How it Works

Can this service operate on all mobile phone devices?

Yes, at its heart it is a simple voice service and can be used on any fixed or mobile phone. If, however the handset has MMS facilities, other more sophisticated response/report services can be provided, e.g. SMS, maps, images of products, premises, payment facilities etc.

What happens if a specific device has its number withheld?

The system still actually knows the number, the legal requirement is only that it must not displayed. In these cases the buyer has two options, he can give express permission to allow the number to be given out purely for responsa requests or he can use the service but remain anonymous in which case he is given the suppliers number so that he can contact the supplier directly.

How does the system know where you are in order to make sure it dials a local seller?

The first time the service is used the consumer has the service explained to them and permission is asked for responsa to store a location against the phone type. This is fixed for a fixed phone, but for a mobile, the buyer can opt to have his current mobile location taken as his default position.

What happens if the service you require, such as a hotel, is for a different location?

The service automatically re-centres the search location if it is mentioned in the request. e.g. "I'm arriving at Portsmouth at 9:30pm, I'd like a taxi to pick me up and take me to ……." The service automatically re-centres on Portsmouth.

How do you ensure that the buyer reaches the right seller/classification?

There are a number of operational models, which range from full automation to full call centre handling. How the right suppliers are selected differs for the various models but in all cases it is accurate and non obvious to the consumer.

How does it deal with local dialects?

In general local dialects are understood by local suppliers, so this is not a problem. (unlike speech recognition systems).

How does it deal with foreign language requests?

It depends on the model used, the best way is via an agent-led international service.

What happens if the buyer or seller tries to abuse the service?

Both parties have the ability to automatically report abuse. The service can suspend, in real time any user of the system, after a certain amount of abuses.