‘1300 numbers’ have become more common and even a must-have for both big and small businesses across Australia in recent years. Countless companies have been using this number for its many advantages. If you’re running a business, knowing how this number works and how you can benefit from it is essential.
What Are 1300 Numbers?
1300 Numbers are ten-digit virtual inbound phone numbers commonly used by Aussie businesses to receive customer calls from anywhere in Australia with just one contact number. The calls are then rerouted to specific departments the caller chooses after the prompts. It’s typically used as the customer service number published on a business website or printed on products so customers can contact the company for general inquiries.
Here are the key benefits of using 1300 numbers for small businesses today:
- Convenience And Accessibility
In the current digital age, where convenience, accessibility, and speed are often demanded by consumers, using a 1300 number for a growing business is a game changer. If a company’s main office is in a particular area, they can still receive incoming calls from customers outside that state or territory as long as the caller is within Australia. This gives the company a presence on a national level. For a growing company that serves customers from different parts of Australia, this can prove to be very useful.
- Professionalism
1300 numbers can enhance a company’s image and professionalism in several ways. First and foremost, they are commonly associated with larger, well-established businesses. When customers come across a company that utilizes a 1300 number, it often conveys a sense of reliability and credibility.
Second, unlike standard landline numbers, 1300 numbers are not tied to a specific geographic location. This means that customers perceive them as a nationwide contact point. It also shows customers that they’re connecting to a centralized customer service center with staff trained to handle consumer concerns. This creates an impression of immediacy and attentiveness that can significantly enhance a company’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
- Cost Efficiency
1300 numbers are a cost-effective way for businesses to improve customer service and boost their bottom line. They can be rerouted, so companies will not need multiple landlines, reducing costs on operational expenses.
For businesses, 1300 numbers cost usually just includes the setup fees, monthly access fee, and call charges. There may also be additional fees for other extra features. When customers call the 1300 number from anywhere in Australia, they’re only charged local rates unless they’re calling from a mobile phone, in which case the charges are determined by their service provider. Either way, a 1300 number gives both the business and its customers more savings.
- Better Customer Service
A 1300 number makes it easier for customers to get in touch with your business, which can help you resolve their issues quickly and efficiently. This is especially important for businesses that offer customer support or technical assistance. If a customer has a problem with your product or service, they are more likely to be satisfied if they can easily reach you and resolve their issue. With a 1300 number, you can respond to all inquiries with the promptness that customers require.
On top of all that, 1300 numbers can furnish analytical data on call volume, call duration, and customer inquiries. By analyzing these data, companies can identify patterns, assess recurring issues, and make informed decisions to improve customer service. This approach will help small businesses enhance customer service and meet customer expectations as they scale.
- Diverse Features
There are multiple customizations you can make with 1300 numbers. Here are some of the features you can use to optimize your 1300 number:
- Automated virtual receptionist: For calls during weekends or outside office hours, administrators can tweak the settings to set an automated response for customers. This automated virtual receptionist can handle straightforward requests or issues and provide instructions for more complex concerns. When used during office hours to filter calls, the company’s call center agents can focus their resources and attention on more challenging problems and queries.
- Call forwarding and routing: Companies can route calls to designated persons to manage calls effectively based on classification. Routing isn’t restricted to a particular area, so companies can route the call to any part of Australia. Whenever companies receive a high volume of calls, calls can be forwarded to another call center with more capacity.
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) integration: 1300 numbers allow VoIP integration, which enables calls to be connected via the Internet. Without the need for more phone lines, this saves companies from extra costs. Instead of installing phone lines, a reliable Internet connection is all that’s needed. This also makes the system more scalable and adaptable to the changing needs of a company’s communication and customer service system.
Conclusion
Using 1300 numbers offers numerous benefits for companies aiming to not only improve their image but also to attract and serve more customers on a country-wide level. The ease of accessibility, flexible functionality, and the ability to promote a single, more recognizable number can all enhance a company’s credibility and professionalism. By investing in a 1300 number, growing businesses can create a positive impression on both potential and existing customers while keeping costs down.
