Premium rate numbers are a reality for many businesses and services, providing an additional source of revenue whilst providing a specialist service.
However, not all premium rate numbers are created equal, and choosing the right type can greatly impact customer experience and revenue generated.
Let's discover together the different options available and their respective advantages.
Introduction to premium rate numbers
Premium numbers are telephone numbers for which the caller pays a higher rate than normal calls.
These numbers are often used by businesses for services such as technical support, information lines, or entertainment services.
They are a way to monetize time spent on the phone and offer specialized service to customers who are willing to pay for it.
Types of premium rate numbers
Numbers starting with 08
08 numbers are very common and include several subcategories, each with specific costs and uses.
08 0X: Free or shared cost numbers
These numbers are not really premium rate since the call is free or billed at the local rate. They are often used by businesses wanting to offer free customer service.
08 1X: Gray numbers
These numbers are billed at the price of a local call, but include a small surcharge for the caller. They are commonly used for after-sales services and customer support.
08 2X to 08 9X: Numbers with increased pricing
These numbers can cost between a few cents and several euros per minute or per call. They are often used for high value-added services such as medical consultations, legal advice, or entertainment services.
Short numbers with premium pricing (3XXX, 1XXX)
3XXX: Mass services
These short numbers are used for large-scale services such as voting for TV shows, SMS donations, or SMS information services. The cost is generally high, but justified by the nature of the service.
1XXX: Emergency or specialized services
These numbers are often used by public services or for emergency situations. They can also be used for very specific services requiring rapid intervention.
Why use premium rate numbers?
Source of revenue : Premium numbers allow businesses to generate additional revenue while providing a specific service.
Improved customer service : Businesses can use this revenue to improve their customer service, provide additional training to their employees, or expand their services.
Access to specialized services : For customers, premium rate numbers provide rapid access to specialized services that may require specific expertise.
How to choose the right premium rate number?
Identify business needs
The first step is to determine why you need a premium rate number. Is it to generate additional revenue, offer improved customer service, or provide access to specialized services?
Consider the budget and costs
Analyze the costs associated with each type of premium rate number. 08 numbers can be less expensive for the business than premium short numbers, but also offer lower margins.
Evaluate the impact on customer satisfaction
Consider how choosing a premium rate number could affect your customer satisfaction. A high cost could dissuade some customers from using your services, while a more reasonable cost could improve accessibility.
Test and adjust
Once you've chosen a number type, carefully monitor its impact on your revenue and customer satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to adjust your strategy based on feedback and observed performance.
Premium rate numbers in Switzerland and Belgium
In Switzerland and Belgium, premium rate numbers work similarly to those in France, but with some particularities specific to each country.
In Switzerland , premium rate numbers often start with 0900, 0901 or 0906, with each prefix corresponding to a different pricing tier. The exact rate may vary depending on the service and call duration.
Good to know : If you want to know how to create a premium rate number in Switzerland , we invite you to take a look at https://www.smartphone.ch/fr/comment-creer-un-numero-surtaxe/
In Belgium , premium rate numbers mainly start with 070, 0900 or 0903, and are used for varied services ranging from helplines to streaming media content.
It is important for businesses in these countries to clearly communicate the costs associated with calls to avoid any unpleasant surprises for users. Additionally, local law imposes strict rules on pricing transparency and consumer protection, which is essential for maintaining customer trust.
Conclusion
Premium rate numbers can offer many benefits to businesses, but it's crucial to choose the right type based on your specific needs and those of your customers. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can find the solution that maximizes profits while maintaining a positive relationship with your customers.
