Belfabriek offers the ability to register many types of phone numbers. Each has specific characteristics that can provide advantages for different purposes. Understanding these characteristics should make it easier to choose the best option.

For example, you can request numbers that allow customers to call you for free. Alternatively, you can choose numbers where callers pay, helping to reduce the influx of calls or even generate additional revenue.

Call-forwarding numbers are also popular. These numbers can connect your customer to a mobile phone of a remote-working colleague. There’s also an option to request a whole series of consecutive numbers. Lastly, you can request regional or international numbers. If you do a lot of business in Germany, for instance, it might be useful to request a German number, even if you’re working from the Netherlands.

Belfabriek has all these types of numbers available and makes it very easy to complete a registration. In no time, the desired numbers are linked to your business, and you can get started. What was described above for Germany also applies within the Netherlands. For example, you can request an Amsterdam number even if your business is actually located in Groningen.

0800 Numbers

The free numbers mentioned earlier are the so-called 0800 numbers. When your customers call these numbers, they don’t have to pay anything. Customers always appreciate free services.

0900 Numbers

The 0900 numbers are the opposite of 0800 numbers. Customers do have to pay to call these numbers. How much they pay is up to you, though there is a maximum of €1.60 per minute. Companies operating nationwide and wanting to appear professional often use this option. Businesses with a large customer base should also consider this. A free or local number often leads to a high volume of callers. Charging a small fee for calls can deter some callers, reducing the influx.

085 Numbers

The 085 numbers resemble local area codes at first glance. However, there is no region in the Netherlands where phone numbers start with 085. These numbers can be forwarded to a mobile phone. Companies that only have an online store, without a physical shop, often use this option. Not only does it give a national appearance, but it also allows foreign customers to use such a number.

088 Numbers

The 088 numbers are mainly intended for companies that need more than one number. If your business operates in multiple locations, local phone numbers might not resemble each other at all, but with this option, they can. Companies needing multiple phone numbers within the same building also use this option. A major advantage of these numbers is that they are available in consecutive series, for example, ending in 10, 11, 12, 13, and so on.

Local Numbers

As mentioned, you can request numbers in a city other than where your business is located. If you’re in Limburg but have many customers in Friesland, it might be better for those customers if your phone number starts with 058 (Leeuwarden) instead of 043 (Maastricht). Customers often feel more confident if they think your business is local to them.

International Numbers

Finally, there are international numbers, which are similar to local numbers but outside national borders. If your call center is in Bulgaria but your actual business is Dutch, you can have calls coming into Bulgaria routed to a Dutch number. Conversely, you can have Bulgarian customers call a Bulgarian number that is answered by your staff in the Netherlands.

In addition to all these different numbers, there are also many useful features now possible with VOIP.

Think of a welcome message, a menu selection, the ability to record calls, and call forwarding to mobile phones (e.g., for remote working). VOIP provides freelancers and SMEs with all the bells and whistles that were previously only available to corporations—but at a fraction of the cost. At Belfabriek, you can enjoy all these VOIP features for a transparent rate, unlimited and without hidden fees. Do you already have a number and are attached to it? No problem. When switching to Belfabriek, number retention is certainly possible. In industry jargon, this is called porting. This way, your existing customers and other contacts won’t notice any changes to your number, but they might notice that your phone accessibility has improved and leaves a more professional impression.