In order to make this site a comprehensive as possible, we list below potential traps and caveats when buying either dialaround or callback services. There are many reputable companies and due diligence will provide a reliable carrier.

Dialarounds and Callback systems vary from country to country and in the US may vary from state to state. Make sure you understand the rates and conditions from your proposed point of origin. This means the point from which you are going to be standing when you actually pick up the instrument to make the call.

Many calling plans in the US have different rates based on the state from which you are actually dialing. In fact service may not even be available from some states. This is complicated even more by surcharges. The state origin rates per minute may be constant but carriers may then vary the surcharge or "fixed charge" per call from state to state. Preferrably stick to the "simple is best" principle and look for a flat rate or fixed rate carrier.

Carriers update their rates and are happy to leave you as an existing subscriber at the original rates. This is an old trick. The price of long distance calls is bottomin out as the technology improves and the internet expands. Make sure your rates are current and don't fall prey to the "out of sight out of mind syndrome".

Check the billing increments. Go for the lowest billing increment you can get. This way you get what you pay for. A 6 second billing increment will save upto 15% over a 60 second billing increment. 60 seconds is the most common increment and calls are usually charged per minute or part thereof. There are a number of 6 second increment dialaround companies. Seek them out!

Carriers sometimes offer different dialaround rates depending on wether you are using their other services. They can offer a "discounted rate" if you use their calling cards for example. They also offer cheap rates if you regularly call from from a "presubscribed number" or call within a specific area and use specific toll free numbers which identify your specific number.

Beware of using cellphones you could be paying airtime on the cellphone on top of the dialaround fee.

Make sure you understand the fee structure. Some dialaround carriers have a fixed monthly fee. If you are a low volume user this effects your net call cost. If you are a high volume user this fee will be beneficial.

Verify if there is a monthly service fee, a minimum usage charge, access fees or connect or per call surcharges. They are all ways for unscruplous carries to inflate your bill.

Check the weekend and night rates of your local provider and dont be conned into using dialaround if the after hours rates are cheaper.

Dont make local calls using dialaround unless you hav first verified that the dialaround rate is cheaper. You could get a nasty shock.

Be aware that there may be talk time minimums. This means that the advertised rates only kick in after you have talked for say 20 minutes.