We are here to help you understand the facts about owning and operating a Premium Rate Number service. This includes the set-up procedure, disaster recovery, and other details with regards to setting up and operating a successful business. Using a pre-built package is probably the easiest way to start a Premium Rate Number service, with the virtual switchboard package as one of the simplest services.
Some companies offer the functionality of a company switchboard package but at a fraction of the cost. The package allows you to guide your customer through an interactive voice menu. When a customer calls, the system guides him or her to a service preference. The switchboard allows you to inform callers of the hours of operation of the services offered. Packages also help to allocate and de-allocate lines in order to handle peak traffic scenarios.
There are also industry specific telephone lines available, if you are interested to offer support to your customers and generate revenues. The staff responding to the calls are made aware that the calls received are premium rate calls. The cost for setting up a Premium Rate Support service is approximately 99 as administration cost.
Line rental costs range from approximately 70 pence per day to nothing at all. You can receive a percentage of each call made or you can set the charges. Typically, charges are between 10 pence and 1.
If the phone system fails, you will require a back-up/recovery system, which allows you to route calls to mobiles, homes, or other alternate numbers.
Competition lines are one of a number of different kinds of services you can offer your premium rate customers. Competition lines are fun. They ask callers to answer questions. The caller is given three options and is asked to choose the right answer. If the caller chooses correctly, then s/he is asked to leave a number. Otherwise, the caller can try again.
You can also go with a horse racing tip service. Some systems allow callers to hear a frequently updated pre-recorded message. The message keeps replaying until the caller hangs up. S/he is then charged at rates that you determine. A service like this can generate quick revenues.
Starting a Premium Rate Number service is easy and cost effective. All you need are excellent services to help you to attract and retain customers and a good business model. A good advertising campaign will give you a head start, allowing you to reap the benefits of your efforts in a short time.
The most prominent premium rate supplier in the UK is British Telecom. It has a separate division called "Value Call" which is solely dedicated to premium rate phone numbers. There are also many other independent Network providers who supply premium rate lines and services. These are the companies you would normally deal with.
Given below are some factors that will help you make the perfect choice.
What premium rate service do you need ?
Premium rate suppliers provide a variety of services. They range from betting information, tarot and psychic readings, help lines, tipster lines, technical support, adult matter and much much more. You have a wide range to choose from. While picking a premium rate supplier check out their range of services. The wider it is, the more popular it tends to be. A well-publicized premium rate supplier will ensure that the number of callers is high. Your commission depends on this so be careful.
Sometimes you may come up with unusual ideas that the premium rate suppliers do not currently offer. Many have the option of letting you setting up your own new service. This is vital and not many premium rate suppliers have this facility.
What is the customer base?
A good premium rate supplier is usually well-known and people do recommend it to others. Ask around and see the response of friends and colleagues. If a company is not popular, people obviously will not call in, as they would not know such numbers exist. Also, when a caller is paying premium rates he or she would like to be sure that they get their value for money. The reputation of a premium rate supplier is usually built up by word - of - mouth. If people are satisfied with its services, only then would they recommend it to others.
What is the rate of commission?
Premium rate suppliers offer varying rates of commission. Do a little research on your own and compare the rates of the various providers. Naturally, you would want to choose premium rate suppliers that offer a higher pay-out ratio. A higher rate of commission means more money. Commission rates of around 50p - 60p per minute can be expected.
What is the company profile?
Be sure to look into the company profile before you finalize a premium rate supplier. It should be an experienced company and financially stable. It should be profitable and have fixed targets for the future. Transparency in billing is a chief consideration.
Also, find out about the assets of the premium rate supplier. It should ideally be using the latest automated systems. A good system ensures that callers are not kept waiting for long and that they are directed to the right source. The better a premium rate supplier's systems are, the easier it shall be for you to deal with them.
Keep the above in mind and you will be able to finalize the correct premium rate supplier for you and you will be well on the road to making good money through premium rate lines.
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Both David Smythe & Peter Finch are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Peter Finch has sinced written about articles on various topics from Puppies Dogs, Culture and Society and Romance Love. Peter Finch is director of one of the UK's top premium rate line suppliers, Premium Rate Telecom Limited. Yes you too can make money while you sleep with your own premium rate line.. Peter Finch's top article generates over 823000 views. to your Favourites.