With the rise in popularity of the 0844 range of marketing numbers, I thought it time to give some explanation of what they are and how they work.
To all intents and purposes, they are much the same in operation as 0845 numbers but may cost slightly more to call than an 0845. As indicated in my previous post, they are being used often to replace 0870 numbers which are much costlier to call.
0844 numbers are non-geographic, in other words they are not confined to a fixed location like most 01 and 02 numbers. This makes them very suitable for businesses that wish to take calls on different numbers at different locations, or to switch calls to different numbers to provide for busier periods. It also means that businesses locating to a new area do not need to change their telephone number thus minimising costs of reprinting, repainting vehice signage etc. It also eliminates problems with customer contact as the customer continues to call the same telephone number.
Some, providers of 0844 services also include a Virtual Office or Call Management System with their numbers which enables enhanced customer service provision. Take a look at the Marketing By Numbers Call Manager for an example of the facilities available.
So, is there really much difference between 0844 and 0845?
Both are able to give the caller an improved customer service by reducing the chance of getting an engaged tone and by routing the call to the right person as quickly as possible. This does depend on effective management of the number by the business using it. It does, however, cost money to provide enhanced customer services in this way.
The only real difference is in the pricing of the service. Callers will usually pay a little more for calls to an 0844 than for an 0845, organisations using the numbers should find the cost of operating the 0844 a little lower than the 0845.
You can find specific details of the Marketing By Numbers services here:
John,
I have been looking at your site as been interesting in a 0845 or 0844 number with call manager but it seems the site neglects to have any way to email questions to you (not even a sales email address) and the 0800 number when trying to call was just ringing!
It would be great (to boost business, and from a customers point of view) to have an online form to email sales enquiries too as well as a demo of your call manager service.
Just a thought as potential customers can be put off if unable to contact via email as well as see a demo of the call manager plus in operation so they can see exactly what they would get
Hi Anthony
Thanks for the valuable feedback. Good point about the enquiry form, I hadn’t noticed it was missing! I’ll get that fixed right away. We’re working on both a demo and a video for the Call Manager and they should be ready fairly soon, subject to our “techie’s” workload! I’ve sent a separate email to deal with your enquiry.