Are you seeking ways to get a toll-free 800 phone number for your business? Here is all you need to know!
A toll-free 800 phone number is a valuable asset for businesses of all sizes, as it allows customers to call your company without incurring any long-distance charges.
Not only does this make it easier for customers to reach you, but it also gives your business a more professional appearance.
In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to get a toll-free 800 phone number. But first, let’s discuss what exactly the toll-free 800 number is and what is the need to use it for your business.
Toll-Free 800 Phone Number: What Does It Mean?
A toll-free 800 phone number is a type of phone number that allows callers to reach a business or organization without incurring long-distance charges. Instead, the recipient of the call pays for the call, typically through a monthly fee or a per-minute charge.
For example, let’s say that you run a small business that sells pet products online. You decide to get a toll-free 800 phone number so that customers can easily contact you with any questions or concerns they may have.
You choose a service provider and select a toll-free 800 number, such as 1-800-PET-LOVE. This number is easy to remember and includes your business name, making it easy for customers to associate the number with your brand.
When a customer calls your toll-free number, the call is routed to your business phone line. Because the call is toll-free, the customer does not have to pay any long-distance charges, even if they are located in a different state or country.
You pay a monthly fee to your service provider for the toll-free number service, and you may also be charged a per-minute fee for incoming calls. However, the cost is typically offset by the increased customer satisfaction and sales that come from offering a toll-free number.
What Is The Need To Get A Toll-Free Number For Your Business?
Getting a toll-free number for your business can offer several benefits and meet various needs, some of which are discussed below:
Enhances Customer Experience:
Toll-free numbers make it easy for your customers to reach you without incurring any long-distance charges, which can improve their experience with your business. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Improves Professionalism:
A toll-free number can add a level of professionalism to your business by making it appear larger and more established. This can increase customer confidence in your business and help you stand out from competitors.
Increases Accessibility:
A toll-free number makes it easier for customers to contact you, regardless of their location. This can help expand your customer base and improve your business’s accessibility.
Builds Brand Recognition:
A unique, memorable toll-free number that incorporates your business name or services can help build brand recognition and increase brand awareness.
Provides Marketing Opportunities:
Toll-free numbers can be used in marketing campaigns to encourage customers to call and learn more about your products or services. This can help generate leads and increase sales.
Offers Flexibility:
Toll-free numbers can be routed to any phone number, making it possible for you to answer calls from anywhere. This can be especially useful for small businesses or those that have employees who work remotely.
How To Get A Toll-Free 800 Phone Number (In 7 Easy Steps)
Step 1: Choose A Service Provider:
The first step in getting a toll-free 800 phone number is to choose a service provider. Many companies offer toll-free number services, so you’ll need to do some research to find the one that best suits your needs.
Some factors to consider when choosing a service provider include the cost, the features included in the service, and the level of customer support.
When looking for a service provider, you’ll want to make sure that they offer reliable service and have a good reputation in the industry.
You may also want to consider their pricing structure, as some providers charge a flat fee for their service, while others charge based on the number of minutes used.
Another factor to consider is the features that come with the service. Some service providers offer additional features such as call forwarding, voicemail, and auto-attendant.
These features can be useful for businesses that want to provide a more professional image to their customers.
Step 2: Check Availability:
Once you’ve chosen a service provider, you’ll need to check the availability of the toll-free number you want. Most service providers allow you to search for available numbers online, so you can easily find a number that works for you.
When searching for an available toll-free number, you’ll want to consider a few different factors. First, you’ll want to make sure that the number is easy to remember, as this will make it easier for customers to reach you.
You may also want to consider a number that includes your business name or a memorable phrase, as this can help customers associate your number with your brand.
Another factor to consider is the area code associated with the toll-free number. While the 800 area code is the most well-known, several other area codes can be used for toll-free numbers, including 888, 877, 866, and 855. You may want to consider a different area code if the number you want is not available in the 800 area code.
Step 3: Reserve Your Number:
Once you’ve found an available toll-free number that you like, you’ll need to reserve it with your service provider. This typically involves filling out an online form or speaking with a customer service representative over the phone.
