GREAT 126 IDEA: Make Your 800 Number Ring
If you serve customers in a wide area, you should have an 800, 888, 866, or 877 toll-free number. It is a good way to generate goodwill. I'm not happy when I have to pay for a call to order products. Toll-free 800 numbers can be assigned at http://www.tollfreenumber.org/.
The cost is often determined based on where the call is forwarded to—the entrepreneur's cell/home, virtual assistant, or the like.
Most long distance providers can set up a toll-free number, so check around. Visit http://www.tollfreenumber.org/low-toll-free-rates.html?referralsource=fp-signup to compare rates.
You can also visit http://www.tollfreenumber.org/products-services/ to explore various packages, including “The Business Toll Free Saver” and “The Virtual Telecenter.”
Here is some basic information from that site.
The Business Toll Free Saver
- Forwards to your phone
- Monthly cost: None
- Maintenance and recovery fees: $7.99/mo.
- Nationwide per-minute cost: $.039/min.
The Virtual Telecenter
- Toll-Free Ring—to auto attendant
- Monthly cost: $49.99
- Maintenance and recovery fees: None
- Nationwide per-minute cost: None
Five Tips to Generate More Calls
- Put your 800 number on everything you post online, publish, or sell.
- Buy a rubber stamp or colored stickers that say, “Call us toll-free at …”
- Add your 800 number to labels, invoices, and wall or magnetic signs.
- Send an e-mail blast featuring the 800 number.
- Add your 800 number to voice mail greetings.