Have you ever dialed one of those 888-coded toll free phone numbers? If you have, you are definitely not alone. More than 90% of Americans say that they take advantage of these toll free numbers. One-third of Americans estimate that they make more than 60 toll free calls a year. In 2005, it will have been 38 years since the “800 number” was introduced to the world as the first toll free phone number.
Where did 888 come from?
Since the 888 code was introduced on March 1, 1996, the prefix has greatly enhanced the business world. For companies offering products or services to the general public, a toll free number is vital to their business. Listings for businesses that feature toll free numbers almost always get more phone orders and calls than regular numbers—some studies have proven this from ads and shown that toll free listings get called at almost a six to one ratio. Other studies show that an average phone order from a catalog can be 30 to 70% higher than a regular mail order. These telephone shoppers often spend up to 95% more than usual when they pay with their credit cards. Productive ads featuring a toll free number sometimes generate up to 30% more business. (Information from “Zip Featured Article,” The Internet 800 Directory.) Also, if a company puts an 888 number on their product literature, they can reduce returns by up to 50% because customers will be able to call in to that number and reach a trained company expert. (Information from “Telephone Marketing Report,” The Internet 800 Directory.)
Why does it work?
As our communications technologies continue to rapidly increase worldwide, certain communication devices begin to replace each other as the more costly ones become obsolete. Fax machines are commonplace now, but email is starting to overshadow those. There are no long distance costs associated with emails, so many companies are starting to use email for other functions like ordering and confirming purchases. Toll free numbers, like the ones with 888 for a prefix, help companies cut costs since they don’t incur additional long distance costs either. What business wouldn’t want to save money and have more effective communication at the same time? Toll free numbers can serve many purposes, from a reliable ordering service to a way to connect to trained professionals that can provide excellent customer service 24 hours a day.
How to increase the effectiveness of your 888 number.
Make sure that your toll free number is placed prominently on all of your company stationery, business cards, and documentation. Use the phrase “Call us toll free at….”to remind customers that you have the number available. Monitor your customer service representatives to be sure they are courteous and helpful at all times, since one unfriendly call can turn a customer off from your company for life. Be sure to keep track of increases in sales and call reception to see how much having an 888 number is helping your company!
By Lyndsey Payzant