Dial-a-Phone
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Website | Archived website at the Wayback Machine (archived 4 September 2014) |
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Dialaphone (Dial-A-Phone, Dial A Phone) was an independent mobile phone retailer in the United Kingdom. It was established in February 1995 as a direct marketer and supplier of mobile phones and mobile phone accessories. The
History
Dialaphone was founded in February 1995 by Jonathan Beck and Richard Frank with capital borrowed from Beck's father. While there was enough investment to fund telephone lines and recording equipment, the company had to carry out transactions without tracking software. Instead, Beck organised a system of trays and runners to keep track of orders during the company's early days.[1]
Initially, the business model relied entirely on direct phone calls generated from advertisements placed in the press, combined with efficient processing. Double page spreads in tabloids attracted consumers.[citation needed]
During the late 1990s Dialaphone experienced rapid growth in a burgeoning market. This, along with the business’ minimal running costs, attracted the attentions of several investors. In 1999, a deal was made with Barclays Private Equity to take a majority share in the company in return for investment.[2] This investment enabled the business to expand into the online area and develop a new website called www.dialaphone.co.uk.
In May 1998, Dialaphone began its transition into an online business model with the launch of a dedicated e-commerce website. The website would soon become the business’ primary source of income.[citation needed]
After extensive growth and moving to new premises the management teams were restructured and in the summer of 1999 a new Marketing Director, Finance Director and Managing Director were appointed.
Andy Brown, who had formerly worked under
Dialaphone became the third largest contract connector in the UK. After seven years, Andy Brown parted company with Frank and Beck in April 2006 following differences over the future direction of the business.[6] The company had reportedly made a turnover of £195m during the past year and was one of the largest online mobile phone retailers in the country.[7]
Despite its early success Dialaphone's contract volume dwindled, and it was bought by one-time competitor
On 14 September 2014, the Dial-A-Phone website was taken offline following the parent company,
Products
Dialaphone's products included feature phones and
Environment
Dialaphone was partnered with mobile recycling service Money4URMobile which offers incentives for customers to recycle their old mobile phone.[citation needed]
See also
- Phones 4u
- John Caudwell
- Mobile Phones
References
- ^ "Dial-A-Phone Founders £84m Fortune". Mobile Today.
- ^ "Barclays Buy Out Exits". Barclays Private Equity.
- ^ "Dial-A-Phone Founders £84m Fortune". Mobile Today.
- ^ "Dialaphone secures premier sponsorship deal". Marketing Week. 25 August 2023.
- ^ "Dialaphone link up with 888.com Premier League". Matchroomsport. Archived from the original on 2011-10-22. Retrieved 2011-10-28.
- ^ "Dialaphone boss walks". Mobile Today.
- ^ "Dial-A-Phone pressure". Mobile Today via internet archive.
- ^ "Dialaphone sold for 'knock down' £9m". Mobile Today. Archived from the original on 2016-08-22. Retrieved 2011-10-28.