Most of the issues experienced with DirectChat are due to the Service Seeker not having enough credits to cover the cost of a 5-minute call at the desired Provider's rate, or that the Service Provider did not answer in time (within 30 seconds) / was out of range. Some alternative issues are outlined below.
Seeking Services
You call but it always says the Service Provider is not offering this service.
- Check that you have sufficient credits to conduct a 5-minute call at the Service Provider's DirectChat rate, shown on their profile.
- Check that the Service Provider is active on the site and showing as available for Phone Chat, if not, the call won't connect.
- If the Service Provider does not respond within 30 seconds, you will hear a message that the operator does not provide this service.
Offering Services
I am set-up but people are saying they can't get through and my phone does not ring.
- Numbers to any country should work. If you are outside Europe and having problems please get in touch. Mobiles are acceptable and the number must be entered in international format. So for example, 07712 123456 should be entered as 447712123456. Be careful not to mix the two together, i.e. entering a number starting 44077 as it is invalid.
- It is not permitted to enter the premium rate, personal or 0870 numbers into your DirectChat number field. These numbers are barred through the telephone system, you will not receive calls to these numbers.
- The caller (client) will need at least 5 minutes worth of credits. For example, if your per minute rate is 1 credit per minute, they will need a minimum of 5 credits for their call to be connected.
I've tried calling myself to test but it won't connect
You cannot call yourself, if you have a PIN from your own profile it will not work. If the system detects that the person to be debited is the same as the person to be credited, then the call will not be connected. Similarly, people in your group can't call you, nor can people with whom you are sharing a PC/logins.
Ensure that you are:
- Offering Phone Chat.
- Offering DirectChat and have entered a valid number, as above (if in doubt, call it yourself from another phone).
- 'Available Now' for Phone Chat and that your profile reflects it, set that here.
- Not already on the phone.
- Answer within 30 seconds. If you do not, the caller will be told you're not available.
If you believe that you fall outside this criteria and genuine clients are unable to get through then please complete this form.