0345 Numbers: Your Complete Guide

When setting up a dedicated phone number for your business, it can sometimes be tricky to work out which prefix or number type is likely to work best for you. After all, you want to be able to attract people to call you – but, at the same time, you don’t want to spend too much money on per-minute costs.

And, many business owners choose numbers that give them a national presence – which is where 0345 prefixes come in! Alongside freephone 0800 numbers, 0345s are some of the most popular with small to medium businesses, though you’ll also find larger firms use these prefixes, too.

Let’s take a look at why an 0345 number might be the right choice for your business, and how VoIPer can help you get started with one of your own.

What are 0345 numbers, and what do they do?

0345 numbers are national rate lines that have no geographic connection. That means a business can set up an 0345 and be based anywhere in the country – effectively cloaking where they’re based.

0345 numbers are virtual, or floating, which means you can use them to allow people to call you even if you frequently move around. They’re popular with many callers because they’re typically included in most mobile phone and landline call tariffs. That means, even though calls aren’t technically free, your customers aren’t likely to feel the pinch.

Why do businesses use 0345 numbers?

One of the main reasons for business owners adopting 0345s is the fact that it’s cost-effective and a great marketing tool. Although customers still need to pay when calling you (or, it’ll come off their minutes), you’re giving them an affordable alternative to paying premium rate fees just to ask for help or to buy from you.

Many businesses also use 0345 numbers for professionalism – customers up and down the UK associate the 0345 prefix with legitimate companies they can trust.

Think about the number you currently use for business purposes – if it’s a mobile number beginning with 07, some customers might not trust that you’re running a legitimate enterprise!

With an 0345, however, you can easily direct calls to your new number back through to your mobile. That means there’s no need to give out your private line and to ensure people always have a professional number to call instead.

There’s also incredible flexibility with an 0345 number. If you run a business with employees based around the country, an 0345 can route customers to people based remotely without the need for a fixed office.

0345 lines are also great for businesses that might need to relocate or reposition at short notice. Imagine that you need to move your business several miles away – typically, you’d need to spend time and money setting up a whole new line and number, and that, too, can lead to loss of business while you get things up and running.

With an 0345 line, you can keep your business running and won’t have to chop and change numbers just because you move around. In the flexible, remote working age we live in, floating 0345 numbers keep things professional and fluid – convenient for you and your customers!

How much does it cost to run 0345 numbers?

That all depends on the service you sign up for! With VoIPer, you get all incoming calls included with our phone service from just £12.50 per month.

Otherwise, running an 0345 number for calls delivered elsewhere grants you 1,000 minutes per month to landlines, 250 minutes per month to mobiles, and then 1p/min for landlines and 5p/min for mobiles once you’ve used up your allowance.

It’s always really easy to track your remaining credit through VoIPer, and it’s a cost effective way to reduce the price that you and your customers pay for keeping in touch. Unlike 0800 numbers, there’s no need for you to foot the bill for all the calls your customers make.

Are 0345 numbers better than 0800 numbers?

There are pros and cons to using either option, usually depending on what you need from your business line and the budget you have in place.

For example, 0800 numbers are great if you are happy to pay for customers’ calls – as they give callers complete peace of mind that they won’t have to pay a thing. That said, not all tariffs and call packages will carry 0800s as inclusive.

0345s are often preferred by business owners thanks to their flexibility and the fact that, universally, they’re affordable when it comes to tariff inclusivity and for pay as you go phones. Therefore, no one should have to worry about counting the pennies when calling you.

That said, your business’s needs will vary from the next one’s – so, make sure to check out our guide to 0800 numbers, too, if you’re yet to make up your mind between the two.

Ready to get an 0345 number?

VoIPer’s 0345 business number service gives you amazing flexibility and customer appeal from just £12.50 a month. It’s quick and easy to get started, and you can set up a line no matter where you’re based in the UK. That also means you can get started even if you move around a lot or rely on a core of remote staff!

When you invest in an 0345 number, you also know you’re getting a fair deal – all sales of these lines are OFCOM-regulated, meaning everyone involved is protected.

Setting up your own 0345 number is a first great step towards cultivating trust with your customers. Give your firm an extra professional sheen with a unique line you can set up and manage from anywhere in the UK – while benefitting from VoIPer’s fantastic call management service and enhanced customer service options.

Don’t muddle around with complex numbers and line setups – get in touch with our team today and let’s get you started with an 0345 number your callers will remember for time to come.