Furniture store slams 118 118 service

Date: 30/08/2011

A directory enquiries firm has been criticised by a furniture company, businesses buying new 0800 numbers may be interested to learn.

Kent-based enterprise JC Farley claimed when consumers call 118 118 to get the number of its store, they have to listen to a large amount of information about DFS, Kent News reports.

Only after hearing the special offers available at the major retailer - and being offered its number - does a caller get through to an operator who provides details for JC Farley.

John Farley, who owns the outlet on Chatham Street, Ramsgate, said although this practice is not illegal, it is "insidious".

"We don't sell the same products as DFS; a lot of what we do is different. The thing that I find wrong is they keep the caller on the phone, which costs money," he added.

Mr Farley stated he has received complaints about the 118 118 service, which claims to be contacted by more people than any other number in the UK.