Business phone numbers: The ultimate number guide for entrepreneurs

Pros

As a familiar phone service for homes and offices, the simplicity of using a landline number can be an advantage for small businesses that need a phone number, but don’t expect a lot of calls.

Cons

Its simplicity can also be a disadvantage for businesses that require more sophisticated call handling features. Because they are tied to a geographic exchange, keeping the same business number when you relocate is highly unlikely. Lastly, a residential number screams amateur and harms your credibility.

Landline Cost

Depending on your chosen plan, landline services are typically billed a monthly charge and varying call charges. As a fixed line service, you have to make allowances for the time and cost of installing physical loops in your premises. As your business grows, expect to pay rental for each additional line added to your service.

Pros

Like landline services, most of us already have a mobile phone service. But unlike the fixed lines, mobiles offer the flexibility of taking calls in and outside your workplace.

Cons

Using your personal mobile number for business makes it harder to unplug at the end of the day and poses a risk to your privacy. Allowing your staff to use their own mobiles can also put you at risk of losing your customers when they leave the business.

Mobile Cost

Mobile phone calls typically cost more than landline calls. While some mobile carriers offer free minutes, this could be a deterrent for customers who want to call for enquiries or support.

Pros

Having a 1300 number effectively renders your business credibility as a professional business. Because it is a virtual business number, you can keep the same 1300 number for the entire life of your business, even if you decide to move or relocate.

Cons

Even with the low cost of calling a 1300 number, some customers may still be deterred by the costs that they may incur, especially if they’re calling for support or an after-sales issue with the product or service they purchased.

1300 Number Cost

The cost of 1300 number calls are shared by the caller and your business. The caller pays a rate determined by their carrier (typically the cost of a local call) regardless of where they are located. Your business pays a low monthly service fee, along with call charges based on the origin of the call.

Pros

Cons

This type of inbound number can be more costly than a 1300 number. Startups and smaller businesses who may have a very limited budget for their phone services may prefer to share call costs with their customers.

1800 Number Cost

The cost of 1800 number calls is completely shouldered by your business. A free call can be placed from any fixed line in Australia. A majority of mobile carriers are also offering free 1800 number calls for their subscribers. Your business pays a low monthly service fee, along with call charges based on the origin of the call.

Pros

Because they are shorter, these numbers are relatively easier to recall than a landline, mobile, and even a 1300 or 1800 number. A 13 number is highly recommended for businesses in highly competitive industries as a delivery or support number.

Cons

The price of purchasing the rights of use to a good 13 number will depend on its memorability. The easier the pattern is to remember, the higher its price. Generally, larger businesses with more to spend will have access to the best available 13 numbers.

13 Number Cost

The cost of 13 number calls are also shared between the caller and your business. Your customers are billed at a rate determined by their carrier (typically the cost of a local call), while your business pays a monthly service charge with individual call charges. On top of that, 13 numbers come with an annual government surcharge of $7980.

Pros

Having a patterned number (1300 50 10 50), one that spells out your business name (1300 ALLTEL), or your product/service (1800 WE PLUMB) makes it easier to establish brand recall while advertising your phone numbers.

Cons

As premium numbers, the cost of Smartnumbers depends on its memorability. Extremely popular terms can be expensive or unavailable. If the phoneword or pattern you want is already taken, consider getting its 1300 or 1800 counterpart. If all else fails, you can experiment with combining words with numbers (ie. 1800 CAKES4U).

Smartnumbers Cost

Along with a small registration fee, Smartnumber prices start at $250. Once you have received complete documentation, you will still need to select a provider and sign up for a number plan to have your Smartnumber activated.