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If part of your business is calling out to customers via phones, you may quickly find that you’re listed as a SPAM call, which greatly diminishes your ability to connect with people. Since smartphones and “Potential SPAM” notifications have become the norm, it has grown increasingly difficult to market via cold calling or even to reach out to current customers. How does a SPAM flagged business telephone number, get that flag removed, or avoid it altogether?

Before we discuss the options a business has, let’s go over what leads to being listed as SPAM and how it affects your business. 

How a Flagged Number Affects the Business

Whether your business is a call center or only has one branch, having company numbers flagged as SPAM will greatly reduce your answer rate, and certainly affect your bottom line.  This is especially impactful for organizations relying on time-sensitive communication or appointment information, particularly in the education or medical fields. 

Another way it has impacted businesses is through the hiring process. When reaching out to a candidate for a position they applied for or skilled talent you’ve come across on a professional platform, many people are missing out on jobs and companies on potential candidates due to their number being listed as SPAM. This is also a costly predicament, not only because the company is missing out on a valuable employee, but also because dollars are wasted in terms of time. 

Your Customer’s Carrier Listing Your Number as SPAM

Telephone carriers have built-in thresholds for call activity that they monitor to protect their customers – the same customers you are trying to reach. Historically, if a single number is making several calls per minute (short duration calling), or a high set of calls throughout a week (high volume calling), the carrier may flag the number as “Potential SPAM”.  More recently these thresholds are being determined by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and customer feedback through mobile SPAM apps, but the old rules typically still apply.  

To address the issue, some companies attempt to cycle through their outbound numbers.  This tactic is by no means full proof, and can not only be a costly solution but often a temporary one. Carriers quickly identify the source, and have the source flagged as SPAM. Think of the same company that always calls about your warranty from different numbers, but is still listed as SPAM. 

Your Customer’s Are Flagging Your Number

Dialing practices can help reduce the likelihood of your company being flagged by a carrier, your customers can still have you listed as SPAM. There are dozens upon dozens of call-blocking apps and let’s not forget that modern smartphones don’t require an app to block the call anymore. If several customers are blocking your number, the carrier’s AI can pick up on it and list you as SPAM to anyone else you reach out to that is on that carrier.

It is also important to note that your company could be flagged by customers if your number has been “spoofed” by spammers. If this is the case, it can have similar detrimental effects as having your identity stolen.  Much time and money may be spent trying to undo the damage the spammers did to your brand.

How F2F Can Help 

 With so many ways to have your business flagged as SPAM, and spammers being able to masquerade your number for their nefarious uses, what is a business to do?  Unfortunately, a “magic bullet” does not exist to solve this widespread and ever growing issue, and the first steps do require some work on your part.

1. Let the Carriers and Database Providers Know:  

If you know which carrier is falsely identifying or blocking your number(s) or labeling you as SPAM in their databases, you can reach out to them directly. Many carriers have a business application form to prevent being listed as such. 

1. If Face-2-Face Telecommunications is your carrier, and you have listed your business numbers with the carriers and databases above, and you are still being listed as SPAM, we are here to help.  
   • We will gladly open a repair ticket with our upstream carriers, however, call examples will be needed to determine who may be falsely labeling your calls as SPAM.  

Face-2-Face Telecommunications continues to work with the industry through our participation in associations and partnerships with our customers to help resolve this issue while still working towards flagging, and stopping illegal spoofing, as well as robocalling.

F2F Telecommunications | Is Your Number Showing up as Spam

Are you wondering “What are the most common pests in the UK?” If so, this post is for you. As one of the popular pest control service providers in Doncaster, we have dealt with many different pests over the years, ranging from rats and cockroaches to bed bugs and birds. Various pests can cause more harm and aggravation than others, but it’s always best to act as quickly as you can if you do come across an issue with a pest that could worsen. Keep reading to find out which are the most common pests in homes across the UK. For help get in touch with

Pest Control Doncaster

Wasp Control

Wasps tend to turn up during the late summer and early autumn months. They can create a nuisance due to the way they can get so close to us and often target our food and drink, especially if it is sweet. They can also sting us if they feel they are under threat. Places where wasps build their nests include trees, lofts, the edges of roofs, sheds and garage areas. Call us

pest control doncaster

Ants

Many people have had issues with ant invasions in the UK. Ants often invade homes and kitchens in search of food and can be very hard to get rid of without outside support.

Mice and rats

Mice and rats can create issues throughout the year, unlike some other pests. They tend to frequent both urban and rural areas and look for shelter and food in and around buildings. Not only can they create damage to homes but they can also pose a danger to human health.

Flies

Flies can be very challenging, specifically during the warmer times of the year. Examples of flies that often create issues in UK homes include house flies, cluster flies and house flies. Several flies can spread illness as well as being an aggravation.

