1-800-Vanity Phone Numbers - Are They Cool or Cold?

^ I guess the numbers are above the comments now.  Oops!  

I can definitely understand why businesses use these numbers (so people remember the number) but I agree - they bug the heck out of me.  I have to look up each letter to see what number it is, and on the touch cell phones, the letters are not even listed next to each number.  Very frustrating.

Kathleen-- apparently, it's a pet peeve for everyone. Quick story-- Years ago, when Karen was doing a lot of mortgage loans, I had the toll free number: 1-800-SHOP-RATES

That was because I promised to beat any rate on a conventional mortgage they could find. I had a killer radio commercial and ran it for a month during drive time. I remember how much it cost, which is about $14,000.

I figured people would hear the commercial and remember the easy telephone number. one- eight- hundred- shop -rates.

I ended up getting ONE phone call all month. It was a complete failure. The commercial was great. The loan business was humming, but nobody wanted to call my sexy new number. An expensive lesson learned.

Oh- and the one phone call I received- had bad credit and no chance in hell of getting a mortgage.

My company has a 800# but I am no so sure even that is needed anymore.

Kathleen, I don't mind these so much IF they have the "real" numbers right below or next to it or  tell you in the commercial.  Otherwise, I'm with you - I do not know nor do I care to know what letters are on the phone pad!!!!

I am a also annoyed by those numbers - and even the ads on folks cars. It bugs me...I don't give a rip what you do for a living - and your moving ad is distracting. It's all about ego in my humble opinion. 

We have several agents around here who drive hummers with their Real Estate stuff - included their faces all over the sides - honestly, are you that enamoured with yourself? They would be the "last" on my list to call.  

Sorry, I took this in an entirely different direction. Still, don't like vanity phone number for much of the same reason. I want numbers, not the alphabet. :) 

Sometimes in advertising it's easier to remember a vanity # than a phone #.

Thanks for your post!

Kevin

Kathleen, I have to agree with you. Those interested in reaching us want the process to be as simple as possible-- see number, dial number, done.

I like to keep it simple. My number is fine for me.

Kathleen,

I don't have a vanity number, but people are always commenting on how easy my cell phone number is...443-995-9595.

Rich

Vanity numbers sometime drive me crazy--especially when dialing from a cell phone. These numbers were meant to make remembering numbers much easier. However, with the use of smartpohnes, I don't think many people remember individual numbers like we use to. It's much simplier to place the number in your smartphone and let the phone do the work. 

My smartphone won't even let me enter a vanity number (with letters) as a phone number.  I have to enter it under "notes".  The only way phone numbers can be entered in the quick dial is as an actual number.

I could have had a vanity number but when they told me "0000" was available with our new exchange, I had to have it.....so easy to remember!

877-TOO-TRUE

LOL! I can really relate to this Kathleen and I am laughing as I read it. Thanks!

Hi again Kathleen.  Vanity numbers still command a premium price..

Kathleen, you always share such good information.  Thanks for staying on top of it all and so giving of it freely.  

Good post loaded with great information.  Thanks for sharing this information.