Start Your Own 900 Number

WILL IT BE SUCCESSFUL?

We hear a lot of good 900 number ideas every day from potential information providers. Almost all of the people who contact us have information that some people will be willing to pay for. If you were interested in starting a lima bean hotline, for example, we�re sure that there are some farmers and lima bean lovers out there who would call it. After all, it�s a big country.

But, would there be enough callers to warrant a lima bean hotline? The answer lies in the marketing of the hotline. If there is a way to cost-effectively advertise to the lima bean market, then such a crazy idea just might be successful. For example, if you or somebody else publishes a newsletter about lima beans, then it probably work, because you�d have an inexpensive and highly targeted way to reach your potential market.

That is really the key to the 900 number business: advertising and promotion. We have to assume you have good and timely information on the line. Therefore, the potential success of your program depends on your ability to cost effectively promote the service.

MOST PEOPLE THINK OF THE IDEA FIRST, THEN THINK ABOUT HOW TO MARKET IT. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU THINK OF THE MEDIUM FIRST, THEN TRY TO DESIGN AN APPLICATION TO FIT THAT MARKET.

CHOOSING A PROGRAM

If you don't know anything about a particular subject, don�t invest your time and money in it. Look for a particular area of interest, expertise or specialization that you have and exploit it.

Recently, a prospective information provider called with two ideas. One, he wanted to subscribe to our weather service and market a weather line of his own. Second, he mentioned that he was a competitive water skier and that he had also considered a 900 service that would give water skiing competition results and tips on improving your skiing technique.

How could an entrepreneurial information provider, who must purchase his own advertising, possibly compete with the Weather Channel or USA Today on a weather line? No way.

Although the percentage of Americans who are interested in water skiing is probably relatively low, those who are involved with it are fanatical about it. Moreover, there was no competition from other 900 services because, to the best of his knowledge, there had never been a water skiing 900 number. Most important, there were water skiing magazines and newsletters that did not cost a lot to advertise in, yet specifically targeted his market. It was a no-brainer.

IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO REPORT ON NICHE INFORMATION, AND THERE IS AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO REACH THOSE WHO ARE INVOLVED IN IT, THEN YOU HAVE A POTENTIALLY WINNING 900 NUMBER.

HOW TO SET UP A 900 NUMBER

We have all the equipment that you'll need to start your own 900 number so there's no need to invest in any costly equipment. All you need is a touchtone phone to update the service. We can answer the calls via our automated interactive voice response (IVR) system or calls can be redirected to your live operators via POTS line, SIP, or VOIP (.07/minute). If you use IVR, you can update your program remotely from a touchtone phone.

WHAT WE NEED TO START A 900 NUMBER

When you are ready to go, ATS will send you an agreement. Once you authorize the agreement and submit the necessary initial investment, we will begin the MCI 900 number pre-approval process.

MCI has a pre-approval process for all 900 numbers. We must submit a sample script of what the callers will hear on your 900 number and we must submit a sample advertisement. There is also some paperwork that we will fill out and submit on your behalf. You should allow three to ten days for the entire process, although usually MCI approves 900 numbers in less time than this.

Your sample script must include the mandatory 18-second preamble as required by law in the United States. During this time, a consumer can hang up without incurring charges to his/her phone bill. The preamble must include the following information: cost of the call; description of the service; program sponsor; age disclaimer; a discernable tone when charges begin.

Here's an example of a sample 900 number preamble:

Hello and thank you for calling the Lima Bean Information line brought to you by LimaBean.com. The cost of this call is $2.00 per minute. You must be 18 or older to make this call or have parent's permission. Billing begins in three seconds.

For a live operator call, MCI requires a script of a typical phone call.

Advertising for a 900 number must include the same elements that are required in the preamble with the lone exception being the discernable tone when charges begin, of course. MCI does not require the actual advertisement. In other words, you don't need to create an actual television commercial; a simple storyboard will gain approval.

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To start your own 900 number, contact an ATS representative today by email.

Purchase your copy of the ultimate book on 900 Numbers, "Opportunity is Calling" by ATS' Bob Bentz.