Moths

Moths can create extensive damage to stored food, fabrics and garments. You may be particularly eager to get over a difficulty with moths if you have valuable textiles or well-stocked cupboards.

Cockroaches

Roaches may not be as typical as some of the other pests on this checklist, but they can carry diseases and be very challenging to eliminate from properties without outside assistance.

Bedbugs

Bedbugs can create issues in both domestic and commercial environments like hotels. They are diminutive insects which feed on the blood of individuals and can cause itchy red welts all over the body. Female bedbugs can lay five hundred egg cells in their life times.

For any help on annoying pests call

pest control

Ever wondered why some numbers in finance seem to shift every year? The OASDI limit for 2023 is one such figure that’s crucial yet often misunderstood. For those scratching their heads, OASDI stands for Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance – essentially Social Security. This year brings a fresh twist you’ll definitely want to get cozy with.

The OASDI limit marks the ceiling of your earnings taxed for Social Security purposes. Understanding this number is more than just ticking a box for the sake of it; it’s about smartly mapping out your financial journey ahead. In the same way you manage your credit cards to optimize credit health, understanding the OASDI limit helps optimize your financial health.

Understanding the Social Security Tax Limit 2023

The limit on Social Security tax isn’t something to shrug off. It’s the maximum amount of your earnings that are subject to the Social Security tax each year.

That limit is $160,200. A nice chunk of change, right?

What Is the Social Security Tax Limit?

Let’s break it down. If your earnings hit that $160,200 cap, you’ll pay a maximum of $9,932.40 in Social Security taxes for the year. Your employer will kick in the same amount, for a total of $19,864.80 paid into the system on your behalf.

But if you’re self-employed, you’re on the hook for the whole enchilada – 12.4% of your earnings up to that $160,200 limit. The silver lining? You get to deduct half of that amount on your tax return. Every cloud, my friend. This is akin to how wisely managing your credit can lead to significant savings over time.

Now, let’s say you’re an overachiever and earn more than $160,200. Congrats. But here’s the thing: you don’t pay Social Security taxes on anything over that amount. It’s like hitting the jackpot, tax-wise.

How the Increase Affects Payroll Taxes

So, how does this compare to last year? In 2022, the Social Security tax limit was $147,000. That means the limit jumped by $13,200 for 2023. Not too shabby.

But wait, there’s more. If you’re a high earner, you could pay up to $818 more in Social Security taxes this year compared to 2022. It’s all thanks to that increase in the wage base limit.

So, what does this mean for your paycheck? If you earn $160,200 or more, you’ll see 6.2% taken out for Social Security taxes until you hit that magic number. Then, poof. No more Social Security tax withholdings for the rest of the year. It’s like a little bonus, right? Much like how responsibly using credit cards for monthly expenses can help manage cash flow effectively.

Changes in Social Security Benefits in 2023

Now, let’s talk about the fun part: Social Security benefits. Benefits are getting a boost.

Thanks to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), benefits will increase by 8.7%. That’s the biggest jump since 1981. It’s like giving your monthly check a caffeine boost.

Retirement Earnings Test Thresholds for 2023

But wait, there’s a catch. If you’re under your full retirement age and still working, the retirement earnings test comes into play. This quiz is all about figuring out if earning a bit more cash will mean your benefits take a hit.

The earnings limit is $21,240 per year or $1,770 per month for those under full retirement age. If you hit that limit, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn over the threshold. Ouch.

But once you reach full retirement age, the earnings test disappears like magic. Poof. You can earn as much as you want without any reduction in benefits. It’s like hitting the retirement jackpot. Similar to how managing credit effectively can increase your purchasing power over time.

The technology and hardware we use to communicate with customers, clients, and fellow employees are an important element of a company, but choosing from the wide array of phones and headsets can be intimidating. We live in an era where a company can choose from dozens of types of communication hardware, including wireless headsets and cordless phones, but which is best for your business?

To better understand which communication hardware is the best fit for your company, we’ve assembled the pros and cons of both a cordless phone and wireless headsets. Read each section and discover which would work best for your business. 

Pros and Cons of a Cordless Phone

To better understand if a cordless phone is the best option for your company, read the advantages and disadvantages of integrating them into your office below.

Pros of Cordless Phones

• No Tether: a wired phone chains a person to their desk, often having to choose between putting someone on hold or doing something that would benefit the conversation or multitasking. Efficiency is paramount to productivity and in this day and age, having to do something away from where the phone is should have no bearing on continuing conversation.
• Sound Quality: Some may wonder, why not just use a cell phone rather than a cordless one? The sound quality is much better. Keeping the sound quality of a conversation top-notch is important to not only communicate well but show professionalism to customers and clients.
• Functionality: Cordless business phones have an impressive set of features, from phone-to-phone intercom to three-way conferencing, and caller ID. These features make much of the day-to-day easier for both employees and management. 

