When selecting an inbound number for your business, the choice often boils down to two popular options: 1800 and 1300 numbers. Both have their unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different business needs. However, choosing between 1800 and 1300 numbers for your business phone system involves understanding not just their differences but also the unique advantages each offers. After all, these numbers are more than just contact points. They are also tools that can significantly enhance your business communication and brand presence.
Understanding 1800 Numbers
The inbound 1800 numbers, also known as Toll-Free or Free Call numbers, are designed in a way that the caller incurs no charges when calling from landlines and most mobiles. These numbers are ideal for businesses aiming to provide a cost-free way for customers to reach them. If you want to enhance customer experience and potentially increase client call volumes, choosing 1800 numbers is the way to go.
Key Benefits of 1800 Numbers
- Cost-Free for Customers: Getting 1800 business numbers encourages calls from more potential customers, as they don’t have to worry about call charges.
- National Presence: 1800 numbers aren’t tied to a specific geographic location, giving your growing business a nationwide reach.
- Marketing Effectiveness: These numbers can increase the impact of marketing campaigns by removing geographical and cost barriers for customers.
- Feature-Rich Without the Hefty Price Tag: 1800 numbers come with the features and flexibility of high-end phone systems but without the associated costs. They offer multiple call routing options and the capacity to manage numerous calls simultaneously, providing excellent value for businesses.
Understanding 1300 Numbers
In a nutshell, 1300 numbers are “local call” numbers. That means the call cost to a 1300 number is shared between the caller and the business. From a landline, the caller pays the cost of a local call, and the business pays the remainder. This setup is particularly beneficial for companies that receive a high volume of local calls.
The Edge of 1300 Numbers Over Standard Phone Numbers
The inbound 1300 numbers are a leap forward compared to standard phone numbers. They come with features typically found in large enterprise PABX systems. As virtual services, they offer advanced call routing options, detailed reporting, alerts for missed calls and features programmed for specific times of the day.
Relocating Your Business with a 1300 Number
One of the most significant benefits of a 1300 number is its portability. These inbound numbers are not tied to a street address or physical location—you can move your business anywhere in Australia or even globally and retain the same number. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses planning to expand or needing the flexibility to move without losing their established customer contact point.
Simplifying Technology with 1300 Numbers
Contrary to what some may believe, using a 1300 number doesn’t require complex or “fancy” equipment. The setup can be as simple as having multiple individuals with home phones, each available at different times of the day, and having an Inbound Number Platform to manage the calls. The platform manages call distribution efficiently, making it a straightforward yet powerful solution for businesses of all sizes.
1800 vs 1300 Numbers: Making the Right Choice
Both inbound numbers offer incredible features and benefits. So, the decision between a 1300 and an 1800 number depends largely on your business model and customer base.
- For Local Businesses: If most of your customer interactions are local, 1300 might be more cost-effective. Depending on your setup, the first few minutes of the call may be free, which can cover most short-duration calls.
- For National Reach: If your business aims to attract customers from across Australia, an 1800 number can be more appealing as it offers free calls for your customers.
- Brand Image Considerations: Consider getting a vanity business phone number that suits your brand image. A vanity number often includes easy-to-remember patterns, like 1300 123 456. It may also contain phonewords—numbers that can spell out words relevant to your brand or company name (for example, 1800 123 000 for a company called “ABC”). So when deciding about 1800 vs 1300, see which option can give the best vanity phone number.
Take the Next Step with Com2 Communications
Whether you’re leaning towards a 1300 number for its flexibility and broad appeal or an 1800 number for its toll-free advantage, Com2 Communications is here to guide you. We understand that choosing the right inbound number is important for your business, and our team is dedicated to ensuring you make the best choice.
Our specialists are well-versed in the nuances of 1300 and 1800 numbers and are ready to offer you the best advice and support. But beyond offering 1800 & 1300 numbers, we provide customised phone business systems that fit your unique business communication needs in Australia. More importantly, with Com2, you get the functionality of advanced communication systems without the hefty price tag.
Ready to elevate your business communication with a 1300 or 1800 number? Call us at 1300 887 495 today. Don’t wait to give your business the communication edge it deserves!
