Hotline: Your Personal Address Book of Trusted Experts
Like having the phone numbers of helpful friends who know about everything—from fixing your printer to finding the perfect book.
Available whenever you need them. No complicated technology required.
Questions? Call us at 1-800-HOTLINE or email hello@hotline.net
First question free. $1 first month.
Table of Contents
About Hotline
What it is
Hotline is a ready-made address book of trusted experts you can call, text, or email anytime. Think of it as having the personal phone numbers of knowledgeable friends who can help with everything from tech troubles to hobby questions—without the awkwardness of bothering actual friends.
What it is not
No apps to download. No accounts to create. No passwords to remember. Just simple, direct communication the way you're already comfortable with.
Who it's for
Anyone who needs everyday help—fixing tech issues, learning new hobbies, getting recommendations, or just having questions answered. Perfect for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone you care about who could use reliable assistance without the technology hassle.
Why it exists
We created Hotline because finding reliable help shouldn't mean downloading another app, creating another account, or sitting on hold for hours. Real questions deserve real answers from real experts—delivered the simple way.
How it's used in a day
"Morning: Text the tech expert about your printer error message. Get step-by-step instructions that actually work. Afternoon: Email the book expert for mystery novel recommendations for your book club. Evening: Call the travel expert about the best local restaurants for your upcoming trip. Each conversation takes just minutes."
You ↔ Your personal team of experts
See How It Works and Meet the Experts
How It Works
Pick an expert
Browse our directory or tell us what you need help with.
Call, text, or email
Use whatever method feels most comfortable to you.
Get your answer
Receive helpful, personalized guidance in minutes.
All channels work equally well
Phone calls for when you need to talk through something. Text for quick questions on the go. Email for detailed requests with attachments. Choose what's comfortable—they all reach the same helpful experts.
No friction, no hassle
No account to remember. First question free. Cancel anytime with a simple email or call. We make it easy because help should be easy.
After your first question
If you'd like to continue, membership gives you unlimited access to all experts for $9/month (or $1 for your first month). Ask as many questions as you need, whenever you need.
Don't want to pick an expert?
Just tell us what you need help with and we'll connect you with the right expert. Call 1-800-HOTLINE or email hello@hotline.net with your question.
If we can't help: We'll tell you honestly and point you to someone who can. No runaround, no wasted time.
See Pricing, Browse Experts
The Experts
When you join, you get a ready-made address book of friendly experts who are always available to help.
Tech Help
Tom
Computer & Printer Help
Fixes tech problems in plain English
Contact via: Phone, Text, Email
Example questions:
- • My printer won't connect to WiFi
- • How do I set up my new iPad?
- • My computer is running slow
- • I can't open this email attachment
- • How do I video call my grandkids?
Maria
TV & Streaming
Gets your shows working again
Contact via: Phone, Text
Example questions:
- • My Netflix won't load
- • How do I find PBS on my new TV?
- • The remote stopped working
- • Picture is fuzzy on channel 7
Hobbies & Learning
Susan
Book Recommendations
Knows what you'll love to read next
Contact via: Email, Text
Example questions:
- • Recommend cozy mysteries like Louise Penny
- • Good book club picks for seniors?
- • Historical fiction set in Italy
- • Easy-to-read large print books
David
Gardening
Helps your garden thrive
Contact via: Phone, Email
Example questions:
- • Why are my tomato leaves turning yellow?
- • Best flowers for shady areas?
- • When should I prune my roses?
- • How to keep deer away naturally
Everyday Questions
Jennifer
Medicare & Insurance
Explains coverage in simple terms
Contact via: Phone, Email
Example questions:
- • Explain this Medicare letter I got
- • Do I need supplemental insurance?
- • When is open enrollment?
- • Is this procedure covered?
Robert
Travel Planning
Makes trip planning stress-free
Contact via: Phone, Email, Text
Example questions:
- • Best local restaurants in Charleston?
- • Is this hotel in a safe area?
- • How early to arrive at airport?
- • Travel insurance worth it?
Finding the right expert
Browse by your specific need, or simply tell us what you're trying to do and we'll connect you with the right expert. No searching, no confusion—just help.
