In the past, you could advertise The Dangers of an 0845 or 0870 phone number, and it wouldn’t be a problem. These numbers were commonly us—even by government call centres—to offer low-cost rates to customers while still being able to easily identify themselves as businesses, charg around the same cost as a standard mobile call.
Today’s consumers are much more aware of the costs associat with calling 0845 and 0870 numbers. Charges for these premium rate numbers have increas to exorbitant rates, up to 65 pence per minute from some mobile networks and are likely to be operat by scammers or rip-off merchants.
The public has become aware of websites such as www.SayNoTo0870.com, which highlight consumer rip-offs by phone companies and the potential dangers of calling these numbers.
Although the UK regulator Ofcom bann their use for customer service lines, many businesses still employ them anyway—despite numerous complaints from the public.
Why does no one call?
Using a 0870 or 0845 phone number is a big mistake, consider a The Dangers of premium rate, meaning calling will be far more expensive than calling a standard landline or mobile number.
This can be a deterrent for potential customers hesitant to make a call if they are uncertain about the costs. What about an existing business owner phone numbers list customer who nes to speak with you for assistance but can’t because they don’t want to pay for the call? They may opt for a competitor instead. Why would you expect them to come back if you’re not willing to accommodate customers in this scenario? Given the current cost of living crisis, do you seriously expect a customer to pay you for speaking to your company?
Your competitors are likely not doing this
Besidestheir higher cost, premium rate numbers carry a stigma of being less trustworthy and professional compar to context of the electricity market in créteil standard landline or 0800 Freephone numbers. Customers will be more likely to trust a business with a standard landline number or a 0800 Freephone because it suggests that the company is more establish and reliable rather than being a fly-by-night operation.
0870 + 0845 numbers have a bad adb directory reputation for being us by scammers who can charge exorbitant rates when people unwittingly call them, trying to keep them on the line for as long as possible while they line their pockets with call commissions. These actions have long erod the goodwill that came with these types of phone numbers.