Benefits of using a 1300 or 1800 number in Australia
*A 1800 is in fact a free call number within Australia. This means that callers using a landline service are not charged for calling your business. This will generally lead to more customers calling your business. A 1300 number provides the caller with a flat rate call charge for calling from a landline. This means that they can stay on the phone for a long period of time without worrying about the cost of a call. This is useful as it encourages caller to call, and prevents them getting annoyed if they are put on hold, or have to wait to get through. These two benefits are not apparent if the caller is calling from a mobile phone as most mobile operators in Australia charge for 1800 and 1300 calls.*As the numbers are virtual numbers, it means that the owner of the number can keep the number for ever. This mean, if they are ever to move premises they can simply change the answer point of their 1300 or 1800 number to their new landline numbers. This saves on re-printing stationary, and ensures that customers do not have an old number.
*Another key benefit of 1300 and 1800 numbers being virtual are that they can in fact point to a mobile phone rather than simply a landline service. This means that a small business with no official office can advertise a 1800 or 1300 number. This gives the perception that the organization is of a reasonable size, when in fact that number just answers on a mobile phone. This is also a great benefit for a business that is on the road, for example a mobile mechanic. Calls can be diverted the the business owners mobile while he is out working.
*1300 and 1800 numbers allow for some very sophisticated call routing. Due to the fact that they are virtual, multiple answer points can be set up. Call to the 1300 or 1800 number can then be routed a specific answer points depending on a number of factors. These factors include: Time of day, day of week, origin of caller by state, area or postcode. Multiple answer points can be set up so that if one a busy, the call can roll over to a second, third, fourtḥ€¦ answer point. This answer point could be in the same building, a different building or different country!
*These numbers can be very inexpensive. Most service providers in Australia have a list of freely available 1300 and 1800 numbers. There is often a minimal monthly rental charge, and the owner of the number infact pays to receive calls. 13 numbers attract a government levy in excess of $600 per month.
*Some 1300 and 1800 numbers can infact spell words ̣€“ these are known and Word Numbers. In Australia these are sold by a government organization called smartnumbers.
For any further information or help with 1300, 1800, 13 or Word Numbers in Australia please see: http://www.iftelecom.com.au/inbound-solutions.htm
̉