The full expert directory is updated regularly at hotline.net/experts
How It Helps
What makes Hotline different
No apps or passwords to remember
Just save the numbers in your phone or write them down. That's it.
Always available—no schedules, no holds
Get help at 2 PM or 2 AM. No waiting on hold. No "business hours."
First question free
Try it out with no commitment. See how helpful it is before you pay anything.
Call, text, or email—your choice
Use whatever feels natural. All methods work equally well.
Real results from real people
"Tom helped me get my printer working in 6 minutes. I'd been trying for 2 hours."
"Susan recommended the perfect book for my book club. Everyone loved it!"
"Jennifer explained my Medicare options better than anyone at the office could."
"David saved my tomatoes! Knew exactly what was wrong and how to fix it."
"Maria got Netflix working on my TV. So patient and clear with instructions."
Before & After
Before Hotline
- • TV won't connect to streaming service
- • Confused by Medicare letter
- • Don't know what book to read next
- • Printer error message won't go away
- • Garden plants dying, don't know why
After Hotline
- • Watching your shows in 6 minutes
- • Coverage explained in plain English
- • Three great recommendations to choose from
- • Printing your documents again
- • Plants thriving with right care
Good to know: Most questions take just a few minutes to resolve. Bigger projects might take a bit longer, but we'll always let you know what to expect.
Becoming a Member
Simple, transparent pricing
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
Monthly | $1 first month then $9/month | Try it for almost nothing. Cancel anytime. |
Annual | $99/year Save $9 | Best value for regular users. |
What membership includes
- ✓Access to the full expert address book
- ✓Unlimited questions via phone, text, or email
- ✓Available 24/7, no appointment needed
- ✓Personal help that gets to know you over time
How you pay
We text or email you a secure link. Click it to pay—no password to remember. That's it. The same link lets you manage or cancel your membership anytime.
How you manage
Use that same secure link to:
- • Update your payment method
- • Switch between monthly and annual
- • Cancel anytime (no questions asked)
- • View your question history
Our promise
Cancel anytime with a simple email or phone call. If you're not satisfied in your first 30 days, we'll refund your payment. No hassle, no hard feelings.
Buying for someone else?
See Gifting Hotline for special gift packages that include a printed expert directory and welcome materials.
Gifting Hotline
The gift that actually gets used
Give someone you care about independence, peace of mind, and reliable help whenever they need it. Perfect for parents, grandparents, or anyone who could use a helping hand without the technology hassle.
What's in the gift box
- 📖Printed expert directory - Beautiful, easy-to-read booklet with all expert contacts and specialties
- ✉️Welcome letter - Warm introduction explaining how everything works
- 📋Simple "how to use" guide - Large print, step-by-step instructions
- 🎁Optional extras - Refrigerator magnet with key numbers, wallet card, or desk reference
Make it personal
- • Highlight experts most relevant to their interests (gardening, books, tech help)
- • Add a personal note from you explaining why you chose this gift
- • Include specific examples of how they might use it
How it's delivered
Standard shipping
Arrives in 5-7 business days in a gift-ready package
Express shipping
Arrives in 2-3 business days for last-minute gifts
On day one, they'll have everything they need to start getting help right away—no setup, no waiting.
Gift duration
One full year of unlimited help - $99
After the gift year, they can choose to continue at the regular rate, or simply enjoy the year of help you gave them. No automatic charges, no surprises.
If they're not tech-savvy
That's exactly why Hotline is perfect for them! The gift package emphasizes:
- • Phone numbers they can dial directly (no apps needed)
- • Simple email addresses (if they use email)
- • Text messaging works just like texting family
- • No passwords, usernames, or accounts to remember
Your Privacy and Safety
Your information, protected
What we collect
Just what we need to help you: your name, contact information, and the questions you ask. That's it.
Why we collect it
So experts can respond to you personally and remember your preferences over time. Like having a helpful friend who knows you.
What we don't collect
We don't track your browsing, sell your data, or share your information with advertisers. Ever.