Be prepared to provide some basic information about your business, such as your name, address, and phone number.
When reserving your toll-free number, you’ll want to make sure that you understand the terms of the agreement with your service provider.
Some providers may require a contract or have minimum usage requirements, so be sure to read the fine print before committing to a service.
Step 4: Choose Your Plan:
After you’ve reserved your toll-free number, you’ll need to choose a service plan that meets your needs. Most service providers offer a range of plans, from basic plans with limited features to more advanced plans that include features such as call forwarding, voicemail, and auto-attendant.
When choosing a service plan, you’ll want to consider your budget and the features that are most important to your business. If you have a small business with minimal phone traffic, a basic plan may be sufficient.
However, if you have a larger business with a high call volume, you may want to consider a more advanced plan that includes features such as call queuing or call routing.
Step 5: Set Up Your Account:
Once you’ve chosen a service plan, you’ll need to set up your account with your service provider. This typically involves providing some additional information about your business and setting up billing and payment information.
Set up your account by providing your business name and contact information. This will be used to create your account and associate it with your toll-free number. You will also need to provide your mailing address, email address, and phone number.
Choose a payment method and provide your billing information to set up your account. Most service providers offer different payment options, such as credit cards or bank accounts, and may require a deposit or prepayment. Some providers may also offer discounts for prepayment or sign up for a longer-term contract.
Step 6: Configure The Features:
After you have set up your account and obtained a toll-free 800 business phone number, the next step is to configure the features. The following are some of the features you may want to configure:
Call Forwarding:
This feature allows you to forward calls made to your toll-free number to any other phone number. You can set up call forwarding to a landline, mobile phone, or VoIP phone. With call forwarding, you can answer your business calls no matter where you are.
Voicemail:
Voicemail is a feature that allows callers to leave a message when they are unavailable to answer the phone. You can set up a personalized voicemail greeting and check your messages from anywhere.
Some providers offer voicemail transcription, which converts voicemail messages to text for easier reading.
Auto Attendant:
An auto attendant is a virtual receptionist that greets callers and provides options for different departments or extensions. You can set up a menu of options that allow callers to select the department they want to reach or enter an extension number.
Call Recording:
Call recording is a feature that allows you to record your calls for quality assurance, training purposes, or legal reasons. You can choose to record all calls or only certain calls, and you can access your recordings from anywhere.
SMS/MMS Messaging:
Some providers offer the ability to send and receive SMS or MMS messages using your toll-free number. This allows you to communicate with customers and clients through text messaging, which can be more convenient for some people.
Call Analytics:
Call analytics provides you with data on the calls made to your toll-free number, including call volume, call duration, and caller demographics.
This information can be used to optimize your marketing campaigns, improve your customer service, and make better business decisions.
To configure these features, you will need to log in to your account on the service provider’s website and navigate to the settings or configuration page.
From there, you can choose which features you want to enable and configure them based on your preferences. Most providers offer tutorials, FAQs, and customer support to help you with the configuration process.
Step 7: Start Using Your Number:
Once you’ve configured your features, you’re ready to start using your toll-free number. Make sure to advertise your number prominently on your website, business cards, and other marketing materials so that your customers can easily reach you.
Here are some steps to follow to start using your number:
Advertise Your Number:
Start advertising your toll-free number on your website, business cards, brochures, and other marketing materials. Make sure your number is prominently displayed, and consider using a memorable vanity number to make it easier for customers to remember.
Answer Calls Professionally:
When you receive a call on your toll-free number, answer the call professionally and identify yourself and your business. Use a friendly and courteous tone, and make sure to listen carefully to the caller’s needs.
Respond To Voicemail Messages:
If you receive a voicemail message, make sure to respond promptly. Callers expect a timely response, and failing to respond promptly can damage your reputation and lose potential customers.
Use Call Analytics To Track Your Performance:
Use the call analytics feature to track your performance and identify areas for improvement. Look for patterns in call volume, call duration, and caller demographics, and use this information to optimize your marketing campaigns and improve your customer service.
