| Product: |
saynoto0870.co.uk |
| Date: |
12/02/08 (438 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Save loads of money!
Disadvantages: Not all numbers listed...some unchecked numbers
INTRODUCTION
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I first stumbled across the website www.saynoto0870.co.uk when I managed to rack up a huge bill on the phone to my bank. I had to call a 0870 number ask a query. As I do not pay the bills I lack the knowledge that these numbers are a) expensive and b) sometimes unnecessary. My dad told me about this website explaining that alternative numbers are placed on a database to cut the cost of phone calls. I am planning a wedding at the moment and many numbers begin with 0845 or 0970 which can be expensive.
I visited the site and was amazed to see that the premium /expensive numbers used by Orange, Barclays and many wedding companies were in fact unnecessary as there were alternative numbers given. The alternative numbers began with 01 or 02 meaning that as landlines they are cheaper to call from most landlines and mobile phones. In some cases am 0800 or 0500 number is given, these numbers are free from all payphones and landlines.
With Orange broadband we receive free calls to landlines and pay quite a lot to 0845 numbers. In fact with Orange we have out own 0845 number at home. Searching for alternative numbers has saved me lots of money.
ABOUT THE SITE
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I know that I certainly object to having to pay for a call I make to complain. A while ago we had awful trouble with broadband provider and to complain about the service we had to call an 0970 number. Ok so calling 0870 on a rare basis is not going to break the bank BUT waiting on the line for over 46 minutes when it's a fault caused by them is taking the micky somewhat.
I understand that some charities rely on the use of an 0870/0845 number to save money but for huge companies to use an 0870 number for a complaints line is ridiculous. The website is currently campaigning to get local doctors surgeries to drop the premium rate number and replace with a local landline number.
Many companies choose to use the expensive numbers which are likely to cost 4p - 10p or more per minute. For those of us who receive a landline package which allow you to make unlimited calls to 01 or 02 (landline) numbers then this website will save you a lot of money.
My dad informs me that he has saved over £30-£70 per month through this site, so it must be worth the effort.
HOW TO USE THE SITE
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The site looks very basic. It has a creamy yellow coloured background with a lot of text. At first I was a little confused with the options (the options include a discussion board, search for alternative number or add an alternative number), but soon worked out how to navigate the site and use the features. The website is not an all singingall dancing java website with technical effects, which to me is great. It's simple to read and is very easy on the eye with neutral colours.
The website has been featured in many money saving magazines, BBC radio 2 and the working lunch show. I think my dad first heard about it from a forwarded email at hi workplace.
Searching for a number is very simple. If you do not have a number to search you can type in a company name. The website will help you find alternatives for 0800, 0808, 0844, 0845, 0870 or 0871 numbers. It is often useful to search for alternatives of 0800 numbers if you plan to use your mobile. Some mobile companies include free calls to 0845 or 0870 numbers in which case this site may be of little help to you.
If you type in a company name the database will generate a list of numbers and at the far left hand side of the chart will give you information about the number e.g. does not work, only for payment details/enquiries or only open 9-5. This will give you an idea of which department you need to go through to.
The database is split into verified and unverified numbers. The numbers added by members will appear in the 'unverified' section until the number has been checked on a few occasions to check that it is a real established number. There is obviously a slight risk of getting a wrong number if you contact the unverified numbers.
THE FUTURE OF THE SITE
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The site does have an obvious weakness, and this is something that lets it down. I have searched for a few numbers of less reputable companies and have realised that they do not have alternative numbers or are not on the site at all. The website does rely heavily on contributions from other members. These contributions are very easy to make by using the 'suggest alternative number' feature. If for example you know of a company/business locally that is using an expensive number you can suggest the alternative landline.
CONTROVERSY
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Some may argue that charities and companies make a nice bit of money out of using these numbers, which is fine. I have no problem with helping charities, however these huge companies or government funded initiatives should not be charging the customer for a service... one that annoys me is the job centre.
SUMMARY
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Obviously as with all telephone providers the costs will differ as will your need for this website. In most cases however I would recommend the website as it has saved us a lot of money. If like me you look after your money well and watch it come and go carefully you will realise how useful this site is. Saving between £30 and £70 a month is a huge amount and an amount I am sure you can all use towards that new MP3 player, DVD or towards that exotic holiday. I will be using the saved money towards the cost of my honeymoon!
Summary: A great way to save a little money each month!
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