About Debts

Numerous debt collecting agencies in the UK use 0800 telephone numbers as their main contact lines. The primary reason for this would seem instantly apparent ' using an 0800 number would enable debtors to be able to contact them free from a landline ' meaning they are more likely to call.

Initiating contact with debtors is a key part of a debt recovery agent's job and by using a freephone number they are making this easier. But that's not the only benefit of 0800 numbers. There are many more.

Here are 10 reasons why UK debt collection agencies use 0800 numbers (http://www.windsor-telecom.co.uk/0800-freephone-numbers.php):

1. 0800 numbers, like all non-geographic numbers are for life. If an agency relocates 'its numbers can simply move with them ' saving money on reprinting costs and reducing wastage (out of date business cards etc.)

2. 0800 numbers give debt collection agencies a national presence. Their location is not made explicit by a dialling code alone which means they are more likely to receive enquiries from potential clients from across the UK.

3. Debt collection agencies can handpick a memorable 0800 number to suit them, for example, 0800 130 3333. This not only makes it easy for their clients to recall their phone number, but for debtors too.

4. Clients and debtors are able to call 0800 numbers free from a landline. This means collection agencies are likely to receive more calls. Research by the Institute of Direct Marketing has stated that using an 0800 number can increase calls by up to 185%.

5. Debtors and clients will trust 0800 numbers (http://www.windsor-telecom.co.uk/0800-freephone-numbers.php).

6. 0800 numbers, like all non-geographic numbers, allow debt collection agencies to smarten up the way they deal with calls without having to add additional equipment or hardware as these features are all controlled online. Welcome messages can be added (e.g. 'Welcome to ABC Debt Collectors') along with options menus (e.g. 'Press 1 to speak to an agent, press 2 for payment' etc.

7. Calls to 0800 numbers can be easily re-directed to another landline or mobile at the touch of a button. So if an agent is working away from their office, they can re-route their calls to wherever they go, ensuring they'll always answer calls and keep in contact with their clients and debtors.

8. Online call statistics enable debt collection agencies to see the total amount of calls to their 0800 numbers, the location of callers, the duration of calls and amount of missed calls.

9. Inbound calls to 0800 numbers can easily be recorded with call record solutions. Such features enable people to record all their inbound calls, a percentage of calls or calls as and when required. This saves debt collection agents having to make frantic notes during an important conversation!

10. 0800 numbers are for everyone ' from a village shop to a national corporation.

As these 10 points illustrate ' 0800 numbers (http://www.windsor-telecom.co.uk/0800-freephone-numbers.php) can be very versatile for debt collection agencies. Not only do they actually encourage their clients and debtors to phone them, but they also allow a host of intelligent call features to be used
alongside their phone lines. This flexibility is likely to be why they are so popular..

About the Author:

Mark Guy is marketing and PR officer at Windsor Telecom: http://www.windsor-telecom.co.uk