Respect & safeguards
- •No spam: We only contact you to answer your questions or manage your membership
- •No sharing: Your information stays with us unless you explicitly ask us to share it
- •Easy control: Email privacy@hotline.net or call 1-800-HOTLINE to update preferences or delete your information
Quality & reliability
Our experts are continuously monitored and improved to ensure you get accurate, helpful answers. If an expert ever provides incorrect or unsafe advice:
- • We address it immediately
- • We make it right with you
- • We improve our systems to prevent it happening again
Availability & honesty
If we can't help, we'll tell you.
No runaround, no false promises. If your question is outside our expertise, we'll say so honestly and try to point you to someone who can help. Your trust matters more than keeping you as a customer.
Contact us about privacy or safety
Have concerns? Questions? Want to update your information? We're here to help:
Email: privacy@hotline.net
Phone: 1-800-HOTLINE (ask for Privacy Team)
Mail: Hotline Privacy, PO Box 1234, San Francisco, CA 94102
Read the full privacy policy at hotline.net/privacy
What members say about trust
"I feel safe asking questions here. No judgment, just help."
"They told me straight when they couldn't help with my legal question and gave me the right number to call."
Frequent Questions
Do I need to install anything?
No. Use your regular phone, text messages, or email. No apps, no downloads, no passwords to remember.
What if I'm not good with technology?
Perfect! That's why we made Hotline. If you can make a phone call or send a text to a friend, you can use Hotline. Our experts speak plain English, not tech jargon.
What's included in membership?
Full access to all experts via phone, text, or email. Ask unlimited questions, get help 24/7, build relationships with experts who get to know you. First question is always free to try.
How does the first question free work?
Just contact any expert with your question. No payment needed. After you see how helpful it is, you can choose to become a member for continued access.
How do I pay and manage my plan?
We send you a secure link by text or email. Click it to pay or manage your account. No username or password needed. Use the same link anytime to update payment, switch plans, or cancel.
Can I try different experts?
Yes! Talk to any expert, anytime. Some members have favorites they always call. Others like trying different experts for different needs. It's your address book—use it however works for you.
What if the answer isn't right?
We make it right. Contact us and we'll have another expert help, escalate to a specialist, or refund you if we can't solve your problem. Your satisfaction matters.
Is this a real person?
You're talking to an expert system that feels natural and personal. It's continuously improved to be more helpful, remembers your preferences, and provides reliable answers. What matters is you get the help you need, when you need it.
Can I talk to someone at Hotline?
Yes! Call 1-800-HOTLINE or email support@hotline.net. Real humans are here to help with accounts, feedback, or any concerns Monday-Friday 9am-6pm PST.
How do I cancel or get a refund?
Email cancel@hotline.net or call 1-800-HOTLINE. We'll cancel immediately, no questions asked. Not satisfied in your first 30 days? We'll refund your payment.
Didn't find your question?
See Dedicated Support for more ways to reach us, or call 1-800-HOTLINE to speak with someone directly.
Dedicated Support
We're here to help you get the most from Hotline. Real people, real support, no runaround.
Ways to reach us
Phone
1-800-HOTLINE
(1-800-468-5463)
support@hotline.net
We respond within 24 hours
Hotline Support
PO Box 1234
San Francisco, CA 94102
Schedule a call
Prefer to talk at a specific time? Email support@hotline.net with your preferred times and we'll call you back. Include:
- • Your name and phone number
- • Best times to reach you (include time zone)
- • What you'd like help with
Request printed materials
Prefer paper? We'll mail you a printed packet with everything you need to know about Hotline:
- • Complete expert directory
- • How to use Hotline guide
- • Membership information
- • Gift options
Call 1-800-HOTLINE or email support@hotline.net to request your free packet.
Manage your account with a magic link
Lost your account link? No problem. We'll send you a new one:
- • Email getlink@hotline.net from your registered email
- • Or call 1-800-HOTLINE and we'll text it to you
- • Use it to cancel, update payment, or view history
Accessibility
We want everyone to access Hotline easily:
- • Large print materials available on request
- • Phone support for those who prefer verbal communication
- • Simple, clear language in all communications
- • Spanish language support available
Service hours
Customer support: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm Pacific Time
Expert help: Available 24/7, every day of the year
We're here to help
Questions? Concerns? Just want to chat about how Hotline can help you?
Call 1-800-HOTLINE
or email support@hotline.net