Freephone numbers and other non-geographic numbers are a great idea to help you learn more about your customers and improve your sales and marketing.

There is usually no cost to set these numbers up and no monthly fees to utilise the number, however a small administration charge may be made if the numbers are not routing any traffic.

Freephone numbers - 0800 & 0808

These numbers are ideal for companies who wish to pay for in-bound calls as well as their outbound calls. This is a free-to-caller service.

The invitation to call free encourages enquiries from new customers and new business from existing customers.

Lo-call numbers - 0845

For companies who wish to have a Non-Geographic number for in-bound calls and share the costs with the caller. This is a local rate-to-caller service with the receiver of the call ’subsidising’ the cost of each call.

Typically, this service will be used as a response line for advertising campaigns or as a customer service line. Most pay-per-minute Internet access is routed on 0845 numbers.

National rate numbers - 0870

For companies who wish to have a Non-Geographic number for in-bound calls whereby the caller pays the full cost of the call. This is a national rate-to-caller service.

Typically used for as a response line for advertising campaigns or as a customer service line, particularly where there is a strong need to call that number.

These numbers can help you to achieve a number of business objectives:

• Improved Customer Service - provide a free help-line in order to develop a more direct interface with customers

• Reduce Marketing Costs - potential customers are more likely to call you

• Broaden Geographical markets - offer free phone numbers to new regions to remove geographical bias

• Educate Customers - provide an information line which customers can call free