Why US Customers Don’t Respond to Overseas Phone Numbers

If you're an Australian business trying to crack the US market, there's one small detail that can quietly sabotage your efforts: your phone number.

It might seem minor, but having an overseas phone number can instantly erode trust, reduce callback rates, and make your business seem out of reach. At G'day Gateway, we've seen this pattern repeat itself across industries. The good news? It's fixable.

The Problem: Unknown Caller = Unanswered Call

In the US, consumers and business buyers alike are wary of unknown numbers. Here's what typically happens when your Aussie number shows up on a US phone:

• It looks foreign.

• It’s flagged by phone carriers as international.

• It’s more likely to be sent straight to voicemail - or worse, blocked.

  
  

Even if you’re calling with valuable information or a red-hot quote, your number is the first barrier.

Perception Matters: Why a Local Number Builds Trust

Put yourself in the shoes of a US prospect:

You’re deciding between two vendors. One has a +61 number with a 14-hour time difference. The other has a US number, answers during your business hours, and has an address and phone number on their website. Who are they going to call back?

In the US, accessibility equals legitimacy. A local number signals that you're already in-market, ready to do business, and serious about support. Yes, you may have a call forwarding service - but nothing beats having a local contact you can put on all of your marketing material and website to make that bold statement of 'We have someone in the US!'.

Time Zones Compound the Problem

It’s not just the number, it’s also when you're available.

We have found it rare that US clients are going to leave a message and wait for you to get back to them, and US clients aren’t going to schedule calls at 9PM their time. If they can’t reach you during their workday, they’ll move on. It’s not personal, it’s just business.

'Just use Zoom'

Zoom is a great tool once you have had initial conversations but generally customers just want a phone number that they can just dial. A US phone number signals to the customer that you have a local presence, that you're committed to the US market, and that you're easily accessible. Also that you have local support hours and easy access to assistance. This builds trust and legitimacy.

While you can schedule Zoom meetings, the perception of being able to pick up the phone and call a local number during business hours is a significant comfort for US customers.

One of the huge cultural differences is that the US has a service driven culture - quite different to Australia.

The G’day Gateway Fix: Your US Front Desk

At G’day Gateway, we offer:

• A real US phone number (not just a forwarding service)

• Professional answering with a native English speaking accent, during US business hours

• And the ability to respond to or escalate leads and inquiries in real time.

In short: we act as your local office while you're in Australia.

Real-World Impact

One of our clients, an Aussie manufacturing firm, was struggling with US lead conversion. Once we took over the phone handling with a local number and real-time callback process, their US lead engagement jumped by over 40% in two months. It was the same product and same pricing - just better access. The only thing that changed - when state-side customers were interested in their product, they had a number they could call and discuss with a trained G'day Gateway representative.

The Takeaway

US buyers want fast, local, and friction-free communication. If you're calling or asking them to call +61, you’re already adding friction. Having a local number also builds trust and lets the customer know that you are a trustworthy business in their region and can be taken seriously.

A US number is more than a convenience - it's a conversion tool. And G’day Gateway makes it effortless.

Ready to sound local and close more US business? Book a call.