Can 1300 numbers work for small startups?

Perhaps the best thing about 1300 numbers is their universal suitability. Whether you’re running a formidable law firm or working hard to get your startup off the ground, a 1300 number has a lot to offer your business.

Perhaps the best thing about 1300 numbers is their universal suitability. Whether you’re running a formidable law firm or working hard to get your startup off the ground, a 1300 number has a lot to offer your business. Nevertheless, there exists an idea that 1300 numbers are only for big businesses with big money. Fortunately that’s not true at all: not only are 1300 numbers affordable, they can also help small business owners save money and grow their enterprises at the same time. Keep reading to find out how.

Get the right plan

As you may or may not know, there are different types of 1300 numbers to choose from. If you’re running a startup on a small budget, you’ll want to spend as little as you can on your 1300 number while still getting satisfactory service. That will usually mean a standard issue number as opposed to a smart number, which can be quite expensive.

But the first step is to shop around for the right telco provider. This can be a tricky and, if you’re not careful, extremely unpleasant experience. The general rules apply here: exercise caution and skepticism, and always read the contract in its entirety, including the fine print. Beware of telco providers that promise deluxe services at extremely low rates. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a plan that is more costly than you expected, especially if the provider charges a high fee for early termination.

Once you find the right provider, weigh up the different plans and decide which is best for your business. If you’re on a budget, you may have to sacrifice special features and add-ons for affordability. But don’t worry: most telco companies are happy to change your plan at a later date at no additional charge.

Make full use of your 1300 number features

Whichever plan you decide to go with, ensure that you make the most of it. Set up a customised routing system that uses several different lines, and maybe even a live answering service, to maximise communication between yourself and your customers. The basis of your routing strategy is up to you: you can choose to route calls according to availability, time, location, or a combination of the three.

If your plan includes call reporting and data storage, crunch the numbers to figure out what your peak business hours are. You can also use this information to track the evolution of your inbound calls.

Work virtually

Most startups don’t have the capital to lease an office space. Some business owners prefer to work from home. No problem. If you have a 1300 number, you can easily route inbound calls to your mobile phone, landline, or both. There is no need to set up new phone lines or buy additional hardware. All you have to do is sign up for a 1300 number and get yourself a headset, and you’re ready to go.

Don’t let the misconceptions fool you: small businesses have as much to gain from a 1300 number as large ones.