A 400 phone number is a distinctive ten-digit telephone number commonly used by businesses in China, characterized by its unique split-paid service model.
Understanding the 400 Service
400 numbers are integral to business communication in China. They are always ten digits long and begin with "400." While often associated with toll-free services, their cost structure differs from traditional models where the caller pays nothing. These numbers enable businesses to establish a national presence with a single contact point.
The Split-Paid Service Model
The 400-service is officially known as "\u4e3b\u88ab\u53eb\u5206\u644a\u4ed8\u8d39\u4e1a\u52a1," which translates to "calling party and called party split-paid service." This innovative model ensures that the cost of a call is shared between the caller and the business receiving the call.
How the Costs are Divided:
- Calling Party (Customer): Pays for the local access fee. This means callers pay the standard local call charges from their phone provider, regardless of their location within China.
- Called Party (Business): Pays for the toll (long-distance) fee. The business subscribes to the 400 service and covers the long-distance portion of the call, ensuring their customers are only charged local rates.
Cost Distribution Summary:
| Party | Fee Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Calling Party | Local Access Fee |
| Called Party | Toll (Long Distance) Fee |
Key Features and Benefits for Businesses
400 numbers offer several advantages for companies operating in China:
- National Reach: Provides a single, easily memorable contact number for customers across China, enhancing a company's national presence and professionalism.
- Customer-Friendly: By covering the long-distance charges, businesses make it more affordable for customers to call them, encouraging communication and improving accessibility.
- Enhanced Brand Image: A 400 number lends credibility and a professional appearance to businesses, positioning them as established and customer-focused.
- Streamlined Communication: Offers a unified contact point, simplifying customer inquiries and support.
400 Numbers in Contrast to Traditional Toll-Free Services
Unlike many international toll-free telephone numbers where the caller incurs no cost at all, 400 numbers in China require the calling party to pay a local access fee. The "toll-free" aspect for the caller primarily refers to the absence of long-distance charges, which are borne by the business. This makes 400 numbers a hybrid solution, balancing cost responsibility between the consumer and the enterprise.