Cons of Cordless Phones

• More Expensive: hardware that has more technology tends to be more expensive and cordless business phones are no exception. 
• Reliability: many cordless business phones operate on the same frequency as things like baby monitors and car alarms, which can cause significant interference. This is not only unprofessional but can derail important phone calls.
• Easier to Lose: for the number of times we’ve all misplaced our mobile phones, consider how that can harm daily work when the cordless phone goes missing or hasn’t been recharged. One more thing to keep track of isn’t always the best idea in the office. 

Pros and Cons of Wireless Headsets

To better understand if wireless headsets are the best option for your company, read the advantages and disadvantages of integrating them into your office below.

• Functionality: wireless headsets are a multipoint technology that has many features, such as connecting multiple headphones to one device simultaneously and easy integration between platforms, enabling you to switch between them much easier. Rather than only a communication device, a wireless headset enables greater communication by utilizing different devices and their features. 
• Convenience: like cordless business phones, a wireless headset enables people to move away from the desk, but also not have to worry about holding the phone. Both hands are at your disposal and can type, move things around, grab what you need, etc.
• Range: A cordless business phone can certainly provide you with more space to roam, but not as much as a wireless headset. Your mobility is increased substantially without worry about the call dropping or interference from other devices. 

Cons of Wireless Headsets

• Battery Life: wireless headsets have batteries that can last for 40 hours straight, but they still require between 5 to 8 hours of charging. A missed charging can upset the workday a great deal if there aren’t enough spares to go around.
• The Weight: while cordless business phones require you to hold them, they are much lighter than wearing a wireless headset throughout the workday. Due to their batteries, they are much heavier on the head and can quickly become uncomfortable.
• Pairing: A Bluetooth device needs to pair and that can be a massive annoyance, not only does it disrupt the workday and wastes time but it can also drive someone to return to a wired headset or phone. 

Move Ahead with Quality Phone Technology

The most important thing to remember when debating wireless headsets vs. cordless phones is which works best for your environment. For example, desk phones with a wireless headset that can answer and hang up calls remotely are more functional near the desk as they typically have a max range of 350 ft (Bluetooth being less), whereas a cordless phone is limited by the wifi network.

So, what kind of connectivity do you need? If you stay closer to a desk but don’t want to be tethered to it via a wire then a wireless headset may be ideal. If, on the other hand, you’re frequently away from the desk but need to maintain a strong connection, a cordless phone would be a better solution. We encourage you to head over to HeadsetAdvisors.com and see which wireless headsets or cordless phones suit your company’s needs. Find the right solution for your people now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of each. 

We at F2F Telecommunications are committed to helping small to mid-sized businesses gain the technology they need without enterprise prices, advising on the right equipment for them to compete without overburdening their budget. Discover our selection of business phones and services below.

Complete Business Phone Solutions & Managed Services, learn more below. 

F2F Telecommunications | Wireless Headset Vs A Cordless Phone

Vauxhall offers a variety of leasing packages available in the year 2024, catering to various preferences, including personal users to corporations. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of some of the top packages currently on offer for Opel cars (more on ALD)

Opel Corsa

Leasing Options and Details:

• Opel Corsa-e: Lease from €139 per month. This model is especially appealing due to its economical leasing factor of 0.39, making it an cost-effective choice. This rate includes vehicles that are both new or instantly ready for purchase.
• Standard Corsa: Monthly leasing rates begin as cheap as €79. Depending on the specifics, some offers arrive with zero down payment and multiple mileage options, typically capped at 10,000 km annually.

Key Features:

• The Corsa is known for its gas efficiency, with a overall fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 124 g/km (WLTP standards).
• Electric models offer an remarkable range of up to 402 km per charge, fast charging capability (up to 80% in 30 minutes), and different operating modes like Eco, Normal, and Sport.

Opel Grandland

Leasing Options and Details:

• Opel Grandland Hybrid: Leasing starts at €255 per month with no down payment required. This deal includes the Grandland Hybrid 1.6 T with attributes such as a multimedia radio, touch-screen displays, and an enhanced safety package.
• Other Grandland Variants: Rates can go as cheap as €99 per month, based on the particular model and attributes provided. The leasing factor varies, but appealing deals often have factors below 0.5.

Key Features:

• The Grandland offers a strong 1.2 Turbo engine, with a fuel consumption rate of 6.7 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 151 g/km.
• Hybrid models offer additional advantages such as reduced gas consumption, decreased emissions, and cutting-edge hybrid technology.

