Best mobile contract for business incoming calls?

geek84

Good Morning Folks

I want to get a mobile phone number where customers can contact me and leave a message.

I may also want that phone number to be diverted to my personal number on some occasions.

Can someone suggest the best (cheapest) type of contract to get?

Thanks

paddyrg

Probably a pay as you go deal on a cheapo handset. Have a look at the PAYG deals in poundland, Carphone warehouse, etc.

geek84

Thanks paddy

paddyrg

Advantage of PAYG is that the costs grow in step with the number of clients. One day in the future, when you find you're spending £20/month on top ups then it might be good to go to a 'SIM only' deal. My current sim only contact is £20/month for more than I ever use of voice, text and data (and I'm not a light data user!), there are cheaper packages, but starting out you don't want to be committing cash you don't already have in the bank - hence PAYG

System

The danger of PAYG in this scenario is the possibility of running out of credit while the number is on divert and losing the calls.

geek84

Yes, I see what you mean.

Aquamania

geek84 wrote: »

Good Morning Folks

I want to get a mobile phone number where customers can contact me and leave a message.

I may also want that phone number to be diverted to my personal number on some occasions.

Can someone suggest the best (cheapest) type of contract to get?

Thanks

From an overall business point of view, I would urge you to get and give out a landline number.

It may not be the cheapest for you on the face of it, but many people like me begrudge having to fork out for expensive mobile phone calls. Also a landline number will also be considered by many as more professional. You are likely to lose prospective customers if you only have an expensive, untraceable mobile number to contact you on.

Stick an answer machine on to the end of the landline to allow customers to leave voice messages.

On the occassions you want the calls diverted, that can be accomodated too with most providers. At least the customer is only paying the cost of a landline call.

londonTiger

depends on how much calls your getting, this would be very expensive if you were getting calls a lot of the time, but for occasional call diverts this is perfect.

I rent phone number from voipfone for £2.40 each a month. It's a London landline number. I am in the hgome office most 9-5 days, occasionally like to pop out so I can divert the landline call to my mobile at 10p a minute. Not ideal but perfect for my situation.

If you're a tradesman then you can use a mobile number but if you're a professional business then landline is best.