800# or my # on bandit signs?

Question

I am just getting started in REI and will be focusing on wholesaling. I plan to order bandit signs by the end of the year so i can get start the new year off right. Should I get a 800# service or just use my cell? I can answer my phone pretty much anytime. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Elisha Lowe · Answer

I know this is an old post but wanted to add that a Google Voice account which is free is a great idea. It takes minutes to set up, give options for local numbers, calls comes into the number/phone that you want it sent to. Also, if you have a smart phone the voice messages left are transcribed to text.

Thanks for the tip Esi!

Bill Walston · Answer

I've always had better response with a local number.  I'm a big fan of SKYPE.  You can get a local number pretty much anywhere in the states, so I get one for  the area where I'm investing.  They run about $3/month and you can cancel them at anytime.  I usually just forward the number to my cell, but I can direct it to SKYPE voice mail if I don't want to be bothered.

Jon Holdman · Answer

You might not want the number tied directly to you.  That makes it too easy for code enforcement to track you down.  They don't call these bandit signs for nothing.

Marc Freislinger · Answer

From my own experience, I find I get more calls to a local number, but i still use www.ringcentral.com to transfer the calls to me or my partner. I can also send them directly to voicemail and they do not get my cell number.

Altin Velaj · Answer

TOTALLY AGREE ON GOOGLE VOICE. ONE THING IM NOT SURE IF  THE POLICE AN TRACK THAT OR NOT. MY INSTINCT SAYS NO

Bill Walston · Answer

What Elisha said :-)  I'm now doing with google voice what I was doing with SKYPE.  I set up a local google voice number and forward it to my cell.  I'll then use that number on my bandit signs, flyers etc.  Works great!

Tom Bukacek · Answer

What I've found in regards to 800# versus local number is that the local number works much better.  For me, I was able to get almost twice the number of phone calls.  It may be a Texas-thing, but those are the results I had.

Also, as another poster had mentioned, it's a great idea to get a ring central local number.  When you make callbacks, you can conference call from that same number.  The protection of an alternative phone number does you no good if you return calls from your own phone number.  Code enforcement can track you down pretty easy that way.

Trust me, I speak of experience! :(

Frank McGovern · Answer

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

800# or my # on bandit signs?

Most Popular Reply