Everything about Toll-free numbers

A toll-free number as many of us are aware is a special telephone number which is free for the calling party and the call charges are borne by the called party. A toll-free number is assigned from a special dialing prefix range (also known as area code) such as 1-800 - although these pre-fix numbers can vary.

For nearly two decades from 1967 till the AT&T breakup happened, AT&T had an absolute monopoly on assigning 800 numbers to subscribers. During 1985 and 1986, the FCC and the Federal Courts which took cognizance of the AT&T split and the growth in the telecom industry ordered a fully competitive portable numbering system for toll-free numbers.

Toll free number portability meant that toll-free numbers are no longer the monopoly of a particular telephone carrier such as AT&T or MCI. Toll free subscribers can switch to any other carrier without changing their toll-free number. From the early 1990s, toll-free 800 Service became a potent marketing tool with the introduction of Vanity Numbers such as 1-800-FLOWERS.

A toll-free vanity number is a custom toll-free number is easy to remember because it spells a phone word to indicate the business of the owner and not a mere numerical phone number such as 1-800-348-6836.

At one time, toll-free telephone numbers were a novelty but now no longer. Toll-free telephone numbers have become immense popular that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was forced to issue a new prefix (888) in anticipation of the exhaustion of all possible 800 numbers.

A toll free number can be a remarkable marketing tool for any business enterprise regardless of its size and scale of operations. A toll free number creates a lot more than just brand recognition and credibility. It can be a powerful tool to boost your sales and ROI.

Prospective as well as existing customers will find it encouraged to talk to your business over phone more often when they know they will not be required to pay for the call charges. This type of constant interaction with the customer will go a long way is improving your customer relations management (CRM).

A toll free number makes it easier for your customers to reach you and get their queries answered. Research studies have revealed that trade ads carrying your toll free number elicits 40 percent more customer response than trade ads that makes no mention of any toll free number. More responses to your trade ad mean greater possibilities of additional business leading to an enlargement of customer base.

Toll free numbers are gaining in popularity and as such also becoming more affordable. Toll free numbers are no longer the exclusive privilege of large corporations. Having a toll free number gives even your small business credibility and boosts your company's image.

With a toll free number, the location of your business is inconsequential. You can still be reached on your toll free number regardless of where your business is located. This can be simply achieved by forwarding your calls to your cell phone or any other land phone. Once you purchase a toll free number it is yours forever. Even if you change your service providers, you can take the same number with you.

By owning toll-free phone numbers, business houses provide clients with a means of communicating with them at no charge and this can be a huge passport for additional business.