I hope you are not still paying for directory service because you can get free directory service by just calling 1-800-FREE-411. I wrote a post about this before but would like to highlight this again as many of you will find this useful. The number is really easy to remember and anyone should add it to their cell phone because it will come in really handy.
I just used this service this past weekend when I was in my car and needed the phone number of a restaurant to place a phone order. I think most phone companies charge quite a bit for this service. There is a quick ad when you first call but nothing to complain about. It’s great because now you don’t have to keep that huge phone book in your car.
Believe it or not 411 calling is a $8 billion dollar industry. Looks like 1800FREE411 is going to take a huge bite out of that market very quickly as people catch on.
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Comment by WallerBlog on 5 December 2006:
That is such a great service. I’ve never heard of a free 411 service before. I think Cingular charges in the neighborhood of $2.50 per information call.
Thanks for the tip.
Comment by Mr. Cheap Stuff on 5 December 2006:
Wow, I didn’t know Cingular charges that much for a 411 call. I guess it is an $8 billion dollar industry after all.
Comment by Paul on 11 May 2007:
Hi Dean, I just wanted to tell you and your readers about our latest update at 1-800-Free411: category search. You no longer have to know the name of what you’re searching for; instead, you can search by general categories — say, "flowers" or "restaurants," etc. For the full details: http://www.free411.com/about/pressreleases/p20070320
Thanks, Paul
Comment by Dean on 25 February 2008:
Luria writes:
“I would like to comment on the ‘FREE 411′.
It has been my experience (7 out of the 10 times) I have called the Free 411, the operator/agent “can not find” the listing I am calling about. Something that is simple to find in a phone book, if it was available, but being on the road, not accessible. As a result of callikng the Free 411 and not receiveing assistance, I would then call the 411 (charged the 1.50) and wah lah, the agent is able to retrive the data at once, no problems.
So, this makes me to believe that in calling the ‘Free 411′ and taking the time to listen to the advertisement (the pre-requsite for acquiring the Free assistance), the company is probably getting paid for you to lilsten to the advertisement and then as such not being “able” to assist the caller, you end up having to call the regular 411 line anyway and again they get paid by YOU.
I had a friend that worked for Metro Communications here in Orlando, and the Free 411 rings into the same call center as the regular 411. So, this leads me to believe it is a scam internally for the company.
Just my two cents. Thanks for reading and have a great day.
Luria”