The unique feature of a 0900 service number is that you can set the rate type (per minute or per call) yourself. Additionally, you determine the amount per unit. But what is the best rate to charge your callers?

Many number holders ask us for advice on determining the price per minute or call. In this article, we explain how to make your 0900 number cost-effective.

Cost-Effective: Here’s How

Belfabriek pays 0900 number holders at the end of the month for the revenue generated with their service numbers. Depending on the call costs incurred, number holders receive a discount on their invoice or a monthly transfer from Belfabriek to their bank account.

If you want to break even without making a profit or loss, it’s about finding the ‘sweet spot.’ For a per-minute rate, that point is currently around 10 cents. If you prefer to charge callers a fixed rate per call but still operate cost-effectively, this is a bit more complicated. You’ll need to include the average call duration in your calculation. For example, if the average call duration is six minutes, your rate per call should be 6 x €0.10 = €0.60 per call. Note: this calculation only considers call costs and not other expenses you may incur. We’ll delve into this further under ‘Prefer to Make a Profit?’

If you’re just starting with your telephone service, you won’t yet have data on the average call duration. In that case, you’d need to work with an estimate or, better yet, use the per-minute rate until you have more clarity. The detailed statistics provided by Belfabriek will quickly reveal how long calls typically last and what your average cost per call is. You can then adjust your rate accordingly.

Prefer to Make a Profit?

As a helpdesk or consultant, you’ll notice that callers are eager to use your expertise. It’s only logical that you’d like to be compensated for this. With a 0900 number, this is possible, but it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly if—and when—you’ll make a profit. Besides call costs, you’ll also have other expenses to consider: your office, electricity, employee wages, and so on. For every organization, the break-even point will correspond to a different rate.

Experiment for the Best Rate

In summary, finding the right rate depends on three factors: the goal of your telephone service, the costs you incur in addition to call costs, and how callers respond to a rate change.

We recommend starting with an estimate: how many callers do you receive per day? Based on that, choose a rate that you can adjust up or down after one or two months. On your personal statistics dashboard, you can see how many callers you actually receive and what effect a rate change has. It may take several experiments before you’re confident in your new rate.