Say NO to 0870

I am someone who doesn't have a landline because with being a student it isn't really necessary for me as I have a contract phone that offers me a lot of free minutes anyway. However, when it comes to dealing with problems with companies like insurance, student loans and so on there is no such thing as avoiding their 0800 numbers which charge my mobile an extortionate amount. It wasn't until a friend mentioned a website to me which they thought was called 0800 which apparently gives an alternative landline option so that you don't get charged as much. For me this was great as I get hundreds of free minutes to landline numbers so this would be free for me.

WEBSITE LOOK

When I first searched on Google for the website it came up with 'Say No To 0870' and I assumed this must be the site my friend meant as it was the only one of its type. It is a very basic layout this website and I thought it would be better designed. It looks a bit home made which is why I wondered if I had clicked the wrong link. However on further reading around the website it does clearly state that if you are looking for companies with an equivalent geographical number then this is the right place that you have come to. The website has apparently been featured on many TV shows and in national press but I had not heard of it up until now which is why I am reviewing it to share and inform with all of you people still using 0870 numbers and paying expensive rates which could be avoided.

NUMBERS AND SUCCESS RATE

With the website, I wasn't sure really if the numbers listed would actually work as it did seem too good to be true but I decided to give it a go. I will talk about the companies that I have recently searched as I know there are so many and I wouldn't know where to begin otherwise. Firstly, you click up the top of the website to search for an alternative number. You can either search by company name or the 0870 number to see if a result comes up. I wasn't expecting any result for the Student Loans Company, as I assumed it would only be bigger businesses listed but shockingly it came up with many results. It lists the regional names on the left for example if you want the Wales one or repayment departments. Once you find what you want look to the right, it lists the 0870 and 0844/0845 equivalents and then gives you the landline number which you obviously want. In some cases in the next column it will list the 0800 if you are using a landline as this will be a free phone. In the last column it gives further information for example if the number is for customer services or general enquiries and so on, just to make sure you are getting the number for the correct department.

I rang up the numbers and they all successfully worked taking me through to the correct departments, only once or twice have the numbers not been in service but it didn't bother me considering the success in getting through on landline numbers for the others I have tried. As some of the operators on the phone have told me that I have rang in on the 0870 number when I know I haven't.

A particular number which I must have saved god knows how many pounds on is the insurance company for which I had to report a claim. I could have been on that 0870 number for minutes at a time just waiting to speak to the wrong departments whereas here they list all of the departments. I didn't have to pay to much to be kept waiting with the alternative numbers which made me a lot happier as half of the time they were putting me to the wrong sections and so this was les stressful knowing I wasn't being charged by the minute.

Even the smaller companies have alternatives, I needed to ring Airmiles today and there was a local number listed which surprised me. The database is very well updated it is up to the minute and has an extensive range of companies and businesses listed. It is worth giving a try even if you don't think an alternate will be listed.

OTHER WEBSITE FEATURES

There are discussion boards on the website for people requesting other numbers not listed or wanting to speak about the website. I haven't gotten this much into the website that I have joined the discussion board as it is pretty much irrelevant to me but I suppose it is a good way to connect users needing further phone help.

There is a Links tab for a few offer links but again not an area I really go on, I'm assuming these links sponsor the website. You can also help the website by adding your own alternative number for any business if you know one as I imagine this is how it continues to be updated by everyone sharing their telephone knowledge. There is also a Help and Contact section as standard on most websites if you have any queries but again I have never requested any assistance as all numbers I have needed have been on the database.

OVERALL

As a website, I think this is great and it really has saved me a lot of money in phone calls where I could have been paying through the roof for. It is easy to use and with its basic layout you can see all areas of the website to find your way about. The boards are there if you can't find anything and I'm sure if you e-mail the people running it will try to help. It is a website everyone will need to come across at some point as everyone deals with 0870 numbers in a month as there is always a company waiting to annoy us. The website address is http://www.saynoto0870.com/.