Netherlands
Belgium
Denmark
Germany
France
Switzerland
Austria
UK
Spain
ItalySimilarities and Differences Between 088 and 085 Numbers
In 2024, we are seeing a growing popularity of national telephone numbers, especially the 085 numbers and 088 numbers. Both numbers are not connected to a specific region or city, which gives them a national character. That is why they are often referred to as national business numbers.
Although they have a lot in common at first glance, there are still some important differences to consider. Because we regularly receive questions about these numbers, we have compiled this article for you.
When do I choose geographic numbers and when a non-geographic number?
The choice depends on your situation. If you are strongly tied to a certain region or city, a geographic telephone number is a logical choice. It gives your company a local image and builds trust with local customers. However, if you work on a national level and therefore want a national image, a non-geographic (national) number is more suitable. This number offers broad accessibility and a uniform image, which is ideal for a national target group.
Similarities
Same telephony services
085 and 088 numbers initially have a number of similarities. At Belfabriek, we offer the same extensive functions for 085 and 088 numbers. This means you have access to handy options such as:
- Extensive statistics: Keep an eye on the performance of your number with detailed reports.
- Announcement texts: Set up personalized messages for callers.
- Choice menus: Set up a user-friendly choice menu to quickly guide callers to the right department.
- Call recording: Record phone calls for quality monitoring or training purposes.
Normal call rate for callers
With both 085 and 088 numbers, the caller always pays the local rate. This is legally established, so there are no surprises. Clear pricing lowers the threshold for callers, so they never have to pay more than for a regular local call.
Differences
Per piece or per number block?
088 numbers are specially intended for companies with multiple departments or employees. You order these business numbers in blocks of 100, 1,000 or even 10,000 numbers. This gives you a uniform series, suitable for both internal and external use.
Each 088 number block is registered with the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). We arrange the application for this free of charge, with a lead time of approximately 2 weeks at the ACM.
Please note: if you have multiple webshops or companies, you may not distribute the numbers from a 088 number block among different companies. The 088 series is exclusively intended for the company on which these numbers are officially registered. A separate 088 series for various companies or webshops is therefore not permitted, which limits flexibility.
085 numbers, however, are registered per piece. If you only need a few numbers, that is easy to arrange and they can often be activated the same day.
085 numbers active the same day
An important advantage of 085 numbers is the speed with which they can be activated. For 088 numbers, we have to go through a registration process with the ACM, which can take up to two weeks.
With 085 numbers, this is significantly faster because Belfabriek already has these numbers available and can assign them directly. We only need to configure your number, so you are often reachable on your new 085 number the same day!
View the available numbers in our online 085 number shop and choose the number that suits you. Prefer a 088 number? Then take a look in our clear 088 number shop. We look forward to welcoming you to Belfabriek!
Frequently asked questions
A quick way to explore how everything works and what to expect.
That may seem so, but that is not always the case. A 088 number block must be used within the company for which it is registered; you cannot assign the numbers from this block to sister companies or other webshops. In addition, transferring a single number from the block to another provider or platform can become complicated, as it is part of a larger series. Due to the fixed structure of the block, 085 numbers per piece actually offer more flexibility.
With multiple branches, you can use both 085 and 088 numbers. We can route calls to the nearest branch based on postal code or area code, regardless of whether the main number is 085 or 088. However, 085 numbers can often be set up more quickly.
This depends on the purpose. Only if you want a separate number for all employees within the same company, such as with banks or insurers, is a number block practical. For other situations, 085 numbers are often faster and more flexible.
For most entrepreneurs, a 085 number is the best choice. These numbers are in stock and can be activated the same day, including all desired telephony functions.
Most mobile phones and landlines have a built-in function to block numbers. Consult the manual of your device for specific instructions. If you need extra help, our support team can guide you in setting up a block for specific numbers. Read more about how to block spam calls.
