Belt Auction

Auctioning or selling high-value phone numbers?

Several weeks ago, after hearing a very annoying commercial by a local attorney who is VERY proud to tout his phone number ending in 000 (it's very hard to forget because his commercials, billboards and newspaper ads are plastered all over the city), just on a whim I called Verizon to see if they had any phone numbers available ending in 000--and they did! I got the only one available, although I plan to keep checking back for more. But here's what I'm thinking: A phone number ending in 000 could be a major marketing tool for local businesses--lawyers, real estate agents, radio stations--and I don't need a landline, I just thought I'd grab the phone number because it was available. I haven't yet talked to Verizon about this idea, but I'm thinking at some point about setting up an auction on eBay for the number and send out letters to businesses in my town that might be interested in buying the number. Have any of you had any experience or can offer any advice on a venture like this? Elz, it's a lot easier to remember 234-9000 than it is to remember 234-6129. From a marketing standpoint, that could be a huge boon for a business. I posted this question on the eBay forums and so far one person has replied that I don't actually own the phone number--which is technically true, but could a case be made to transfer the number to another party if payment was made to me first as the party to whom the number was initially assigned?

Public Comments

1. I don't think so really, everyone has their own phone number and a business probably won't be to bothered about what theirs is. But if you want to - give it a shot. You might sell it.
2. Really a nice idea. We, at Y/A will be equally glad and proud if you may fetch a good amount by an auction ( pl inform us, if u like). No direct idea ... but have heard things like this. Some may be fancy to grab such a number. Hold ur patience ... and make a hunt. Good Luck.