1300, 1800 or 07: which business number should you use?
Short answer: use a local (07) number if your customers are mostly in South East Queensland and you want to look local; use a 1300 number if you want one memorable number for a multi-site or statewide business; use 1800 only if you are happy to pay for your callers' calls. All three can ring the same cloud phone system.
Australian businesses can choose between geographic numbers such as (07), and non-geographic numbers such as 1300 and 1800. The right choice depends on who your customers are, who you want to pay for the call, and how many locations answer the phone.
The three number types at a glance
| Number | Who pays for the call | Tied to a location? | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| (07) xxxx xxxx | The caller, at normal call rates | Yes, it shows a Queensland area code | Local businesses that want to look and feel local |
| 1300 xxx xxx (or 13 xx xx) | The caller, typically at a local-call rate from a landline; mobile charges depend on the caller's plan | No | Multi-site or statewide businesses wanting one memorable number |
| 1800 xxx xxx | The business that owns the number | No | Businesses that want calls to be free for the caller, such as enquiry or support lines |
Always check current call charges with your own carrier, as the cost to the caller varies by plan and by whether they call from a landline or a mobile.
When a local (07) number makes sense
- Your customers are mostly on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Redlands, Moreton Bay or the Sunshine Coast, and a local area code builds familiarity.
- You have one main office, or each site has its own number.
- You do not want to pay anything extra for the number type.
The (07) area code covers all of Queensland, so it does not tell a caller which suburb you are in. It signals that you are a Queensland business.
When a 1300 number makes sense
- You have several sites and want one number printed on vans, signs and advertising.
- You expect to move premises, because a 1300 number is not tied to a street or exchange.
- You want to route callers to different offices or teams depending on the time of day or who is available.
A 1300 number is not a phone line by itself. It points at another service, so it needs to be routed to a phone system that can answer it. With a cloud phone system, the routing is usually set up in software: for example, ring a queue during business hours and send calls to voicemail or an after-hours message otherwise.
When a 1800 number makes sense
A 1800 number is free for the caller, which can encourage calls from people who are hesitant to pay, such as customers with a complaint or people seeking information. The catch is that you pay for those calls, including unwanted ones, so it is worth monitoring the volume. For most small local businesses, a 1800 number is rarely needed.
Can you use more than one?
Yes. Many businesses keep their existing (07) number for regulars and add a 1300 number for advertising. Both can ring the same extensions, queues and mobile apps. The important point is that you do not need separate handsets or separate phone systems for each number.
Do not lose your existing number
If you already advertise a number, keep it. Numbers can generally be moved to a new provider through number porting, and the process should leave your number working throughout. Our guide to porting your business number explains what to expect, and confirm with any provider that your particular number type can be ported before you commit.
A quick way to decide
- Do customers need to know you are local? Choose (07).
- Do you have several sites or want one number to advertise? Add 1300.
- Do you want callers to pay nothing? Consider 1800, and check what you would pay.
- Whatever you pick, make sure the number can be routed to your phone system and ported later if you change provider.
Quick answers
Is a 1300 number cheaper for customers than a mobile number?
Not necessarily. A 1300 number is usually charged to the caller at a local-call rate from a landline, but the cost from a mobile depends on the caller's plan. Check current charges with your carrier before promoting it as cheap to call.
Does a 1300 number need its own phone line?
No. A 1300 number is routed to another service, such as your existing phone system. It can ring the same extensions and queues as your (07) number.
Can I port my 1300 or 1800 number to a new provider?
Generally yes, but confirm with the new provider that your number type is supported and who the number is registered to. Wise Cloud Technology ports numbers at no charge and can tell you what is needed for your number.
Does an (07) number cover just the Gold Coast?
No. The (07) area code covers Queensland generally, so it shows callers you are a Queensland business rather than naming a suburb.
Not sure which number to use?
Talk to our local team about routing, porting and setting up your numbers on a cloud phone system.
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