What's better? 0800 or 01*** Do they give out a different message to the consumer?

[Dan!]

So me and my business partner are discussing the pros and cons of an 0800 number for the business or a local number (or perhaps a collection of different local numbers to suggest national coverage).

We have opposing views so I've chosen to do the most professional thing and ask Sports Maserati

I'm now involved in 3 separate businesses, 1 is totally internet based (Dave and Barney dog food).

The other 2 are the ones that we're discussing, I co-own these with my business partner; one sells a product direct to the end user within a few joining counties, it involves us going out to see them and installing the product. The other is supply-only in which we supply the same product nationally for the consumer to install.

So the question is, given two different suppliers to choose from (b2c) would you be more likely to call:

A) 0800 number
B) 01*** number than wasn't necessarily close to you or one you recognised
C) Wouldn't bother you either way

 

[CatmanV2]

C
I use a mobile, so it makes 2/3 of sweet FA difference.

C

 

[Chrisbassett]

I only use mobiles, no landline anymore, and 0800 numbers aren't included in the minutes on my tarrif, so they cost me money yo call...just like 0845 numbers. I always try to find a landline number (01/02) if I can & use that.

 

[NickP]

I'd agree with that sentiment, most consumers would be using their mobile phone to call the business, not sure that the cost of calling would have any impact on my decision. I think the elder generation might use their landlines more and also be keen on a free phone number. Personally, if I were starting up a business I would try the local landline number for a while and as the business grew I might want to pay for the 0800 number, see if it has any impact on sales and is worth the cost. I guess in marketing if you are going for a larger scale launch an 0800 number might be more appealing. Difficult to say without all the facts.

 

[conaero]

The question I would ask is where would the prospective customer see your number advertised....when at home/work or out on the move or does it make no difference. That is the only situation it might benefit.

This might help you to determine if an 0800 number is relevant.

For me, if I were paying say £10k on a product that you are going to sell me, a 20p phone call is not going to make an iota of difference.

Customers that are bothering to save 20p are probably the ones I don't want to attract.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dan!]

The number(s) would be seen in a multitude of different places - in fact, as many different relevant places as possible!
But if we focus on the website after a google search and on printed material such as mail shots and brochures, the chances are they'd be at home or at their desk in the office.

With regards the order value versus the mentality behind getting charged for calling a "free phone" number, I'm not sure the two are related. I think it may be more a habit thing as mentioned by Chrisbassett above.

Having also posted the same question on SELOC I've come to the (somewhat obvious) conclusion that we should offer both and let the consumer decide. With tracking numbers we'll get all the stats on which one turns out to be more popular and with who and where they're calling from. Which will then enable us to make a proper informed decision, and that decision may well be to continue to offer both!

As you've probably gathered, I'm the one championing the local number...

 

[beau]

i dont phone 08 numbers, so id go with 01 personally, id still try and get a fancy-ish/simple number though

 

[dem maser]

Local......08 makes it sound cowboyish.....

 

[Phil H]

You can easily argue the case for each. I think, though, that folk tend to associate 0800 and 0845 with larger or more established organisations even though your local doctor's surgery may use the latter, so imho there's a customer perception issue regardless of whether a landiline or mobile is used for dialling.

PH

 

[Dan!]

You can easily argue the case for each. I think, though, that folk tend to associate 0800 and 0845 with larger or more established organisations even though your local doctor's surgery may use the latter, so imho there's a customer perception issue regardless of whether a landiline or mobile is used for dialling.

PH

This is my business partner's thoughts. Phil, do you mind me asking how old you are?

 

[Phil H]

You have a pm Dan.

PH

 

[Parisien]

You have a pm Dan.

PH

Phil is 42....his PR manager told me...............)....

I would offer both if costs weren't much higher...not only covers all bases....but gives the impression.......of nation wide with a touch of being local, reassuring to all

P

 

[2b1ask1]

Like most on here I only use my mobile and so do all the family up to and including my parents but not Jeanette's...

It annoys me when I get my bill and the only calls I have paid for outside my bundle are to 0845, 0345, 0800 and 0500. Giving people options Dan is best a straightforward landline is included for most people's bundles or cheap rate calls.

Cheers

 

[Phil H]

Phil is 42....his PR manager told me...............)....

I would offer both if costs weren't much higher...not only covers all bases....but gives the impression.......of nation wide with a touch of being local, reassuring to all

P

I sacked him Frank; he was prone to exaggeration and gave my age as 42 instead of 24. I know we all have to age but there are limits to the ignominies a chap should endure.

PH

 

[TridentTested]

I think with all the discussion in the media about the costs associated with 0870 numbers and the like that most punters are confused and dubious that an 0800 number is actually free.

Then when you add on top of that doubt the mobile phone costs mentioned above I start to think 0800 numbers are a liability.