Everybody has heard about those 800 toll free numbers, and we have probably all at one point or another called them. Why do people have them? Why would you want one? Let’s say that you see an advertisement and want to get information on a product or idea. Now let’s say you saw the advertisement for this company’s leading competitor. The first company gives you a number to call; it is a long distance number. The second company gives you their number; it is a toll free number. Which one do you think you are likely to call? What would the average person do? You could be on that phone a while, which could have the potential to run up your phone bill. Who wants or needs that? What if you have to make the call from someone else’s house or from work? Do you really want your call to show up on their bill? You get my point.
So there you go; toll-free service encourages people to pick up the phone and call. To give you an example of what you can expect if you want to sign up for your own toll free number, I will lay out what some 800 number companies may have to offer. You can find some at .com addresses on the Internet. The flat rate for you is usually only a few cents per minute, depending on the company. You might be able to get the same rate whether you are in state or out of state, which would be instantly forwarded to any number. Some companies do not require a contract. You transfer your existing number (long-distance to many people). Some places allow you to add voice mail for a small fee.
The process of gaining an 800 number begins with selecting the package that you need; then you can get your personal toll-free number and maybe a pass code. Finally, you'll log in so you can start using that new toll-free number.
Some companies found online can set you up with an instant toll free number for business or personal use. Do you need state to state? Do you want a flat rate as opposed to a fluctuating one? Do you want your 800 toll free service to ring to your place of business or your residence or cell phone? Maybe you want to get a vanity 800 toll free number, in which you select the numbers to spell out something (for example, 1-800-MYPHONE). With some companies, you own your own 800 toll free number. With other companies, they own your number. Some companies give you low rates and bill you with, for example, 6-second billing (billed for near the exact time of each call; not the following minute). Some places also offer operator answering services and optional product shipping.
You might want more from your company than just the 800 number, such as office services or virtual office with your number. You can get a personal nationwide toll free telephone number and caller ID. Office services might also include such things as multiple voicemail boxes and unlimited message capacity. For businesses or personal use, getting an 800 number can be a really good idea.
By Laura Hogg