For years, the idea of generating customer traffic by offering a toll-free 0800 phone number far outweighed the idea of charging for the call. However recent figures are suggesting that in fact sales of the 0845 variety are today, far outweighing use of the 0800 number. So why the change and why are we now suddenly being asked to call a number that is no longer free of charge? 0845 numbers do not represent a particular geographical location. Instead they are a reputable prefix that can be used with any phone number to ensure a local flat rate is charged from wherever you make the call. This is a service available to UK companies, predominantly directed towards customer call centres. Both the business and the customer split the bill and contribute to the cost of call. But why are businesses now swapping from 0800? Perhaps the greatest reason is simply that it is more cost effective. 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. From the customers point of view, it's easier to memorise a 0845 number than a regular 11 digit number. It's also a great deal more convenient as customers are not restricted to necessarily calling during regular working hours. Sometimes you call a branch number, only to discover you need to speak to a different department or contact. Calling a 0845 number often means your call can be directed through an automated service to ensure your query is sent to the right person. 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 o845 number is overtaking its freephone competitor.
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