1-800 Number

**lechuga727** · 09-10-2008 10:46 PM

My family currently owns 2 high quality 1-800 numbers and we are trying to figure out what to do with them. I know this industry is highly profitable, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas. We were thinking of following a 1-800-Flowers type of business model as one of the numbers describes an industry. Anyone have any experience or ideas? Thanks.

**Gaulkin** · 09-11-2008 07:26 AM

Creating a business around a 1800 number is kind of stupid.

**lechuga727** · 09-11-2008 08:52 AM

Like I said, we have 2 numbers, one of which we are already using and it is very successful. The other one we just acquired is the one we are seeking ideas on. I don't think you understand how lucrative the 1-800 industry is.

**Gaulkin** · 09-11-2008 09:20 AM

Usually you choose a business you know and are skilled in, not because you have a 1800 number.

**mikek** · 09-11-2008 09:37 AM

I think he is refering to the same concept as purchasing website names.

Buy a number like 1-800-you-stink and sellit for a profit later.

Mike K

**lechuga727** · 09-11-2008 09:46 AM

True, and fair point. My dad's first number that he turned into a business is thriving mainly because, as you said, he knows the industry that this number describes.

I'm not talking about 1-800-123-CARS, or something with little value, the second number has been valued at over $200,000. This number is a 7 letter industry describing word, similar to 1-800-Flowers.

I don't think we will jump into this industry but rather help those who are already in the industry with their marketing. I think what you are missing is the inherent value in an industry describing 1-800 number. You receive national recognition (even if you are a small mom and pop shop) and you are given more credibility. In addition, this particular industry is very fragmented, and this number can be a unifying force creating added benefit through economies of scale.

So...I guess my question to others (and Gaulkin you're more than welcome to give insight) is does anyone know or have experience with 1800 number businesses? Thanks.

**AOCenteno** · 09-11-2008 10:36 AM

What's the number? Maybe a potential buyer will appear!

To get 200K for a number, you would have to sell it to a larger company or someone who is sold on your perceived value of that asset and is looking to break into an industry.

**lechuga727** · 09-11-2008 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by AOCenteno

What's the number? Maybe a potential buyer will appear!

To get 200K for a number, you would have to sell it to a larger company or someone who is sold on your perceived value of that asset and is looking to break into an industry.

I can't say the name yet, we are still working on getting a trademark and other things settled. We know that we could sell it to one of the big guys in this industry and make a little money. But we feel like we can add value to it first so that it is more than just a number. We would rather create a business than just simply sell the number, long term cash flows vs. one large cash flow if you know what I mean.

**gregdavidson** · 09-11-2008 12:20 PM

I think it really depends on what type of business you're into. Building your business name around a catch 1-800 vanity number can be a great marketing idea. People won't even have to ask for your business's phone number because if they know the name of your business then they already know it!

**lechuga727** · 09-11-2008 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by gregdavidson

I think it really depends on what type of business you're into. Building your business name around a catch 1-800 vanity number can be a great marketing idea. People won't even have to ask for your business's phone number because if they know the name of your business then they already know it!

Thanks for the response. That is exactly what my dad's business does now. Does anyone else have any ideas?