather opened my eyes further.

I have to say that when I see an 0870 or 0845 no belonging to a business I immediately feel mistrustful as if (as the initiator of this thread indicated) they wish to hide their whereabouts.  Why would any business or organisation WANT to do this?!?!  (a rhetorical question, I fear; their motives can only be questionable...)

Mike_Campbell wrote on Dec 4^th, 2007 at 5:42pm:

I don't believe it's a coincidence that they have similar 0844 numbers. It's highly likely that the 0844 number is provided by the outsource company Webb Ivory.

The full list of charities which Webb Ivory provides mail order services for is available at: http://www.charitygifts.com/