|
The Benefits Of The 0845 Number |
|
Friday, 19 December 2008 |
By Dominic Donaldson
 If you are like me, you may feel a little confused by all the different dial codes around today. In days gone by, most of us were aware that 0800 numbers were free of charge and everything else with random digits were likely to be charging an extortionate figure per minute. However, the 0845 number has opened the door to a new generation of telephone numbers; the non geographic number.
The 0845 numbers are great for both businesses and customers. While they are not free of charge to call, neither do they involve a premium charge. They will cost the same as making a local call, whatever location you call from. Customers only need to call one number regardless of what department they need to reach. For example, when you phone a bank on a 0845 number, you are not going through to your local branch but a customer service team trained to answer you queries. If they can't help you, they will transfer you to someone, somewhere who can, all from the same local rate call.
This means that businesses
can always guarantee to be available to their customers as 0845 numbers can be transferred to any phone number that is registered with its own account.
Another advantage is the cost of receiving the call. 0845 numbers offer one fixed annual cost to business owners but do not charge per call, unlike their 0800 competitors. Businesses will typically be expected to pay anywhere between 3p and 6p per minute to receive calls made on their 0800 numbers as well as a set up fee and monthly rental. If the company receive a large quantity of traffic, they may well find their costs start to rocket. With an 0845 number, this isn't a problem.
The 0845 number is not restricted to any particular location, as it is non-geographic therefore companies can relocate premises and still keep their number with them.
0845 numbers also come with a range of additional options, such as replay that allows the business to record all their incoming calls and a call queue manager. This can be useful in customer service where you may be required to recall certain conversations. The queue manager allows the 0845 owner to hold all their calls on the network until they can answer them.
There is also an automatic menu feature to redirect calls and a data capture system that will ask the caller to type in specific information that the company may require, such as a password for security. This is common practise when calling about financial matters in particular banks for telephone banking.
0845 numbers are great for saving money and time, for both corporate and customers. It allows companies to offer excellent customer satisfaction and develop their business by being available to receive calls around the clock. It also means customers only have to pay the price of a local charge for their call. On top of that, if their calls are being directed more appropriately, it's understandable why popularity of the 0845 number is overtaking its free phone competitor.
Dominic Donaldson is an expert in Telecommunications
Find out more about the 0845 Number and the benefits they have for consumers and businesses.
Email Hosting |
