1 800 Number

A 1-800 number is a toll free number that you can call from anywhere in the world without worrying about long distance charges of any kind.  1-800 numbers are therefore very popular with businesses that want to encourage people to call.  1-800 numbers are also popularly used with non-profit agencies, government agencies, and any other informational services that wish to encourage incoming calls.  Because just about everyone recognizes a 1-800 number to mean ‘free’, people are often more likely to call you if you provide one.

If you have a business that conducts any amount of sales by way of incoming telephone orders, getting a 1-800 number is a great way to boost your calls.  People are generally much more likely to call you if they know that there is at least no charge for the call.  Using a regular number, anyone outside of your local area may be subject to long distance charges, and therefore may be less likely to call you.  Signing up for a 1-800 number is therefore a very good first step in setting up a phone based business.  Even if phone orders only represent a small fraction of your business, a 1-800 number will probably be worthwhile. 

1-800 numbers are available for a fairly low monthly cost these days.  The cost on these numbers has dropped so much over the years that some people get 1-800 numbers just for fun, or their own personal use.  Since the 1-800 number concept has become so popular, there have been a number of new numbers reserved for the same general purpose, including 1-877, and 1-888 numbers.

1-800 numbers are toll free, but it’s important to keep in mind that toll free doesn’t always mean free.  You won’t be charged any long distance fees for calling a 1-800 number, but you may still be subject to any charges the company you are calling requires.  It’s easy to tell if the 1-800 number you are calling will cost you money, however; if you are asked to punch in a credit card number, that’s usually a good clue.

Versatile, relatively cheap, and recognized everywhere as being ‘free’, 1-800 numbers are an invaluable tool for anyone that wants to promote incoming phone traffic.  Whether you are running a business, a non-profit agency, or an informational service, having a 1-800 number will boost you calls, and give you a much more professional appearance than just having a regular phone number.