The most successful model for self contained apps is to offer a free download and basic functionality with paid in-app upgrades. You may need to setup some free phone support topics which seem impractical or wold need a big seeding fund.
The FCC stance on 900 calls, which might be of interest
http://www.fcc.gov/guides/900-pay-call-a...
That does sound very vague. I can tell you that charging per minute is not very attractive: Minutes add up, and so do charges. I remember getting a very nasty surprising telephone bill like that many years ago. I eventually got it paid off, but the very idea leaves a bad taste in my mouth now.
Push-button help does have uses, but make sure the categories are specific enough to help narrow down areas that your customers might want help with, but not so specific that they can't locate help for their problems. Also, you'll want to have a live operator on duty in case the answer is 'none of the above'.
Good luck.
I am currently working for a startup that is in the midst of creating an app and was looking for feedback from the Yahoo Answers community. The app would provide users with on demand phone advice on a number of subjects. The individuals providing the service would receive their number for free but the individuals looking for advice would have to pay-per-call or per-minute. I was hoping to receive feedback from you all about whether or not you would be interested in setting up a phone number to give advice or receiving advice over the phone. Additionally, just any opinions or sentiments toward the product would be helpful. Thanks for your time and responses.
