Getting and Using 800 Numbers | How-to Guides for running your business from Business.com

Toll-free numbers (or "800 numbers") let callers contact your business without having to pay for the call. Generally, toll-free numbers aren't expensive, although the cost rises as your volume climbs. Toll-free numbers typically begin with 800, but can also begin with 888, 877, or 866 since true 800 numbers are in such high demand that they're virtually all taken. Research shows that when faced with several options, consumers are much more likely to call businesses with toll-free numbers than ones with regular phone numbers. (After all, who can resist anything that's free?)

800 phone numbers:

Give customers an easy, free way to contact your business.
Let you project a professional company image and make your business look big and stable.
Make your business more memorable, especially if you choose a "vanity 800 number."

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Call your phone company for 800 numbers

Most long-distance carriers now offer toll-free numbers. In general, long-distance providers charge more than toll-free service providers or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) companies, but they also may be more convenient, since you'll probably just add a service from a vendor you're already using.

I recommend: Some long-distance carriers that offer 800 phone numbers are AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon. You can also find a carrier that serves your area by searching on LowerMyPhone.com. Find VoIP service providers through the directory on Business.com.

Contact an 800 numbers service provider

Toll-free service providers may help you save money when you compare prices with those of the long-distance providers. You'll need to do some comparison shopping.

I recommend: You can find a list of all toll-free service providers on the SMS/800 website.

Try broadband 800 phone numbers service

Even broadband phone service providers are offering 800 numbers, though you must also have regular phone service through the company (i.e., you can't get just a toll-free number). These services let you make and receive phone calls over your Internet connection. The good news is that prices are low. The bad news is that should your Internet connection go down, so will your phone.

I recommend: Two broadband phone service companies that offer 800 numbers are Vonage and BroadVoice. Find more broadband providers through Business.com.

Get a vanity 800 number

Vanity 800 numbers spell out words like "800-FLOWERS". In one study, ads that had vanity 800 numbers got 14 times more phone calls than ads with traditional numeric 800 numbers

I recommend: Any provider of toll-free numbers should be able to let you know if a number you want is available. You can also find available numbers with your business keywords in them by searching on mytollfree800number.com or The AT&T Toll-Free Numbers Recommendation Tool. You can also find out what your current phone number spells at phonespell.org. Research and order vanity 800 numbers through Business.com.

Be realistic about what you need

Salespeople at the phone companies sometimes work on commission, so don't let them sweet-talk you into services and products that won't be cost-effective or useful for your business.

I recommend: Depending on where you are in the country, AT&T might be able to offer Web hosting and DSL service in addition to a toll-free plan, but unless you have more than one location you don't need to consider the company's enterprise solutions. Sprint offers a large menu of fancy 800 numbers services, including interactive voice response (IVR) and Site RP (which directs callers to particular folks within your company), but the services cost a mint and are generally used by hospitals, universities, and large corporations.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Numbers that begin with 800 are just about impossible to get. Try to get a number that begins with 888, which is more widely recognized than toll-free numbers beginning with 877 or 866.
If you choose a vanity 800 number, also give the numeric number in your ads so customers don't have to hunt-and-peck. For example, "Call 800-FLOWERS (800-356-9377)."
Most phone companies charge a flat fee (typically less than $10 a month, sometimes for multiple 800 numbers) plus a per-minute rate, which can be less than 10 cents a minute. Ask providers what the billing increments are for incoming calls (it's probably best for you if the company bills in 6-second increments).
You don't need to have a second phone line; your toll-free number can ring in to your regular phone, and some companies even offer a distinctive ring service so you'll know when someone is calling your toll-free number.
Be creative! You can use your toll-free number for customer orders, information requests, and more.
To encourage potential customers to contact you, include your toll-free number in your ads, on your Web site, and in your other marketing materials.
Toll-free numbers are portable, meaning you keep your number no matter how often you change phone companies.

The official source of Getting and Using 800 Numbers is
the Toll Free Numbers page at Business.com

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