N844AA
Member
- Location
- Los Angeles
Here in Los Angeles, there's about 6 area codes and people (especially general contractors) believe for some reason, that I don't work out side of my area code. They have a built in prejudice, they see an area code in advertising and immediately assume that their job is outside my service area.
For some reason, people think electrical contractors only service people in their local neighborhood. The reality is, as anybody in this business knows, modern vehicles are quite reliable and all the roads are paved, so ECs service large metropolitan areas.
This is maddening to me, people take one look at my area code and assume I don't service their area...
One solution is an 800 number, but I wonder how consumers react when they see an 800 number. An 800 number is geographically neutral so it conceals your location from consumers and avoids this weird area code prejudice people have.
On the other hand, does an 800 number make a consumer less likely to call because the 800 number "feels weird" to them? 30 years ago, a "Toll Free" number actually saved consumers money as it was a free call, but these days that is not the case.
Aside from being electricians and contractors, you guys are also consumers, if you received a direct mail advertising piece from a roofer or plumber and he had an 800 number, does that number automatically cause you to make an assumption about his business? If so, what assumptions would you make? Is a number just a number and you make no assumptions?
Your input is highly appreciated, thanks.
For some reason, people think electrical contractors only service people in their local neighborhood. The reality is, as anybody in this business knows, modern vehicles are quite reliable and all the roads are paved, so ECs service large metropolitan areas.
This is maddening to me, people take one look at my area code and assume I don't service their area...
One solution is an 800 number, but I wonder how consumers react when they see an 800 number. An 800 number is geographically neutral so it conceals your location from consumers and avoids this weird area code prejudice people have.
On the other hand, does an 800 number make a consumer less likely to call because the 800 number "feels weird" to them? 30 years ago, a "Toll Free" number actually saved consumers money as it was a free call, but these days that is not the case.
Aside from being electricians and contractors, you guys are also consumers, if you received a direct mail advertising piece from a roofer or plumber and he had an 800 number, does that number automatically cause you to make an assumption about his business? If so, what assumptions would you make? Is a number just a number and you make no assumptions?
Your input is highly appreciated, thanks.