Reply to: 020 number vs 0845 number for business services

[gadgetman]

TBH I didn't find the app that good and most times ended up back at the site.

[GillsMan]

I regularly call Santander on a landline number. It effectively doesn't cost me anything because I use Skype and pay a few quid a month for unlimited landline calls (as described above).

Also I'm pretty sure last week I had to call an 0845 number from here when I couldn't find any alternative on saynoto0870.com

That reminds me, there's a pretty good saynoto0870 app for iPhones which lets you type in the number and ring the geographic number equivilent of the 087 or 084 number.

[gadgetman]

With the exception of Santander, (who barred UK calls to them on Jan 1st 2010), calls to either number route to the same place.

I regularly call Santander on a landline number. It effectively doesn't cost me anything because I use Skype and pay a few quid a month for unlimited landline calls (as described above).

Also I'm pretty sure last week I had to call an 0845 number from here when I couldn't find any alternative on saynoto0870.com

[GillsMan]

No they aren't free.

Use a call diverting service that uses your free minutes.

Ah. That could go some way to explaining my £213 mobile phone bill the other month. /o\

[SueEllen]

If you want to dial an 0800 xxx xxxx number from your mobile, just drop the first 0 (so it's 800 xxx xxxx) and it's then freephone.

(This may be a myth).

No they aren't free.

Use a call diverting service that uses your free minutes.

[GillsMan]

0800 numbers are traditionally used by companies to show that the company cares about its users. The company has to pay for calls received. Calls to 0800 from mobiles cost up to 40p per minute to make. These numbers are becoming a waste of time as more and more people are moving away from landlines. Personally I never call them because they are more expensive from both my mobile and landline.
(I used to work in telcoms)

If you want to dial an 0800 xxx xxxx number from your mobile, just drop the first 0 (so it's 800 xxx xxxx) and it's then freephone.

(This may be a myth).

[Burglar Bill]

0845.....

doodab, If I have people call me from other countries , it surely doesnt matter to them whether it is 020 or 0845 - I mean:

1. they probably don't care or don't know the difference.
2. They are using some cheap international calling thing anyway.
3. For example Skype's UK Subscription service - gives people the option of unlimited calling from skype to 020 lines for something like 3 gbp per month. I don't think it includes calls to 0845.

You cannot call 0845 numbers from overseas, they do not work. Companies using such numbers typically provide the geographical alternative 'for international callers'. For a good example, look at the reverse of your bank card. With the exception of Santander, (who barred UK calls to them on Jan 1st 2010), calls to either number route to the same place.

Also, although 0845 numbers are, strictly speaking, not 'premium rate', they are not 'local rate' either. Classing them as 'local rate' is now actually in breach of trading standards as 'local rate' no longer exists.

0845 number users can no longer receive a revenue share by way of cash as a result of OFCOM legislation in 2009. Providers still receive revenue and typically pass this on by way of reduced bills or subsidised equipment.

Sensible companies looking to give the impression of 'national presence' are now using 03xx numbers, which are also 'free' in inclusive minutes packages.

0800 numbers are traditionally used by companies to show that the company cares about its users. The company has to pay for calls received. Calls to 0800 from mobiles cost up to 40p per minute to make. These numbers are becoming a waste of time as more and more people are moving away from landlines. Personally I never call them because they are more expensive from both my mobile and landline.

My recommendation is that if using 08xx numbers, either change to 03xx, stick with a geographical, or at the very least, publish the geographical number alongside the 08xx. In this time of greater awareness of the cost for these calls, giving callers the choice really will show that you care about them!

(I used to work in telcoms)

[Tarquin Farquhar]

It depends what type of clients you are chasing and what industry you are in what numbers you need.

I'm fine with just a mobile because the agencies and clients I deal directly with have no problem with that. There as some people, mainly older in my experience, don't understand that some people don't and won't use a landline because it's impractical for them and think that mobiles are expensive.

I got my doctor to call me once recently. I gave my (UK) mobile number. Then I let slip to the receptionist that I couldn't come in person because I would be out of the country. Oh no! she said, We can't call foreign numbers.

Grr. Did I not just give a UK mobile phone number? She obviously thought that if I took my mobile abroad, any calls to it would become international calls (well, they do, but to me, not to the caller).

[SueEllen]

I just have my mobile number. Everybody that I want to do business with, as well as quite a few that I don't, is happy to call that.

It depends what type of clients you are chasing and what industry you are in what numbers you need.

I'm fine with just a mobile because the agencies and clients I deal directly with have no problem with that. There as some people, mainly older in my experience, don't understand that some people don't and won't use a landline because it's impractical for them and think that mobiles are expensive.

[Tarquin Farquhar]

I just have my mobile number. Everybody that I want to do business with, as well as quite a few that I don't, is happy to call that.

[TheFaQQer]

Except 0800 numbers are not free from mobile phones.

They are if you use http://www.0800buster.co.uk/

[xchaotic]

Exactly.

If you *are* expecting calls from abroad, I would stick with 020. 0845 numbers generally cannot be called from overseas.

+1, I am really glad that places like HMRC have numbers alternative to 0845.

Lech

[SueEllen]

Should be 0800!

Except 0800 numbers are not free from mobile phones.

You are better of having an geographical number so those with call packages can have the number included in the package, and those without can work out how much it will cost to call you.

[doodab]

oh , i see you mean to forward 0845 to India for example ...

Exactly.

If you *are* expecting calls from abroad, I would stick with 020. 0845 numbers generally cannot be called from overseas.

[newblood]

Should be 0800!

Tight g1t!!!

The reasons I am asking about the numbers is I am considering setting some Plan B thingie on the web where people call me and I serve them.

I have been thinking of using Skype In for this which has 020 numbers - I can get this on my Laptop via broadband or for example T-mobile's HSDPA connection. ( On this subject I have been using Skypepfone with Three for a while - crap headeset/mic , crap connection . T-mob's network much much better. )

There prolly are 0800 and 0845 to my laptop services out there too..