FAQs: Educate Your Customers
Q. What is the function of a prepaid phone card?
Similiar in size to a credit card, prepaid phone cards carry a specific amount of long distance calling time, which can be used until all the time is depleted. After purchasing a card, the user can place calls to anywhere in the world from any touch-tone phone in the continental U.S.
Q. Who will purchase and benefit from using prepaid cards?
This convenient, easy-to-use and cost-saving alternative for making long distance calls will appeal to almost everyone. Prepaid services are ideal for travelers, college students, credit-challenged consumers, and people who prefer the convenience of services that are cash-based and commitment-free.
Q. Who can use the card?
Anyone who has access to the Personal Identification Number can use the card. A unique PIN on the back of each card is protected until the card is removed from its security packaging. Prepaid phone cards should be treated as protectively as other credit cards or cash.
Q. Are there other uses and applications?
Yes, prepaid phone cards may be used ...
• As gifts for relatives and friends
• For emergency calls
• To make business travel calls
• By persons without access to long distance services
• By anyone not desiring an itemized monthly statement
Q. Will using a prepaid card save money?
Yes, up to 70% savings and more when compared to long distance company calling card, credit card, operator-assisted, collect and pay telephone calls.
Q. Can prepaid cards be used at a pay phone?
Yes. By following the simple instructions on the back of each card, the user can enjoy the convenience of a pay phone without the need for a lot of coins. The high cost associated with using a pay telephone is also avoided. On calls originating from a pay phone, an FCC-mandated surcharge will be added.
Q. How do you know how much time remains on a card?
The number of minutes remaining on the card is provided each time the card is used.
Q. What is the rate per minute and how much long distance time is on each card?
The rate per minute and amount of time depend on the phone card denomination and are determined by the retailer. Connection fees may apply depending on where the card was purchased. Domestic rates per minute apply for long distance calls placed anywhere within the continental U.S. 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. International rates are higher than domestic and vary with the destination of the call. The amount of time available to a particular international location will be provided with use of the card. When the international number is dialed, but before the call is connected, a voice message will indicate how many minutes are available.
Q. How do you place a call using a prepaid phone card?
Easy-to-follow instructions are printed on the back of each phone card and voice prompts direct the user through the calling process. It's as easy as...
1. Enter the toll-free access number
2. Then enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN)
3. Enter 1+ Area Code + Phone Number (or) (International : 011 + Country Code + Phone Number)
Q. If a prepaid card user has a question about their card, what is the procedure?
A toll-free customer service number is printed on the back of each phone card and may be accessed anytime, 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week.
Q. What are the benefits of selling prepaid phone cards?
Prepaid phone cards are a great opportunity to maximize profit potential. With the purchase of Encompass Communications' prepaid phone cards at a wholesale rate, each store determines profit margins by setting the retail value and minutes for the cards. Offering customers a competitive, quality product benefits both the store and its customer. A successful program can be assured by displaying these prepaid phone cards throughout your store and educating your customers about them.
