Q – What is a full-service payphone?

Q – What kind of a location normally qualifies for a full-service phone?

Q – Does the phone need to do $3 per day in coins?

Q – When you pay commissions how are they calculated and how much do you pay?

Q - If our location doesn’t qualify for a full-service phone but we need a payphone for our customers or employees, what are our options?

Q – We use to have a payphone and the line is still there. Why do we need to pay for another line installation?

Q – We have an extra line for our business that we aren’t using. Why can’t we use that line for the payphone?

Q – Can I buy my own Payphone, install it, and keep all of the money?

Q – I know I need a phone, but I’m really confused. How can I figure out the best plan for me?

Q – Why should we call you?

Q – What is a full-service payphone?

A – Our full-service phones are defined as ones where we provide the phone and enclosure, where required, at no cost to the location. We also pay for the installation of the phone line and the monthly bill for the line. A commission to the location is normally paid on a monthly basis.

Q – What kind of a location normally qualifies for a full-service phone?

A – Locations with high foot traffic counts are normally required. Phones may be located outside of the location must be open a substantial portion of the time. Convenience stores, airports, truck stops, bus stations, and casinos are examples of locations we look for. Locations in areas with a lower income demographic are also considered. We look for locations that will generate at least $3 per day in revenue.

Q – Does the phone need to do $3 per day in coins?

A – Not necessarily. We have a variety of revenue generating programs for our phones and we include revenue from commissions received on collect and other operator assisted calls.

Q – When you pay commissions how are they calculated and how much do you pay?

A – We normally calculate commissions on an adjusted monthly gross basis. We add revenue from coins and operator service commission payments, deduct the monthly bills for the phone line and long-distance services, and pay a percentage on the remainder. Our commission rates start at 20% and go up, depending on the quality of the location. We pay commissions promptly on the first of the month.

Q - If our location doesn’t qualify for a full-service phone but we need a payphone for our customers or employees, what are our options?

A – We can install a semi-private phone for you. You will generally be billed an installation charge which covers the charge made by the phone company to install a special payphone line and the charge for us to physically install the equipment. The charge will vary according to the location and complexity of the install. There will also be a monthly charge to cover the line cost and our margin and this charge will vary depending on how much traffic the phone is expected to see.

Q – We use to have a payphone and the line is still there. Why do we need to pay for another line installation?

A – When a payphone is disconnected, the payphone company disconnects the dial tone. The physical line remains, but is inactive. While the presence of a line may make the install easier and less expensive, we still have to order dial tone to be installed.

Q – We have an extra line for our business that we aren’t using. Why can’t we use that line for the payphone?

A – To begin with, payphone lines are special lines that are mandated for use in payphone installations by each state’s Public Service Commission. Payphone lines contain a number of special features that business lines don’t, line 900 number blocking and special identifiers which prevent users form charging unauthorized items (like accepting collect calls) to the payphone account. You could make yourself liable for thousands of dollars in charges by using an unprotected line.

Q – Can I buy my own Payphone, install it, and keep all of the money?

A – Of course. But consider everything involved before you make that decision. You will need to educate yourself on payphones. Like every other product category, there is a lot of cheap junk available on the internet and you will need to know how to avoid it. You will need to know how ot correctly install both the phone and the wire to connect it to the telephone company interface. You will need to know how to program the phone to correctly charge for all the different types of calls that a payphone must be able to make. And, you will need to make sure that your charges and calls conform to the tariffs and regulations laid down by both your State and the FCC. Of, and your installation must meet ADA requirements so you don’t expose yourself to an ADA lawsuit. You will need to be especially careful if you are in California , where they have actual payphone police who travel around inspecting payphones. Your signage must meet certain guidelines and of course you will need to know how to repair your payphone when it breaks. On top of all this, you will be liable for the line installation charge and the monthly bill. Most folks come to the conclusion that it just isn’t worth it for one or two phones and that they are better off concentrating on their own business.

Q – I know I need a phone, but I’m really confused. How can I figure out the best plan for me?

A – Call us at (800) 948-1500. The call is free and so is the consultation. We’ll be glad to go over all of your options and help you select the one that’s best for you. We have customized solutions for many locations. And, if we can’t help you, we’ll try to point you to someone who can.

Q – Why should we call you?

A – In an era where many companies have gone out of business or abandoned the payphone business (including what used to be Nevada Bell and Pacific Bell), we have continued to provide working payphones where they are needed. We’ve been here over 15 years by treating our customers openly and fairly.