dmNews March 11: Spring upgrades - Know the rules - Go Geo
The weather's warming up, things are starting to flower, and we're spring-cleaning our payments system. Also: stick to the rules on premium rate numbers, and how to extend your reach without paying for new offices.
Upgraded payments are on their way!
We asked you in January what you'd
like to see changed or improved in our payments system. You told us you'd like
to be able to pay monthly by credit card or direct debit, and get discounts for
payment in advance.
Since then we've started work on the upgraded payments system. It's early days in the development work, so there's still time to get your ideas in.
Is there something in our payments system you'd particularly like to see changed or upgraded? Email your suggestions to editor@news.dmclub.net now!
0871 number? Don't forget the regulators!
Do you have a premium rate dmClub
number? These number ranges, such as 0871, charge the caller a slightly higher
rate. The advantage to you is that you get a payout for calls made to that
number.
But if you've got a premium rate number, be aware. These number ranges are subject to special rules by PhonePayPlus, UK phone-paid services regulator. The most important thing to know is that if you're asking customers to call a premium-rate number, you must state the call rate clearly and straightforwardly.
So don't waste money printing stationery and marketing materials that could get you in trouble with the regulator. Take a look at the PhonePayPlus Code of Practice here to check whether you're compliant. If you're not sure, dmClub Support will be happy to talk you through it.
Tip of the month: widen your reach with Geographic numbers
Customers are often more likely to
call a Geographic (area code) number than a mobile phone, as the area
code looks established and stable.
So what do you do if you want to expand your reach to a new city, but don't want to set up a new office? Or if you offer a local service and want to let neighbouring areas know you cover those districts too, what's the solution?
You don't need to advertise your mobile number, open another office or even rent a new land line. It's simple. With an extra Geographic number or two in the right area code you can show your customers your reach - without any land line or office costs.