What Is a Toll-Free Number and How Does it Work?

At some point in time, you have most probably dialed numbers from 1-800 to get help, connect to any sales representative, or simply ask questions. These calling numbers are known as toll-free numbers. They are called so because they are totally free of cost for the person placing the phone call. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about toll-free numbers. 

What Is a Toll Free Number?

Toll-Free numbers refer to calling numbers where the person on the receiving end, not the one calling, is responsible for the call time bill. Business owners often use toll-free calling numbers to benefit clients or customers without worrying about an expensive and looming long-distance call. 

Toll-free numbers generally begin with codes of a particular area, such as 888, 800, 833, etc. Whatever the format, the calling process is the same for all.

If you dial a toll-free number, it will be free for you or any caller, and the inbound call will be charged to the person who receives it.

How Are Toll-Free Numbers Assigned?

If you are wondering how to get a toll-free number for your business, you need to understand how they are assigned first. Getting a toll-free number is straightforward- it is usually accomplished in a few minutes. The toll-free numbers are assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

To acquire a toll-free number, you can use the tips given below:

• Try to use the new 833 prefixes or 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 without limiting yourself to an original 800-number
• Use numbers other than just the vanity numbers
• Use alternate spellings of a taken vanity number
• Use keywords for ranking your website

How is Toll-Free Number Important for Businesses?

Toll-Free numbers have some significant importance in a business- it allows businesses to have better credibility in the industry. Here are the important aspects that you can consider for the Toll-Free Number.

1. Call Tracking and Recording

You can easily record and track incoming calls after setting up a toll-free number. It helps maintain privacy and protects from any online or virtual phone scams. 

2.Adds Credibility

A toll-free number will add to your business’s credibility and increase professionalism. It’s not good for a business if its contact number occasionally becomes inaccessible or doesn’t allow callbacks for missed calls. However, having a toll-free business number in place helps you to serve your callers best, enabling you to establish your firm as a professional.

3.Portability Factor

It will facilitate remote work and travel for the recipient without missing out on a call, and they can even separate their business from a personal phone. Businesses strive for future growth that is more rapid. This expansion frequently coincides with a larger team and a more extensive clientele. While you’ll work diligently to achieve the former, you should also have any necessary supporting solutions or software on hand.

4.Strengthens Brand Image

It measures the performance of marketing, advertising campaigns, and sales.  You can also have more than one toll-free number so that every segment of your business has a specialized number.

In addition to increasing the likelihood that a customer will call you, toll-free marketing efforts let you keep track of such calls. You need to build a campaign to promote your brand via a toll-free number with a call-tracking solution.

5.Cost-Effective

It helps in business expansion with a reduced cost. It is affordable for small businesses and does not entertain fees or expensive add-ons.In actuality, toll-free memberships are more affordable than regular phone subscriptions. Considering its incredible value, choosing a toll-free number has almost no drawbacks. You receive a lot of value for your money and can take advantage of its many advantages.

6.Cloud Advantage

Telephone calls are connected all over traditional networks and the online internet with the help of cloud communication providers. It will provide high-quality calls without consuming too much data.

It can work for the recipients in and out of the workplace because everyone shares the same cloud system. As a result, toll-free lines are more practical and convenient to use than a traditional hardware solution. It is also more affordable and reliable in the long run. This way, using toll-free numbers can help your company use cutting-edge technology and reap the rewards in the long run.

Enhance Customer Satisfaction

It improves caller satisfaction with the help of auto attendants. No large team is required to manage incoming calls. Instead, a virtual assistant and automated replies will do the job.

How Do Toll-Free Numbers Work?

A toll-free number for a business enterprise will work exactly and similarly to any other telephone number concerning a caller’s aspect. You need to dial the number to connect with a representative from the customer service department or any other personnel. An essential difference between a normal and a toll-free phone number is that the calls for long distances are absolutely free, even if you place the call from a landline device.

Your toll-free number’s operation will depend on your phone or device service if you are a small business, large corporation, or startup owner. Few VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service providers might charge more for receiving toll-free calls. Thus, it would help if you research properly  while finalizing your service.

How to call toll-free numbers?

You can call on a toll-free number exactly the same way you would call any other number. You just need to ensure that you dial “1” before the toll-free code or prefix (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833). These codes cannot be interchanged among each other. For example, if you dial 1 (866) 1234567, you will not connect to the exact same place as 1 (833) 1234567. The prefixes are fundamentally area codes where you want to dial.

Toll-free calls are paid by the recipient or owner, not the one placing the call. There is an exception, and you might be charged a small amount by your service provider (if you are the caller) if you are out of the unlimited plan (or out of minutes) on your phone.

How to Get a Toll-Free Number?

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) entirely controls who will receive a toll-free calling number. Generally, the toll-free numbers are assigned on a system where people who come first will get the number. They are distributed via a RespOrg (responsible organization) that manages, distributes, and serves toll-free calling numbers to different business owners.

You can get an FCC-approved service provider, which will make your chances of getting a toll-free calling number very easy. You can follow the following steps to get your toll-free number:

1. You must sign up on any FCC-approved service provider’s site;
2. Select toll-free numbers by entering your area code;
3. Lastly, you need to finish the payment.

Many countries support toll-free numbers and usually use prefixes starting with 8XX. Other toll-free prefixes or codes used are – 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833. 

• When it comes to the toll-free number for business in the USA, the prefix used is 800-numbers
• In the UK, toll-free numbers start with 0800 or 0808
• In China, either you can use 800-numbers or 400-numbers
• The Netherlands introduced the prefix 0800/0900, which ultimately changed the outsourcing growth of the nation
• In Australia, the prefix “1800” is used
• In Sweden, the prefix used is “020” or “0200” for toll-free numbers
• In New Zealand, “0800” or “0508” prefixes are used interchangeably 

What is a vanity number?

Customized phone numbers with your business name, your name, and any unique or catchy words that describe your work or are related to your purpose are called vanity numbers. For example, 1(800) VICTORY. These numbers are much harder to find, but they benefit your business more. These numbers are catchy and will be easy for your clients to remember.

Few people think toll-free vanity numbers will cost more. However, it is similar to finding a good domain like ‘.com’ for the business. You will need some searching time and luck to register a firm vanity toll-free number. There has been a recent release in more numbers.

Difference between Toll-Free Numbers & Local Numbers

When it comes to Toll-Free Numbers and Local Numbers into account, it is important to understand the difference between them. Let us explain it further.

Conclusion

When selecting the toll-free phone number, ensure that it meets your company’s expectations and that the number provider is there to assist you 24/7 and give end-to-end support. To operate any business efficiently, you need to have a toll-free number for better customer support and professionalism. Get in touch with JustCall to get a toll-free number for your business swiftly. Our affordable pricing and prompt services will easily help you take the next step toward success.