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Does Adding a 1-800 Number Help?

by art72
15 replies
I had noticed that I have a FREE option to use a 1-800 phone number that was included with my HostGator Business Hosting Plan, and honestly... I have been rather apprehensive about opening "Pandora's Box".

Be it a fear of mine to 'open' that line of direct communication prematurely, but I do have to wonder if those who do 'increase' their customer base faster?

*While I can probably ask HG this one, I too wonder 'if' it can redirect to my cell phone?

Many Thanks.

-Art
#adding #number
  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    I have never used an 800 number, but I have noticed at various times that the inclusion of a phone number can drastically improve sales.

    If you are not available, have your phone reroute to an answering service. It will be fine.

    Few people actually ever called, but those bought were strengthened by the fact that I had a phone number available.
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    Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
    Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
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    • Profile picture of the author art72
      Originally Posted by tpw View Post

      I have never used an 800 number, but I have noticed at various times that the inclusion of a phone number can drastically improve sales.

      If you are not available, have your phone reroute to an answering service. It will be fine.

      Few people actually ever called, but those bought were strengthened by the fact that I had a phone number available.
      Bill,

      You nailed it right on the head, my hope was the majority don't bother to call it.

      The project I am in the thick of may benefit from it, and build some extra credibility. Plus, my better half used to make some serious bank (many moons ago) doing telemarketing, so if anything, I have the prime candidate already lined up...

      Which leads me to think of the Scarface movie when he hires the 2 guys, as opposed to axing them... and the words; "Congratulations... You Got A Job!" - took on a whole new meaning.

      Food for thought!

      Thanks
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      Atop a tree with Buddha ain't a bad place to take rest!
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      • Profile picture of the author tpw
        Originally Posted by art72 View Post

        The project I am in the thick of may benefit from it, and build some extra credibility. Plus, my better half used to make some serious bank (many moons ago) doing telemarketing, so if anything, I have the prime candidate already lined up...

        I would try to avoid having her answer the phone.

        The fastest way to destroy your marriage is to give her a job she doesn't want. :p
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        Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
        Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
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        • Profile picture of the author art72
          Originally Posted by tpw View Post

          I would try to avoid having her answer the phone.

          The fastest way to destroy your marriage is to give her a job she doesn't want. :p
          Touche' - you make a valid point. Plus, I needed a good laugh! LMAO
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          Atop a tree with Buddha ain't a bad place to take rest!
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  • Profile picture of the author Gaz Cooper
    I think having an 800 number increases credibility and shows you are real and available although you do have to be prepared to account for the added expense that it will incur.

    I had one for a previous business and my bill was $1500 a month including the service that handled it.

    Luckily the majority of that bill was using it as an alternative ordering option so the product covered the expense.

    kickin it on Amazon

    Gaz Cooper
    Amz Training Academy
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    Beginners Guide to getting started in CRYPTO, FREE Ebook on a Massive Opportunity as the World shifts to Digital payment http://amzauthorityzone.com

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  • Profile picture of the author bizzie73
    I use an 800 number, but I am international so I want to build credibility to my US consumers which is the majority of my buyers for most of my digital products and offerings. It's pretty cheap too and well worth it. if I get one extra gig a month from it, I make money.
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  • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Ehinger
    I can tell you that adding my cell number to my Warrior for Hire ad has increased my customer base. It is not a 1-800 number, but the fact that someone can call and talk to me before they hire me to write for them has helped for sure.

    Benjamin Ehinger
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    While the above indicates and 800 number can get a bit pricy, I'd like to Thank all who contributed... definitely a strategy to work into my future projects. While I may dedicate a standard number, as opposed to using the 1-800 option, it's great to hear that it serves well in the right application.

    Thanks,

    Art
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    Atop a tree with Buddha ain't a bad place to take rest!
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  • Profile picture of the author Mauricio Lopez
    I have personally never used it with my own IM business - However I did create a site for a frined of mine who happens to be a real estate investor. He receives several great leads on a daily basis from having a 1-800 number on the site.

    I guess - my advice would be to test, test, test and see if it works for you...

    Good luck...
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  • Profile picture of the author Ernie Mitchell
    When I was selling Dan Kennedy products on a multiple product eCommerce site I used a company in Florida by the name of patlive.com as a service provider for optional toll-free "Order Entry" and "Contact Me" lines. Their rates and level of professionalism are the best I've found.

    It is my opinion that when you are offering higher ticket products in the $500 + range a 24/7 toll-free line is a must. Whether they would appreciably boost sales on lower end products I do not know. I only know that Kennedy recommended multiple ways for people to respond. Having said that --- I no longer buy into everything Kennedy recommends.

    Ernie Mitchell
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    Mauricio and Ernie...

    Thank You both, it appears I may have reached my quota since my "TY" button has mysteriously disappeared :confused:

    Definitely will give a test run, and the patlive.com link, bookmarked for later reference.

    -Art
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    Atop a tree with Buddha ain't a bad place to take rest!
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  • Profile picture of the author HostSentry
    Originally Posted by art72 View Post

    I had noticed that I have a FREE option to use a 1-800 phone number that was included with my HostGator Business Hosting Plan, and honestly... I have been rather apprehensive about opening "Pandora's Box".

    Be it a fear of mine to 'open' that line of direct communication prematurely, but I do have to wonder if those who do 'increase' their customer base faster?

    *While I can probably ask HG this one, I too wonder 'if' it can redirect to my cell phone?

    Many Thanks.

    -Art
    The free business line from HostGator is provided through voipo.com and I am 99% sure they allow you to redirect your 800 number to any number you'd like.
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    I've always used a phone number on my website but
    I remember Gary Halbert saying that using a toll
    number (not toll-free) would get you more calls
    because the callers think that they would actually
    speak to someone. People would call an 800-number
    when they think that they'll speak to a machine.

    I found his take interesting, but he spoke as
    someone who had tested this--I never did.

    -Ray Edwards
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    The most powerful and concentrated copywriting training online today bar none! Autoresponder Writing Email SECRETS
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    • Profile picture of the author Ernie Mitchell
      Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

      I've always used a phone number on my website but
      I remember Gary Halbert saying that using a toll
      number (not toll-free) would get you more calls
      because the callers think that they would actually
      speak to someone. People would call an 800-number
      when they think that they'll speak to a machine.

      I found his take interesting, but he spoke as
      someone who had tested this--I never did.

      -Ray Edwards
      No doubt Halbert was right. To get the best of both worlds state that your 24/7 toll free number is staffed by a live person.

      At one time I not only had the live person (patlive.com) 24/7 toll free line but also my personal toll number posted on my site. I received lots of calls from people that I was able to upsell multiple products to. Once again, I was selling higher end products, some well over $500.00 with split payment plans.

      Making yourself available to your customers is a great way to build a positive image/brand. It's also a good way to shop for affiliates.

      We ring our hands and walk the floor and cry because business is so bad that even the people that don't intend to pay aren't buying and yet we isolate ourselves from our prospects and customers.
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  • Profile picture of the author sitemarketer
    I remember once hearing that 1-800 number actually decreased conversions on a site, so best to split test a toll free a local number, and no number and see what converts best.

    John
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