9Aug

3 Things 1800 Service Providers Never Tell You–But Should!

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things 1800 service provider never tell you but should1800 service providers often get a bad rep from a few bad eggs. Just like any other industry, there are people looking to make a quick dollar at the expense of their customers. If you’re in the market for a new 1800 number or if you’re looking to switch providers, how can you pick the good from the bad? There are a couple of red flags that you should watch out for. As numbers specialists, your telco should be able to provide you with expert advise that will not only help you stay within budget, but also help you get the most value out of your 1800 number. One way to save yourself from a lot of stress and headaches is to focus on what a telco doesn’t tell you. The information they withhold is as important as the advise they provide. To get started, here are 3 things that a good 1800 number provider will tell you, that a bad one wouldn’t.

Buy 1800 numbers—never lease

Let’s say you find a number you really want and it’s perfect for your business. A telco or phone word provider owns it, and they offer to lease it to you for a few dollars monthly. If you agree, you’d have to sign into a fixed term contract. Sounds like a fair deal, right? But what if years in, your provider suddenly decides to jack up prices? You can either stay and pay higher rates, or shell out for a costly break fee. The worst part is that you can’t take your number with you if you switch providers. Doesn’t sound like too sweet of a deal, does it? If a 1800 phone word or number provider recommends leasing over buying a number to you, consider walking away. We strongly recommend purchasing the rights of use to your 1800 numbers. This will allow you to retain ownership and control of your number for as long as you need it. This will also keep your competitors from using your number once your lease is up.

The cheapest 1800 number service can cost more in the long run

When businesses look at what 1800 numbers cost, it’s typical to focus on the monthly service fee. But while recurring costs are an important factor, you should take a closer look at the fine print. More than fixed costs, your individual call rates can easily blow up your monthly phone bill. Do you get mostly local, national or mobile calls? What type of phone services do you use to answer calls? Despite having an extremely low monthly fee, these call rates will determine your expenses. Your telco should help you choose a plan that will give you competitive rates for the type of calls you are more likely to receive. If you don’t have this call information yet, go with a provider that offers flexibility in switching plans. A good 1800 number service should come with free call reports that collects data about when, how much, and where your calls are coming from. This way, you can easily switch between plans to find the one that suits your business requirements.

You always have a way out

The best 1800 service providers will be transparent about all their processes—whether it’s about how you can make complaints, port away your number, or cancel your service. This will say a lot about their confidence in their products and services. To protect your business, you should always have an exit strategy that allows you to put your business interests first. At 1800 Numbers Australia, we keep customers by offering exceptional service—not with lock-in terms and misleading contracts. Along with answering any questions, our sales experts can help you acquire your number, select the right plan, and customise your service to meet the unique needs of your business. To get started today, give us a call at 1800 900 991 or visit our website at www.1800numbersaustralia.com.au.