Continuously Improve Your Service:
Use the feedback you receive from customers to continuously improve your service. Listen to their needs and concerns, and use this information to make changes to your business processes and offerings.
Consider Additional Features:
As your business grows, consider adding additional features to your toll-free numbers, such as call queuing, call routing, and interactive voice response (IVR) systems. These features can help you handle a larger volume of calls and provide a better customer experience.
7+ Best Business Phone Service Providers
There are many business phone service providers in the market, each with its unique features and benefits. Here are some of the best business phone service providers and their features:
1. RingCentral:
It is a cloud-based phone system that offers a wide range of features, including call forwarding, voicemail, auto attendant, call recording, SMS/MMS messaging, and call analytics. RingCentral also offers integrations with popular business applications such as Salesforce and Microsoft Office 365.
2. Nextiva:
It is a cloud-based phone system that offers features such as call forwarding, voicemail, auto attendant, call recording, and conference calling. This provider also offers a mobile app that allows you to make and receive calls from your business number on your mobile device.
3. Grasshopper:
This is a virtual phone system that allows you to use your existing mobile or landline phone as your business phone. Grasshopper offers features such as call forwarding, voicemail, auto attendant, and call screening. It also offers a mobile app that allows you to make and receive calls from your business number on your mobile device.
4. 8×8:
The provider is a cloud-based phone system that offers features such as call forwarding, voicemail, auto attendant, call recording, and conference calling. It also offers integrations with popular business applications such as Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics.
5. Vonage:
It is a cloud-based phone system that offers features such as call forwarding, voicemail, auto attendant, call recording, and conference calling. It also offers a mobile app that allows you to make and receive calls from your business number on your mobile device.
6. Ooma:
This is a cloud-based phone system that offers features such as call forwarding, voicemail, auto attendant, call recording, and conference calling. It also offers integrations with popular business applications such as Salesforce and Microsoft Office 365.
7. Jive:
It is a cloud-based phone system that offers features such as call forwarding, voicemail, auto attendant, call recording, and conference calling. Jive also offers integrations with popular business applications such as Salesforce and Microsoft Office 365.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, getting a toll-free 800 business phone number can provide numerous benefits to businesses of all sizes. By following the steps outlined in this article, businesses can easily obtain a toll-free number from a reputable provider, configure the features that best suit their needs, and start using the number to enhance their communication with customers and clients.
With the right toll-free phone number provider, businesses can improve their professionalism, increase their customer satisfaction, and ultimately grow their bottom line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is a Toll-Free Number?
A: A toll-free number is a phone number that allows callers to reach a business or organization without incurring any long-distance charges. Instead, the business or organization is responsible for paying for the calls.
Q: How Do I Get a Toll-Free 800 Number For my Business?
A: To get a toll-free 800 number for your business, you will need to choose a provider, sign up for an account, select a number, configure your features, and start using your number.
Q: How Much Does it Cost to Get a Toll-Free Number?
A: The cost of a toll-free number varies depending on the provider and the features you choose. Some providers offer toll-free numbers for as low as $10 per month, while others may charge higher rates.
Q: How Long Does it Take to Get a Toll-Free Number For my Business?
A: The time it takes to get a toll-free number for your business depends on the provider and the availability of numbers. In some cases, you can get a toll-free number within a few minutes, while in other cases it may take several days.
Q: Can I Transfer My Existing Toll-Free Number to a New Provider?
A: Yes, you can transfer your existing toll-free number to a new provider. This process is known as porting and can take several days to complete.
Q: What Features Should I Look For in a Toll-Free Number Provider?
A: The features you should look for in a toll-free number provider depend on your business needs. Some common features include call forwarding, voicemail, auto attendant, call recording, and conference calling. You may also want to look for providers that offer integrations with popular business applications.
Q: Do I Need any Special Equipment to Use a Toll-Free Number?
A: No, you do not need any special equipment to use a toll-free number. Most providers offer cloud-based phone systems that can be accessed through a web browser or mobile app. However, you may need a reliable internet connection to ensure high-quality calls.
