Across the Australian business sector, 1300 and 1800 numbers provide companies with nationwide landline phone numbers for their customers. Both numbers allow for inbound calls from anywhere in the country. The significant benefit for companies is that these phone numbers create easier access and communication for their customers. Both numbers come with very similar features and functions and can be set up in the same way. Either type is fully portable and isn’t reliant on any specific telephone exchange or geographical area. The significant difference between these two types of phone numbers lies in how the cost of the call between the caller and the business is billed.
Along with the benefit of having an inbound call number available all over the country, both of these numbers allow businesses to shift between answer points from landlines to mobile phones. Additionally, the numbers can be integrated into a branding and marketing strategy with the ability to customize the numbers. Having one of these numbers will allow businesses to improve their customer service abilities. Let’s take a look at the difference between 1300 and 1800 numbers.
Caller Costs
As discussed, the significant difference between the two types of numbers is how the cost of the call is billed. When customers call 1300 numbers from a landline in Australia, they pay the price of a local call. It is just as if they are calling any other Australian phone number in the local area. A 1300 number is also known as a local rate number. The catch with these numbers is that high rates will usually apply if the caller calls from a mobile phone. The carrier will determine the rate for a 1300 number dialed from a mobile device.
If a customer is calling an 1800 number, it is a free call. If they call from a landline Australian phone number or a mobile phone, there will be no charge to the customer. An 1800 number is less than the cost of a local call and is often known as a toll-free number. Like other types of 1800 numbers in other countries, these inbound numbers are completely free for the caller.
Business Costs
If a business is using a 1300 or 1800 number, they will incur a cost for all incoming calls. The price will usually depend on where the call came from and is billed at that area’s rate. The difference for businesses with either of these numbers is that they will pay varying rates. The rate for a 1300 call will typically be lower because the cost is shared between the caller and receiver. The caller pays the local rate, and the business pays the difference. The company pays the total cost of the call with an 1800 number.
Benefits
Both 1300 and 1800 phone numbers can be versatile business tools for just about any company. These phone numbers can give business leaders a way to manage calls and also help them build a business reputation and customer service abilities. Both numbers provide a professional image as they are widely recognized as business phone numbers. Additionally, many phone companies offer built-in reporting options with these numbers that let businesses gauge and measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. From being flexible and portable to providing a nationwide presence, these numbers offer many benefits to businesses.
As both 1300 and toll-free numbers come with similar setup fees, monthly charges, and national and mobile rates, it can be hard to decide between the two. For businesses, the most significant consideration will be to determine whether they want their customers to pay for a local call if they’re going to pay the total cost of the call.
