Hi Tracey

> Hi - After watching the Mad Butchers programme last night with
> the beauty clinic (if anyone saw it). One of his recomendations
> to get more customers was to get an 0800 number. I've been
> thinking about this for awhile myself for Cosy Toes. Can anyone
> tell me the difference its made to their business - if any and
> has it been a good or bad move? Also did you absorb the costs
> and think of it as a type of advertising or put your prices up
> first? Your thoughts wold be really appreciated.

No experience with 0800 numbers - last decade or so has seen me mainly local (occasional client by e-mail). But obvious question is have you checked on the costs first? Also don't forget you could also investigate 0508 numbers from Telstra. Either way, you've still got to get the freephone known - and so advertised nationally. And then of course, there's no point in having a national number that's not answered effectively.

BTW I watch with interest the Mad Butcher. While there's no doubt he's got a handle on marketing, I'm more interested when they say his sidekick did his thing - but they never go there. I guess that's why Gerber's "The E-Myth revisted" is such a favourite - if a business doesn't have a major marketing problem, the mad butcher probably wouldn't be interested.

Best wishes

Phil Astley
www.businessacademy.co.nz