What is a toll-free number
Toll-free, or 800 numbers appeared more than 50 years ago and quickly gained popularity in the business world. Its core advantage is that the calling party doesn't pay for conversations.
Today these numbers are assigned digitally by phone operators, which ensures numerous possibilities and ease of use.
It doesn't matter where a company is located, with a toll-free number it is accessible from any point of the country and nothing will change in case of relocations.
No special lines and equipment are required for connection. They are provided as cloud phone stations and can be managed by their owners through personal cabinets.
Today functions of 800 numbers also include calls forwarding to the employees' phone numbers or voice mail. Phone conversations can be recorded - thus operators and managers’ communication with clients can be controlled.
So, top questions to ask when choosing a toll-free line:
Who will benefit of using toll-free numbers?
They are mainly used by companies for their call centers. Toll-free numbers are also necessary for information processing centers, various votings organized for example during TV broadcasting. So, in all situations when communication with large numbers of clients is required toll-free numbers come to hand.
What are the advantages of 800 numbers?
- First of all, as we have already learned, calling party doesn't pay for the calls;
- These numbers are often easy to remember;
- You don't have to change your number wherever you move within the country;
- Toll-free number is multichannel, so all incoming calls are distributed among available free operators;
- This line makes your company look more reputable, increases your marketing potential and shows your customer care.
Are toll-free numbers mobile or landline?
800 numbers are SIP, i.e. assigned and operated through the internet. Thus, they are equally accessible and free of charge for the callers both through mobile and landlines within the country. But the calling party will be charged by its mobile or landline operator for connection with a foreign toll-free number.
These numbers have prefixes depending on the country (e.g., 1-800 in US, 8-800 in Russia, etc.).
What are billing plans for toll-free numbers?
These numbers are paid by subscription, and usually time-based payments start upon exceeding the limits covered by the subscription. There are no average prices, costs vary depending on the country.
Paychecks for these services are affordable and won’t be a “heavy burden” even for small companies.
How can I get a toll-free number?
Getting a 800 number is almost as easy as acquiring a starting package of a mobile operator. You only have to contact an operator, and not necessarily in your country. This choice depends not only on your physical location, but also on the geography of your business.
What are vanity or golden numbers?
These are alphanumeric sequences that make toll-free numbers more easily remembered. Such sequences are a combination of easily remembered numbers, e.g. 101-202-333. Another variant is composing a number from a phoneword (e.g. 800-Company).
These are the basics about toll-free numbers. Of course, if you are planning to organize a call center at your company there will be more details to discuss with your operator. Or you may contact us, and we shall be glad to answer your questions!