The 411 on 411

When you need to find a phone number quickly, and you don’t have Internet access, who do you call? The answer is not “Ghostbusters,” by the way. The average American picks up the phone and dials three digits: 411. It’s an information service that’s right at your fingertips. It’s quick, easy, and convenient. Oh, it’s also another thing: EXPENSIVE. If there’s one reason to avoid the 411 service, it’s the cost - and it adds up quickly. Before too long, you’ll find yourself nickel-and-dimed out of existence. In some cases, a 411 call may cost you close to $4. Four dollars for a single phone call that lasts less than a minute? Yep, getting information can be expensive - but sometimes you have no choice but to use services like 411. Nobody’s complaining that the resource doesn’t work - but we are complaining because it doesn’t work within the constraints of our monthly budget. You’re certainly not being forced to use it. Why, you could easily pull over to the nearest phone booth on the side of the road and pick up a phone book to look up… wait. When was the last time you saw a phone booth with its phone book still attached? Let alone, a phone booth to begin with!? I guess (non-Internet) access to phone numbers on-the-go is all controlled by the overpriced 411 regime.

Call 1-800-411-SAVE.

It’s free. Go ahead, try calling it right now. Ask them for a number you already know about. Don’t worry, you won’t be charged for the call. In fact, you’ll be given several options once the number has been located. You can listen to the number, repeat the number (ad infinitum), have the street address read aloud, get the number sent to your mobile device via text message, or leave feedback for this new free 411 service. Better yet, hang up the phone once you’ve gone through the options - then call the number back at some point in the future (from the same phone). This time, the automated agent will ask you if you’d like to repeat the information attained from your most recent call. One word: AMAZING. No, I take that back. One word: FREE. You can look at the Web site if you want to, but it’s not going to have the same impact as an actual call will. Add the number to your address book so that you don’t forget it when you’re away from your desk. Stop calling 411 directly, people. It just doesn’t make any sense with a service like this. 1-800-411-7283!

[tags]free,phone call,411,1-800-411-save,directory information,directory assistance,phone services,phone company,phone book[/tags]