3May

5 Crucial Steps to a Successful 1800 Number Search

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1800 number searchCongratulations on deciding to get an 1800 number for your business! Getting a widely-recognised professional number is a big step towards. establishing your foothold in any industry. But before you start reaping the benefits of having a free call number for your business, you must embark on an 1800 number search first. A simple internet search will present you with a long list of 1800 number services offered by plenty of telcos and providers. The challenge here is weeding out the good from the bad. To help you through this process, we’ve put together the 5 crucial steps to finding the perfect 1800 number service for your business.

Selecting the right type of 1800 number

Before anything else, the first question you have to ask yourself is—how important is memorability for my business? Your answer will determine the cost and availability of your preferred 1800 number. Telcos and number specialists provide a wide range of random 1800 numbers for free. If you are working on a limited budget and memorability is not a high priority, a normal issue 1800 number is highly recommended for your business. For industries that are highly competitive and businesses that heavily rely on number recall, you may prefer an 1800 Smartnumber. These phone words (1800 WE PLUMB) and patterned numbers (1800 123456) are regarded as the best available 1800 numbers because of their memorability.

Checking for 1800 number availability

If you decide to get a normal issue number, you may go directly to a registered inbound number specialist. They will have a range of available 1800 numbers that can be purchased and activated in as little as one business day. If you have your sights on an 1800 Smartnumber, you will need to purchase the rights of use to it before it can be activated by your chosen service provider. You may check the availability of your preferred number by doing a quick search on the ACMA website. To purchase it, simply create an account and pay for your 1800 number online.

Selecting the best 1800 number service

Once you have acquired your number, it has to be activated by an inbound number service provider. Thanks to the internet, comparison shopping between telcos is now easier than ever. As you look at different plans, beware of offerings with unusually low monthly charges. If it sounds too good to be true—it probably is. Dubious providers use rock bottom monthly pricing as bait to lure customers, then make up the difference through lock-in contracts with hidden fees and high overage charges. Instead of focusing solely on monthly charges, look at the different call rates for each type of call (local, national, or mobile). As a free call number, the entire cost of your 1800 number calls will be shouldered by your business. Therefore, it is crucial to find a plan that offers the most competitive rates for the types of calls that your business often receives.

Customising your 1800 number call routing

Apart from the cost of 1800 number plans, you should also consider what level of customisation comes with your number service. Select a provider that gives you complete flexibility about how your calls flow, and provides you easy ways change your configuration. Basic call routing schemes such as time and day-based, geographic, and call splaying are often included at no additional charge with your 1800 number service. Complex configurations should be available to you for a low added cost.

Getting the support your business needs

As your search comes to an end, the focus shifts to the level of support your service provider gives to your business. Was it easy to contact your provider for questions? Did they use a lot of tech jargon or were they able to explain complex concepts using simple language? How your provider communicates with you before and after you sign up should be the same, if not better. Having a support hotline that’s always available for both questions and quick changes is also a plus. More importantly, having a self-managed web portal to view detail call reports and request changes to your gives you full control over your 1800 number service. Choosing a number specialist like 1800 Numbers Australia gives you access to expert consultants that can help you craft the inbound number solution that fits your needs best. Whether you’re in the market for a new 1800 number or wish to transfer your service, our friendly business consultants can help make the process quick and easy. Give us a call at 1800 900 991 or visit our official website at www.1800numbersaustralia.com.au to start your 1800 number search today.