http://www.plumbers.co.nz/forum/fellow-practitioners-update/41/fellow-practitioner-issue-146-dated-22-march-2010/1403/

Plumbers NZ are the sponsors of the Federation’s website and also the Plumbers Forum. They put in a huge effort to help the industry. They are looking at offering a national Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainage service to consumers and businesses. The platform plumbers.co.nz will make this possible.

With over 120,000 UNIQUE visits in 2012 (looking at increase to 500,000 by end of 2013) the demand has grown to a point where we need to service it to stay ahead of the game. In several months www.plumbers.co.nz will be introducing its new national phone number 0800 00 99 88. They are very excited about this and wish to open an opportunity to PGDF and plumbers NZ members.

The Concept:

They are getting several quotes to setup a phone based server system (PBX) that will manage all incoming phone calls nationally, let's say a call comes in from Wellington then the system will know that and automatically divert to a Plumbers.co.nz member in Wellington bypassing the selection menu.

If the number is unknown then the system will advise for Auckland press 1 for Wellington press 2 and so on. Option 1 will be diverting to product inquiry that will be handled by Plumbers NZ office also in this case if an installation is required all inquires go to members. They are not looking at profiting from this and are looking more towards a support system that can work nationally and laying a foundation for a larger vision. The costs involved would be the purchase and setting up of the server plus ONLY the call usage going to the members plus any extra's the members wish to have (example: special answering message if not available). They are happy to provide original quotes and bills to our members. This will not only support the public but also Plumbers.co.nz members nationally.

The advantages:

• All inquiries within your zone go ONLY to you, this includes inquiries from all other Plumbers NZ network related sites and sources, leads and National suppliers wanting to use our services. You will be the "go to guy."
• You can use this great number for your own advertising, website etc...
• Any advertising they do (Radio, Print, TV) with the number you are Automatically the "go to guy".
• You will only pay the actual usage of that number, they will provide a copy showing statistics and relevant numbers plus cost, this is no different to what you most likely already have.
• You grow as they grow Requirements Interested people must be able to offer the following:
• Must be qualified and able to service Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainage (Central Heating and Solar is an advantage).
• Must have a land line that will be answered during business hours and a mailbox or call centre after hours.
• Must reply to inquiries and complaints within a reasonable amount of time.

They will offer a basic agreement outlining responsibilities and duties (MOU) protecting them and our members.
Members are free to quote and use any products. Later Plumbers NZ will introduce their house products to Plumbers in NZ with attractive rates that might motivate them to use them every now and then to supply.

The system is very smart being able to email voice messages to the user, or linking in with existing website etc.

the cost will depend on how many "expression of interests" they can get from members.

Plumbers NZ have asked for expressions of interest. They will need the following details:

• Company Name (reg #)
• Area wanting to cover (can be a complete city)
• Categories able to cover

If you are interested please contact Rudy on Email: admin@plumbers.co.nz

Linkback: https://www.plumbers.nz/site-stuff/6/national-phone-number-coming-soon/1419/

>>> UPDATE <<<

We are very happy to announce that we are now able to offer this service to you with NO startup cost at all. (Thanks to our sponsors!)

We are also trying to remove any ongoing fee's leaving you only with the minute costs you create taking phone calls and talking to your client.

The good news is you will be dealing directly with the provider bypassing Plumbers NZ. They will bill you directly (we make no margins) As soon as I get more information I will let you know. In the meantime what is important is that you have no cost to immediately increase business in your respective area.

Big ups Plumber, if the phone number is half as successful as this forum, then it'll be feckin fablus (welsh for really good)

What a great idea, much respect to "plumber" for managing what I can only imagine is a huge amount of responsibilities and technical detail in getting this off the ground. All the  people that have assisted you and are involved  as well as the many other things happening on this site also deserve a big well done and keep going hard!! The website really is turning into something special. A one stop shop.

Are there still opportunities to join regarding the 0800 number in some areas plumber??

Cheers, rodza1