0845 Numbers - How Do I Choose Where To Buy One From?

March 7, 2011 - PRLog -- Lincolnshire, UK: One of the key benefits for a UK business of ordering a 0845 number and pointing it to a landline is that you will not pay to receive calls. This makes owning a 0845 number a very attractive proposition for most UK business owners as it means that the costs for their number are fixed. It doesn't matter how many calls they receive, their bill will always be the same.

However, there are several pitfalls to avoid. David Clarke, Director of DBS Telecoms and an authorised telecoms specialist, looks at what issues you should consider when shopping for 0845 numbers.

“As with most things it pays to read the small print thoroughly before you commit to a deal. As a wise man once said, ‘act in haste, repent at leisure.’ Some of the most common pitfalls include:

Changing your destination number
The destination number is the number that the 0845 number is forwarded to or "pointed at". It can be a landline or a mobile phone. It's a really good idea to find out if the supplier charges an administration fee if you change the destination number. Ideally it should be free to do this. Also find out how you physically make the change ie can you do this using an online form or do you have to phone. DBS do not charge for changing where your 0845 number is pointed.

Do I really know who I am dealing with?
Strange as it may seem, many telecoms resellers go to great lengths to hide their contact details in the small print of their websites. It makes sense to look for a company that is open and honest about where it is located. Ideally your supplier should have some professional qualifications and be well established. For example, our qualifications include being awarded the Investor in People Award, we are members of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, we have been established since 1986 and all of our contact details are clearly listed on our website.

How easy is it to talk to the supplier?
At the risk of sounding cynical, the time when businesses are the most eager to talk to you is when you are a new prospective customer. If you find that the phone rings and rings when you have sales enquiry then imagine what could happen if you are an existing 0845 number customer with a real problem. Reputable UK business telecoms companies should answer the phone before the third ring.

If you follow the advice contained in the simple guidelines above then the process of acquiring a 0845 number then should be relatively painless. In fact, your new number will usually be set up for you within one hour if you call us between 9am and 5pm Monday – Friday.”

Further information on 0845 numbers, including Frequently Asked Questions and informative articles can be found on the following website, provided by DBS Telecoms: http://www.dbs-uk.co.uk/telecoms/0845-number-provider.html

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DBS offers 0800, 0844, 0845 and UK local virtual numbers.

You can order our numbers online.

We are happy to answer any questions as we want to make sure you're making the right decision.

Established over 20 years.

Investors in People.