DVD Shop Online wrote on Feb 12
th, 2007 at 5:11pm:
We used an 0151 number between 1999 and 2004, during this time many customers would call asking if we only supplied in the Liverpool/Mersyside area. This is not ideal for an internet trader with national coverage. The perception is that an 0845 or 0870 number implies national coverage and this is what we wish to project for our business.
I agree the general perception is that 0845 offers national coverage but it's not true. It's mostly the telephone company that try and sell 08x numbers say that but that's just because they make money for every call you receive.
Quote:On a typical BT tariff at peak times the number now costs only 0.95 pence per minute more than if it were a peak time call to the geographical number and this increased cost all goes to BT
It's not just the extra cost involved which can be as much as 40p/min to call an 084x/087x number from some mobile networks.
Many consumers, your customers, will have an inclusive plan that allows geographical calls to be called for free. Most telephone providers dont include calls to 084x/087x because they cost more than a geographical call.
Quote:Ideally we would use a number that costs exactly the same as a geogphical one yet implies national coverage in the way 0845 and 0870 does. If you are aware of such a service please let us know.
There is soon to be a new 03x range available which will be charged the same as geographical rates but more importingly, be included in any inclusive minutes.
How about in the interim, you display on your website both your 0845 and 0151 number? That way the customer can choose which number to ring and you wouldn't be given a negative impact as such.
I use the word negative impact because not so long ago there was some stories in the newspapers about 0845 and the fact that money can be earned from them. BA was shamed into admitting it received money from their lost luggage 0845 number and after the newspaper story quickly changed to a freephone number.
Also, government departments have been criticised in the newspapers for earning money on their 0845 (and 0870) numbers.
Although you don't earn money there is still the potential that once more and more people realise that 084x/087x numbers cost more than local/national rate and in most cases the company called earns money, then you could lose some customers due to them thinking you have one of these numbers just to earn money.
I do agree you have a hard choice to make to try and maintain that you have a national presence but without specifically choosing numbers which WILL cost your customers more to ring but I would hope you could in the interim consider displaying both your 0845 and your real 0151 on your website.
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