If you run a business and you want people to call you to enquire about your services or buy from you – NEVER use premium rate numbers for your sales phone line or main phone line!
Here in the UK there are some misguided small businesses who (unbelievably) only offer a premium rate number for people to call them on!
NUMBERS THAT BEGIN WITH EITHER 087* OR 084* are a VERY bad idea for your business – as they place a hurdle between your potential clients / customers and your products or services.
Why are premium rate numbers such a bad idea?
Because, no one wants to pay a premium rate to call YOUR business to enquire about your services! Why should they have to pay you, to be sold something – come on, get real!
I have variously heard it estimated that using any premium rate number for your main phone line or your sales / enquiries line, can lose you between 60% and 80% of ALL enquiries and sales.
Not only will people like myself refuse to use these rip-off numbers, many companies have these numbers barred from their phone system – so their employees can not actually dial these numbers, even if they wanted to spend money with you.
Also, if you call these numbers from a UK mobile phone, it can cost a fortune (hardly likely to encourage people to enquire about your services! Everything your business does should make it as EASY and attractive as possible for people to call you. The message you send out by using a premium rate number is 100% negative – it’s a money-grabbing scam.
Some people REALLY HATE premium rate numbers – Look!
There is so much resistance to businesses screwing people with these rip-off numbers that a wonderful website has come to the consumer’s rescue; www.SayNoTo0870.com If you need to dial a company hiding behind one of these awful numbers, check out www.SayNoTo0870.com and see if there is a regular price alternative.
If you are serious about winning business – drop the use of premium rate numbers for your sales line or your main phone number.
The small business owners I work with enjoy far more sales, attract better clients and grow amazing businesses.
If you want the same, here’s exactly how it happens.