An effective toll free number combined with an efficient telephone system can do wonders for your business. It adds credibility to your company, it offers your customers a free line of communication, and it could be used as a marketing tool particularly if you're lucky to get easy to remember numbers.
Are toll free numbers for you? In case you plan to pursue a national market then yes, you need to definitely get at least one. But before you do, you will find some issues which you ought to know:
It increases call volume for your company
According to studies, customers are more likely to respond to an ad with a toll free number than those with a local telephone number or those that has no contact details at all. The reasons are the same as stated above. First, it is free to call your company; second, individuals are more likely to think you're legitimate, since you give them a way to get in touch with you; and third, it just makes your brand simpler to remember.
Combine all these factors and you'll see an increase in the number of calls for your business. That's why on the very first sentence of this piece, it is already mentioned that you simply have to have a robust telephone system to help you manage your calls.
Because what will the increase in call volume be good for, in case you can only take one call at a time? With a phone system like a virtual PBX, you can have the auto attendant answer each call and direct it to the right extension. There is also music for callers which might be on queue.
It is free but it is not exactly free
The concept behind toll free numbers is that you are giving customers an avenue to speak for your business without being charged for the call. So yes, it is free. for your customers.
The minutes consumed from that number, both incoming and outgoing, will truly be charged for your business.
The principle behind toll free numbers is that it's also a sign of goodwill from company owners considering that those who will call the toll free numbers are people who are either already existing customers or people who are interested in acquiring the company's product or service.
Toll free prefixes are exactly the same yet different at the same time
There are various toll free prefixes. There's 800, 888, 877, 866, and 855. The function of each prefix could be the same, which is to give your callers a free line of communication for your business.
However, the impact of every prefix is different. When you consider toll free numbers, which prefix comes to mind? It is usually the 800, sometimes the 888, prefix that pops up. Same goes for the rest of America. 800 and 888 numbers are more desirable numbers since people automatically know it is toll free. The rest may seem like local numbers, so these numbers will need more marketing effort.
That is why it is far more hard to get 800 or 888 numbers because chances are, the majority of them are already taken.
Acquiring a toll free number will not assure success. You'd still need to find out the best toll free number for you, ensure that you have adequate finances for toll free, and get a telephone system that could support it. But if you do it right, toll free numbers can be a game changer for the business.
Learn more on how toll free numbers for business can improve your strategies. Aside from the toll-free 800 number we also provide valuable information concerning business phone systems along with VoIP service providers that can assist your business with its communication needs.