1800 Number Costs & Pricing in Australia
1800 Number Pricing Guide: Free Calls for Customers, Affordable for Business
Key Pricing Points
- Same $10/month base fee as 1300 numbers
- 100% free for your customers to call from anywhere in Australia
- Business covers all call costs (higher per-minute rates than 1300)
- Premium positioning shows commitment to customer service
- All call management features included at no extra cost
How Much Does an 1800 Number Cost in Australia?
An 1800 number, also known as a toll-free number, costs the same as a 1300 number to get started: just $10 per month with no setup fees. However, the key difference lies in how call costs are structured. With an 1800 number, your customers pay nothing to call you—the call is completely free from any Australian phone, whether mobile or landline.
This makes 1800 numbers the premium choice for businesses that want to remove all barriers to customer contact. When customers see an 1800 number, they know they can call without worrying about charges eating into their mobile plan or incurring long-distance fees. This significantly increases call volumes and improves customer satisfaction.
The trade-off is that your business absorbs 100% of the call costs, rather than sharing them with the caller as with a 1300 number. Per-minute charges for 1800 numbers are typically higher—ranging from 20 to 35 cents per minute depending on whether the call originates from a mobile or landline. For businesses with high call volumes, these costs can add up, but the return on investment in terms of customer goodwill and increased enquiries often justifies the expense.
Understanding 1800 Number Call Costs
The defining feature of 1800 numbers is that they’re completely free for the caller. Whether your customer is calling from Perth, Sydney, or a remote area, they pay absolutely nothing. This applies to calls from both mobile phones and landlines, making your business accessible to everyone without cost concerns.
For your business, this means you pay the full cost of each incoming call. The per-minute rate you’re charged depends on several factors:
- Call origin: Calls from mobile phones typically cost more (25-35 cents/min) than landline calls (15-25 cents/min)
- Call volume: Higher monthly volumes often qualify for better rates
- Time of day: Some providers offer off-peak rates, though we maintain consistent pricing
- Call duration: You only pay for connected time, not ringing or time in queue
To give you a practical example: if you receive 150 calls per month, averaging 4 minutes each, with a blended rate of 25 cents per minute, your monthly call costs would be approximately $150. Add the $10 service fee, and your total monthly cost would be $160. Compare this to potential revenue from those 150 customer enquiries, and the ROI becomes clear.
When Does an 1800 Number Make Financial Sense?
Not every business needs an 1800 number, and that’s okay. The decision should be based on your business model, customer base, and budget. Here are scenarios where 1800 numbers typically deliver strong value:
Customer Support Lines: If you run a support desk where customers need help with products or services, removing the call barrier is essential. Frustrated customers shouldn’t have to pay to get help.
Sales Hotlines: When each call represents a potential sale, the cost of making it free to call is a small investment compared to the revenue from converted leads.
National Brands: Large companies use 1800 numbers to project a premium, customer-focused image. The toll-free number signals that you value customer contact.
High-Value Transactions: For businesses where average transaction values are high (property, vehicles, B2B services), the call cost is negligible compared to deal size.
Conversely, if you’re a small business with tight margins and moderate call volumes, a 1300 number might be the smarter financial choice, offering many of the same benefits at lower cost.
Comparing 1300 vs 1800 Number Costs
The monthly service fee is identical: $10/month for both 1300 and 1800 numbers. The difference is entirely in the per-call charges:
| Feature | 1300 Number | 1800 Number |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $10 | $10 |
| Caller Cost | Local call rate | FREE |
| Business Cost/Min | 10-25c | 20-35c |
| Setup Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Best For | General enquiries, sales | Support, premium service |
For a business receiving 100 calls/month at 3 minutes average, a 1300 number might cost $55/month total, while an 1800 number might cost $85/month. The $30 difference buys you the premium positioning and customer experience of toll-free calling.
Budgeting for Your 1800 Number
Predicting your monthly 1800 number costs is straightforward once you understand your call patterns. Start by estimating:
- Monthly call volume: How many inbound calls do you expect? Look at historical data or industry benchmarks.
- Average call duration: Support calls might average 5-8 minutes, while sales enquiries might be 3-5 minutes.
- Call origin mix: What percentage come from mobiles vs landlines? Mobile-heavy businesses will have higher costs.
Use this formula: (Monthly Calls × Average Duration × Per-Minute Rate) + $10 = Total Monthly Cost
Our customer portal provides real-time cost tracking, so you can monitor your spending throughout the month and never be surprised by your bill. You’ll see exactly how many calls you’re receiving, their duration, origin, and associated costs. This transparency helps you budget accurately and make informed decisions about call management.
Many businesses implement cost-control measures without compromising service quality: setting maximum call durations, routing after-hours calls to voicemail, or using IVR to filter enquiries. These strategies keep costs predictable while maintaining excellent customer service.
Getting Started with Your 1800 Number
Setting up your 1800 number is identical to the 1300 number process—quick, simple, and entirely online:
- Search Available Numbers: Browse our inventory of available 1800 numbers. Choose a memorable sequence or find a phoneword that spells your business name or service.
- Select the $10/Month Plan: Start with the base plan that includes all essential features. You can always add premium features later.
- Configure Call Routing: Decide where calls should be directed—your mobile, office, call centre, or a rotation of team members.
- Activate Instantly: Your number goes live immediately. Test it by making a call to ensure everything works perfectly.
The entire setup takes less than 10 minutes. There’s no waiting for technicians, no hardware to install, and no complex configuration. Once activated, your 1800 number works seamlessly with your existing phones—customers call your toll-free number, and it rings through to wherever you’ve specified.
If you’re porting an existing 1800 number from another provider, we handle all the coordination. The process typically takes 1-2 business days, and we’ll guide you through each step to ensure a smooth transition with zero downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About 1800 Number Costs
How much does a 1800 number cost per month?
The base service fee is $10 per month. Your total cost depends on call volume and duration. For example, 100 calls at 4 minutes each (400 minutes) at 25c/min would cost $100 in call charges plus the $10 fee, totaling $110 per month.
Are 1800 numbers more expensive than 1300 numbers?
Yes, per-minute call costs are higher for 1800 numbers (20-35c/min vs 10-25c/min for 1300) because your business pays the full call cost instead of sharing it with the caller. However, the monthly service fee is the same: $10 for both.
Is it really free for customers to call 1800 numbers?
Yes, absolutely. Calls to 1800 numbers are 100% free from any Australian phone, including mobiles and landlines. Customers pay nothing, and the call doesn’t count against their mobile plan minutes.
Can I switch from a 1300 to an 1800 number?
Yes, you can get an 1800 number at any time. However, you can’t convert your existing 1300 number to 1800—they’re different number ranges. You would get a new 1800 number and either keep both or transition your marketing to the new number.
Are there setup fees or contracts?
No setup fees, no activation charges, and no lock-in contracts. You pay $10/month plus call charges on a month-to-month basis. Cancel anytime with no penalties or termination fees.
How do I control costs with an 1800 number?
Use time-based routing to send after-hours calls to voicemail, implement IVR to handle common questions automatically, set maximum call durations, and use our reporting tools to identify patterns and optimize your call handling strategy.
