How to Get a 900 Number

Digital86

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posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Telephone numbers preceded by a 900 are considered premium-rate numbers since callers are charged a fee. The numbers are used by businesses to create revenue. Typical businesses that use 900 numbers include weather stations, technical support, adult entertainment, psychics, business consulting, and many others. If you are interested in establishing a presence in the 900 phone market, you will need to know how to get a 900 number. Business 900 numbers can be purchased online through an existing 900-number company that already has all the equipment needed to field a large number of phone calls and direct them properly or you can purchase the equipment yourself. Either way requires a large upfront financial commitment and some 900-number know-how on your part.

Steps

Decide whether to go live or pre-recorded.

Do you want to answer live calls? A 900-number company can forward calls to you so you can answer the phone personally or you can choose to have a recorded message waiting for your customers.

Select a billing plan.

You can choose to charge customers per minute or a flat-rate fee. The fee you charge shouldn't be so high that people won't want to use your services.

Pay your up-front fees.

There will usually be a set-up fee and monthly maintenance fee. Up-front fees are charged to you for setting up your service. These fees can be very expensive, depending upon the type of services you desire. Monthly maintenance fees will also need to be paid for you to use the 900 phone service.

Agree to the payment terms.

Many companies will not start paying you until 50 days after you sign up. Be sure you know exactly when you will be paid and how.

Record your preamble as specified by the company.

Preambles are the recorded messages that a caller hears before they are transferred to your service. The preamble usually contains specific things, such as the cost of the call, a description of the service provided, and age requirements. A caller is allowed to hang up during the preamble without any charge. However, you as a business owner may be charged by your 900-number provider. Some 900-number companies must approve your preamble before you can get a 900 number.

Start your 900-number business.

It should take you 5 to 7 days to get a 900 number, depending on the services you choose. Once you have a 900 number, start advertising your business and start making money.