1300 numbers and 1800 numbers can give your business much wider reach and recognition. They are virtual phone numbers, meaning you can choose where and how you redirect calls, providing multiple forms of call routing and distribution if you can’t pick up the call yourself.

Both 10-digit numbers carry the same features and functions, allowing you to set them up in the same way. There’s no need to install new phone lines; you simply choose which of your existing phones will answer calls.

So which one is right for your business?

The difference between the two numbers

1300 numbers allow the customer to pay the cost of a local call when ringing your company from any landline in Australia – for this reason, they are called local rate numbers.

1800 numbers allow your customer to call you free of charge from any landline in Australia – for this reason they are called toll free or free call numbers. Your business will be charged for the calls instead.

So 1300 number call costs are shared between the business and customer, while 1800 number call costs are picked up by your business.

When a 1300 number is right for you

• Is your business able to carry these call costs itself? If money’s tight but you still want the advantage of a more professional phone number, the 1300 number might suit you best.
• Do you want a national profile? If so, a 1300 number is a cost-effective way of reaching customers across Australia and having a phone number that’s easier to remember.
• Are many of your inbound calls landline-to-landline? Then a 1300 number could be the way to go. Call plans including free talk-time may help reduce your monthly bill to little more than your monthly service fee.
• Do you want lots of virtual features? Both 1300 and 1800 numbers with eVoice come with a variety of options including Call Distribution, Call Forwarding, Voice-to-Email and Customised Greeting.
• Worried about the cost of calls from mobiles? Many phone companies now offer ’13-friendly’ plans, allowing customers to make free calls to 1300 numbers.

When an 1800 number is right for you

• Is your company willing and able to expand? It might be worth investing in an 1800 number which, while costing you more, will encourage callers across Australia to ring you free of charge. The volume of business generated could soon pay back the cost of those extra calls.
• Do you want to remove barriers which stop customers calling? If you operate a high-volume call centre or customer service hotline, an 1800 toll free number could see a major increase in the number of calls to your company.
• Are you after a big marketing and advertising boost? Your business gains a big competitive advantage by offering free calls to pull in new customers.

Make sure your chosen ‘word’ is available before deciding

If you’re targeting a smart number, where numbers are converted to letters, your chosen word might be available in 1300 but not 1800 form, and vice versa. Check this out first to avoid disappointment.

Choosing the right 1300 or 1800 number for your business is an important decision. So it’s worth doing your homework before you decide!