[nado]

I've recently found out that people are still being ripped off on computer parts up here in sub-city Wollongong, Australia. They're charging the same 100% markup that they were in my home town of <5000 people!

So I'm in the process of revamping my computer business, with some big plans for future expansion.

I don't want to compete with the online retailers in the computer sector as I know their markups often drop below 5% because it's largely saturated and competitive.

But since I'm running this from my dorm room, the business will be based online, with strong offline marketing/advertising.

So I'm thinking that a 1300 (local call cost) or 1800 (free call cost) number would be a good idea and either direct that call to my mobile or if I can find a service in Aus a bit like www.k7.net to send the call to my email would be great.

However... the costs seem to be pretty expensive:

http://www.ozefone.com/page_1103381666171.html
http://www.uglybill.com/call_charges.php
http://www.aussiedial.com.au/business.php
(and I'm currently trying to get a hold of prices from some others)

As I would want to link the number to my mobile and not the one phone shared between 4 people here, I'd be looking at around $10-$20 a month, plus 40-50c/min.

Do you think it would be worth it?

Anyone know or can find a better solution/costs? (remembering I'm in the land down under )


The ultimate solution would be:

- cheap 1300 MYBIZNAME or 1800 MYBIZNAME number (with the above links you have to choose from a list of numbers)
- call directs to my mobile number if I'm available to answer it, otherwise it is recorded and sent to my email or a cheap-access voicemail service


cheers
nathan

[CrunchBug]

It's always worth getting a toll-free number. It makes your company more legitimate and professional in the eyes of your buyers and since you are running the business out of your dorm room, you need to do everything possible to project the most professional, reliable image possible.

Make sure your website is very professional looking. It is the only face your business has to the world and visitors will judge everything about your business based on the professional or unprofessional image you project with your website design, contact information, etc.

[Khalidwa]

Toll free is a good idea, however only if you have the money to waste.

I recommend getting a local number, that shows you are a professional company who is reliable and not too far away (I'd much prefer calling a local number than a free number 500 miles away if you get me?)

I use a local number through Skype, which comes with free voicemail, works a treat!

[gambit]

The business should always pay for this kind of services and not coming from your pocket. What I did, is sell my own Toll Free Number to pay for my own TollFree expense. Sorry for the plug but I need to show the sample: Check this out TollFree Services

[LightHouse]

Originally Posted by CrunchBug

It's always worth getting a toll-free number. It makes your company more legitimate and professional in the eyes of your buyers and since you are running the business out of your dorm room, you need to do everything possible to project the most professional, reliable image possible.

Make sure your website is very professional looking. It is the only face your business has to the world and visitors will judge everything about your business based on the professional or unprofessional image you project with your website design, contact information, etc.

i agree with this

[nado]

Originally Posted by gambit

The business should always pay for this kind of services and not coming from your pocket. What I did, is sell my own Toll Free Number to pay for my own TollFree expense. Sorry for the plug but I need to show the sample: Check this out TollFree Services

Yep it will do.

I can't setup a 1800 number to ring through to my Australian mobile with that service can I?

[gambit]

I believe you can. All it does is redirect your Toll Free number to a number you specified. You can be anywhere in the world.

Originally Posted by nado

Yep it will do.

I can't setup a 1800 number to ring through to my Australian mobile with that service can I?

[laser_red]

toll free numbers can definitely help your business. my toll free number have given a drastic change to my business! i not only get boosts on my sales.. i get handsful of toll free features too!
here, help yourself: http://www.1800pro.com

[The Stealthy One]

You may wish to try http://www.kall8.com as well, though I don't know if they service Australia. That's where all four of my business numbers come from, though.

[Newton]

Nado it's a good idea.

It's about credibility.. Just think about it, is it wort the 40c or whatever it is to talk to that customer? Yes. Definitely..