Say NO to 0870 and 0845 tel numbers

[smiley]

My daughter sent this to me a while ago, and I've just started using it.

Just type the the number 0870/0845 and it will give you the direct number to the companies. Web address below.

http://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php

 

[Oldfogey]

This is a very useful site.

It can search by number or by firms name. Doesn't always work, but well worth a go.

The point is that all these "premium rate" numbers have a real number behind them. The firm can't tell what you have dialled, as the 0870 is just redirected through to the normal number.

The only difference is that you don't pay an exorbitant rate, and the firm don't make a profit keeping you waiting (sad for them).

You can often find out the "real" number by telling the firm you are going to need to phone them from abroad - 08 etc numbers don't work internationally.

And if you find a number out, post it to the website to help others.

 

[sparkes]

Why would you want to stop 0845 numbers? they are local redirects so no matter who you are calling you only pay local rates.

next you will be wanting to drop 0800 numbers...

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Actually if I read it right Steve it is saying to stop the 0870 # hence the name of the website. There is a search on there for other 08** # and I suppose if it works it's handy to find out where the # originates from and to find out a companies phone # without having to dial the 0870 one they have given out. If for example you have purchased something that is faulty and you need to contact the company it gives you a search option to get their # without dialling the 0870 one. Ummm if that makes sense :O)

 

[BeemerMal]

If at all possible I don't call 0870 numbers. I think they are a rip off at 8p a minute.

I have used this site to find alternative numbers for the 0870 (would not use it for 0845!) and it has been fine but on many occasions I have called the alternative line shown on the web site only to be told they cannot deal with my query and they tell me to call the 0870 number.

So beware it may cost you 2 phone calls to get through!

 

[JeremyClarksson]

The reason a lot of people do not want 0870 or 0845 numbers is that they are not included in most free call packages on mobiles or landlines.

 

[parker1158]

Hi All

Steve (Sparkes) is of course right 0845 numbers are local rate. My objection to them is that they are used in advertising to disguise the fact that companies are not local. Yellow pages recently tried to get me to have one when I renewed my advert. Personally I prefer, if possible, to deal with local suppliers and tradesmen so if there is an issue (and doesn't there always seem to be these days) you can deal with it in person locally and not 200 miles away.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

I have just rang an 0845 number for Halifax and it is 4p per minute - I think the term should be comparable to local rate not equal.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

As a follow up to last - just discovered Halifax operate a call back service from their contact us web page - for anyone who wants to conatact them free.

 

[Oldfogey]

0845 3.95p per minute

Local 3.95p per minute

0870 7.91p per minute

National 7.91p per minute

Sounds the same, doesn't it?

BUT.

If you have a "calls included" package, paying a flat fee for all calls, it will not include "non-geographic" numbers.

If you use a mobile, you will pay a much higher fee.

There are minimum call charges - charged I think at a minimum of 1 minute, whereas ordinary nos. are charged by the second - so if you get in a queue, you are charged for a minute even if you hang up immediately.

 

[cris_408518]

If you are concerned about call charges.

Use a fixed fee phone privider, you ust pay a monthly charge of

 

[cris_408518]

Should read "Skype"

www.skype.com

And with Skype credit you can call cheaply around the world from a PC.

 

[TrevorM]

There can be advantages to calling 0845 / 0870 numbers in some cases, i.e. calls to these numbers are sometimes routed according to their origins (calling location.) This means that if calling a breakdown service, for example, the call could be automatically routed to a nearby assistance centre. National organisations can therefore quote a single (0845 / 0870) number and have their calls sent to appropriate regional offices.

Personally, I think almost all calls are relatively cheap compared to what they were (say,) fifteen years ago, and unless making enormous numbers of calls to these destinations, it is hardly worth worrying about.

Enjoy your hols,

Trevor M

 

[smiley]

It's no good me haveing a package at 12.99 amonth as I don't even spend that much in three months with bt.

I looked up the prices tht Oldfogey posted as well, and was suprised to see tht a low call was the same price as 3p per minute anywhere in the uk for daytime calls.

I can't even find a mobile package to beat what I'm on I pay about

 

[Rubix]

For those of you are interested in saving money (on phone calls or whatever).

The www.saynoto0870.com website was created by Martin Lewis (aka monay saving expert) who is regularly on TV and radio (Jeremy Vine Radio 2 on Fridays).

He has his own website - www.moneysavingexpert.com

This is a wealth of knowledge and you can sign up to a weekly email to tell you about all the latest savings you can get.

Happy moneysaving !

 

[JeremyClarksson]

A 03XX range of non geographic numbers is coming into use this year that will cost the same as a local call and be included in inclusive calls packages.

The firms operating them will not make a profit and being a pessimist I believe that should mean you getting through quicker as they will gain nothing from having you on hold or negotiating endless option menus.

Option menus - one of my pet hates

Sky will send you through about 5 menus over quite a few minutes before giving you another number with another set of menus - that was one of the big reasons I packed Sky in!

 

[Lee.C]

If its of use to anyone who has a CC credit card the landline number behind the 0870 number on the back of the card is 01202 765739. Dont know how much longer this will last though.

 

[cris_408518]

Smiley -

Have you considered changing your name to Smiley Nomates ;-)

 

[smiley]

That sounds a bit mean Chris :-(

Why so mean????

But I see them all the time so there's no reason to ring, and when we have to we txt

Just because I don't talk on a moby,wanting to get brain decease doesn't mean I don't talk to people.

 

[cris_408518]

There are some very nasty mean people in the world Smiley and I'm one of them ;-)