0844 number

Bobby · #1 17-04-2009, 12:52 PM

hello,

I am setting up a new business from home and a friend recommended I get an 0844 number so I dont have to give out my home phone number.

I have found a service called switchboardfree.co.uk and was wondering if anyone else had used it? It seems a little too good to be true?

Do you think 0844 numbers put customers off from calling you?

Thanks,

Bob

Bobby · #2 17-04-2009, 01:23 PM

Sorry if you thought it was a spam message. I am setting a up website to sell products from a mlm company but I am a bit nervous about putting my home phone number on the site and other promotional items. I was just looking for some information about phone stuff as its a subject I do not know much about.

#3 17-04-2009, 01:30 PM

Hi Bobby and Welcome to FBF

I have used all kinds of 08 numbers with no serious detrimental affect, although if you are selling B2C then consumers can sometimes be wary of any non standard number.

Have you spoken to BT to ask about having a second normal number on your line? Not sure if it is still available, but they used to be able to offer that and your phone would have a different ring for the second number so that you could identify business and personal calls.

Hope that is some help. Look forward to hearing more from you.
Please do make yourself at home.

All my best
IP2

Lou · #4 17-04-2009, 01:35 PM

Hi bobby

Welcome to FBF

Like most forums, we do attract spam-posters who merely want to get a free link to their site, however you definitely get back what you put in in terms of help and advice so I hope you'll stick around.

I don't know much about 0844 numbers, but I posted this thread Cheapest way to get an 0800 or 0845 number a few months ago which might help.
My friend (who I asked the question for) specifically wanted a free 0845 number, so went with this company 0845 Numbers, 0845 Number, Free 0845 Numbers, Cheap 0845 Numbers - Just 0845 Numbers - Free Local Rate 0845 Numbers, No Set-up Fee and has been thrilled with them so far!

Hope that helps - I agree using your home number isn't the best, if only to save any problems if you move house or move into an office at a later stage.

Lou

pvcprinting · #5 17-04-2009, 01:40 PM

Bobby,

firstly - Apologies for my initial post (I will delete it) Welcome to FBF
You have certainly joined a most helpful forum with members straddling a plethora of businesses

I used to have an 0800 number from BT ring central
I'm glad I did as it transpired they were USA based and despite trying to cancel for 2 months the only way in the end to get it cancelled was to request the bank made no further payments to them. They eventually cut it off!

Look forward to reading your posts on the forum

regards

Pete

Styles · #6 17-04-2009, 05:57 PM

Bobby i would suggest you get a second line with a seperate number as the cheapest option imo as i know a lot of people who are not keen on using 0845/44 numbers unless of its a free 0800 number.

I think the cost to install a second line & number is around the £130 mark but you can have a tariff similar to your home landline...

ScottishDUDE · #7 02-12-2009, 07:33 AM

Hi,

Have you thought about using a company called VOIPfone , I think they appear here every so often, But they use a internet based system, So your computer and internet to be on in office hours.

Earl · #8 02-12-2009, 05:49 PM

Bad move

0800 best

geo next

anything else bad news if your dealing with the public.

Earl

BetterTAX · #9 23-03-2010, 04:45 PM

as a member of the public, i hate 0844/ 0845 etc numbers with a vengence!

yes, it would put me off calling. i dont pay for my 01 or 02 calls, and this national rate thing, imo, is a thing of the past when geographically it cost more to call say scotland.

now, all calls are local rate (or free) i think, so why would i be tempted by an 0844 number that i have to pay for regardless?

not sure i made sense there...

jerry557 · #10 28-03-2010, 11:21 AM

If you don't want to use a 08... number or give away your private one you can set up a virtual land line number with citynumbers.co.uk there is few more options to choose from so you can find something to suit you.

0844 number

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