Opel Mokka-e

Leasing Options and Details:

• Opel Mokka-e: Available from €177.31 per month. This rate pertains to models with low mileage (around 50 km) and includes new or slightly used vehicles.
• Features and Flexibility: Different offers appeal to private and business customers, with some deals allowing annual mileage of up to 5,000 km.

Key Features:

• As an all-electric model, the Mokka-e has a combined energy consumption of 16.2 kWh/100 km and zero CO2 emissions, making it an environmentally friendly option.
• The model arrives with modern technology and a high safety rating, boosting its appeal for eco-conscious drivers.

Opel Astra

Leasing Options and Details:

• Opel Astra Edition: Rent from €279 per month with no down payment. This deal includes a complete package with a 10,000 km yearly mileage cap.
• Astra Sports Tourer: Offered for €299 per month. This variant includes cutting-edge attributes like a multimedia infotainment system, park assist, and a keyless start system.

Key Features:

• The Astra models are equipped with a 1.2 Turbo engine, boasting a fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 126 g/km.
• These cars arrive with premium features that provide convenience and comfort, such as climate control and advanced driver assistance systems.

Conclusion

Opel’s renting deals for 2024 offer a range of options suitable for different preferences and budgets. Whether you are looking for the economical and efficient Corsa, the robust and hybrid Grandland, the environmentally friendly Mokka-e, or the well-equipped Astra, there are leasing plans available to satisfy your needs.

The 2024 leasing offers present an assortment of choices designed for individuals and businesses. As the automotive market evolves, the brand remains to adapt, providing attractive and adaptable lease deals. Let’s explore a few of the notable deals and what they entail for prospective customers check out ALD, I love them.

Overview of Volvo Leasing Deals

• Leasing for the Volvo V60: Starting at €218.72 monthly
• Leasing for the Volvo V90: From €415.31 monthly
• Leasing for Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge: Up to €210 off on the monthly rate
• Leasing Terms: Typically 24 to 36 month terms with different annual mileage allowances

Detailed Lease Options

V60 Leasing

The Volvo V60 stands out with its sleek appearance and functionality. A lease for this model begins at €218.72 per month (VAT included). This deal covers a 24-month period with an annual mileage limit of 5,000 km. The V60’s gasoline engine features a fuel efficiency of 6.2 L/100 km and CO2 emissions 140 g/km (CO2 class E). This combination of performance and efficiency makes the V60 an attractive choice for many.

Pros and Cons

Choosing the V60 comes with several advantages, such as low monthly payments and excellent fuel consumption. However, the restricted annual mileage might be a drawback for those who travel frequently.

V90 Leasing

For those desiring more space and comfort, the Volvo V90 is an outstanding choice. Leasing rates for the V90 start at €415.31 per month. This deal covers a 24-month term and a 5,000 km annual mileage limit. The V90 is equipped with a diesel powertrain, delivering a combined fuel consumption of 5.0 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions 164 g/km (emission class F). This model is perfect for both families and business trips, providing a comfortable ride and modern features.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The V90 provides superior comfort and space, making it perfect for longer journeys. However, the higher monthly cost and emission level might be a concern for environmentally conscious drivers.

XC40 and C40 Recharge Leasing

Volvo’s dedication to eco-friendliness is evident in their electric vehicles, the XC40 and C40 Recharge. These vehicles are available with a €210 off on the monthly rate. The XC40 and C40 Recharge showcase Volvo’s push towards a greener future, offering zero CO2 emissions and reduced operational costs. Usually, these lease terms span 24 to 36 months, rendering them a versatile and eco-friendly choice.

Advantages and Disadvantages

EVs like the XC40 and C40 Recharge are excellent at cutting emissions and providing lower running costs. However, they might require access to reliable charging infrastructure, which might be challenging in some areas.

Exclusive Deals and Discounts

Volvo often rolls out special offers to enhance accessibility to their cars. One notable offer provides up to a €7,300 in savings|€7,300 discount on select models with cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies. Additionally, through Volvo’s Friends and Family program, customers can save a month’s leasing rate by referring new customers.

Leasing Factors and Additional Costs

When thinking about a lease, it’s essential to account for all factors, including the monthly lease, vehicle list price, and additional costs like transfer costs. For example, transfer fees for the Volvo V60 are around €1,250, while for the V90, they are approximately €1,299. These fees significantly affect the total leasing expense over the term.

Final Thoughts

Leasing a Volvo in 2024 offers a range of options designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. Whether selecting the economical V60, the luxurious V90, or the eco-friendly XC40 and C40 Recharge, Volvo’s lease offers are crafted to provide outstanding benefit and flexibility.

For more detailed information and to view current offers, visit: Volvo Cars Official Site.