Top 10 things you should know about phone cards – before and after you buy
December 7th, 2008
"What are the most important things everyone should know about phone cards?"
The year is winding down and everyone is publishing their top 10 lists: top 10 gifts to give, top 10 events of 2008, best and worst of the year. So I thought it was time I put out a top 10 list that is useful to all phone card users.
Customers I speak to usually fall into one of three categories:
- Those who have never used a phone card.
- Those who have used a phone card in the past but not recently.
- Those who use phone cards all the time and are always looking for the best possible deal.
The following are things that every phone card user should know so you can make the best possible purchase for your phone card needs - whether you’re purchasing from ZapTel or somewhere else.
#1 - Read all the information available about the card you’re purchasing.
This is probably the most important piece of advice about purchasing a phone card. Every phone card company should have detailed information posted about the products they sell. If they don’t, that should tell you something about that company. Stay informed about the product you’re interested in and you’ll be more likely to find the best product for your phone card needs.
Each ZapTel phone card has a product specifications page listing everything you’ll need and want to know about your phone card. Read it all before purchasing a phone card.
#2 - Check on the company you’re purchasing from.
Sad to say, there are some phone card retailers out there who don’t tell it like it is. They’re the ones whose fine print has fine print. Check up on the company you’re purchasing from. Read their testimonials and ask questions when you have them. If you don’t feel that they’re being honest, you’re probably right.
See if the company is a member of the Better Business Bureau. ZapTel has been an accredited member of the BBB since 2005 with an impeccable track record. This is an accomplishment that we’re proud of.
#3 - Make sure that a phone card will work from the phone you’re planning to use.
This seems to happen more from phones outside the US than inside, but we still see it from time to time. The best way to know this before purchasing a phone card is to dial the toll free access number from your phone. It’s free so you won’t be charged for dialing it. If you’re prompted to enter a PIN, then the phone card you’re interested in will work from the line you’re dialing from.
#4 - Understand the features available with your phone card.
Some people just want a simple way to make affordable calls. Phone cards allow you to dial the access number, enter the PIN, and make your call. Others who like all the bells and whistles will want to know what features are available with their phone cards: recharge, pinless dialing, speed dial, online call detail records, internet dialing, etc. If these are things that are important to you, check to make sure that the card you’re purchasing can accommodate your needs. Not all phone cards have these features so make sure you’re aware of what’s available before you purchase.
Click here to see all available phone card features from ZapTel.
#5 - Know who to call if you have trouble with your phone card.
In a perfect world, our calls would connect over oceans and satellites and computers with crystal clear connections. Just like any other service, you’ll need to know who to contact if you experience trouble with your phone card. Look for a technical support number so you’ll have it in case you ever need to use it.
#6 - Check the landline and mobile phone rates.
Because of the way most international mobile services provide services to their users, many mobile phone rates to countries outside the US are much higher than the landline rates. Check both sets of rates so you know what you’ll be charged. ZapTel lists both landline and mobile rates in their rate searches.
Also, check to see if the posted rates are applied when using a local or toll free access number. Local access numbers sometimes will give you a better rate per minute. These numbers are not toll free but can be called if you have unlimited local calling and there is a local access number available in your area.
#7 - Make sure you know all the fees associated with the card you’re purchasing and do the math.
Some cards have other fees associated with them like connection fees, surcharges per call, and regular service fees. Other cards have a flat rate per minute. Cards with other fees aren’t always bad and many times may give you more minutes if you’re a frequent caller who talks for long periods of time. Check the fees associated with your card and do the math. This will help you get the most out of your phone card.
Click here to read the ZapTel posting about how to do the math with your phone card.
#8 - Understand the dialing instruction.
Most phone card dialing instructions are simple: dial the access number, enter the PIN, and dial the number you wish to call. Sometimes, though, there are other instructions that are important for you to follow. For instance, when dialing from the US to a number outside the US, you need to dial 011 + Country Code + City Code + Number. If you’re dialing from outside the US back in, you’ll need to check the dialing instructions to see how to connect to that number. Not all phone cards route through the US so make sure you learn what your cards instructions are before you purchase.
#9 - Double check the rates and fees before purchasing again.
Most phone card companies have the disclaimer that "rates are subject to change without notice." With that said, there should be some place on the site where the company notes when rates were changed and their rate listings should always be current. Before you recharge, double check the rates to make sure you know if anything has changed since your last purchase.
#10 - Understand how to call when traveling abroad.
Calling from outside the US is different than dialing from the US. The basic concept of dialing an access number, PIN and destination number are the same, but other factors like the type of phone you’re using could affect the overall usability of your phone card. I highly recommend that you read our Travel FAQ page which gives helpful tips and advice about calling when traveling.
Phone Card Coupon for Week of December 8th
Through December 14th, $1 off your purchase of a new phone card or recharge to your existing phone card from ZapTel. Use the following code to receive the discount:
TRYZAP1
Enter the coupon code on the Review Your Order page, and be sure to click the "Add Coupon Code" button on the page to apply the discount. Offer expires at Midnight Central Time on December 14, 2008.
This entry was posted on Sunday, December 7th, 2008 at 8:58 pm and is filed under Phone Card Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
