When a customer needs to contact a company, they expect options. To put it more accurately, they expect modern options. Chat prompts, website forms, email, social media… customers have more ways than ever to contact businesses. However, when those options fail, are unavailable, or if a customer wants to have a conversation with a representative, consumers are still likely to call a business for assistance.
Toll-free numbers were once utilized as an easy way for businesses to provide an option for callers to reach them no matter where they were in the United States. That need has lessened over the past two decades, as cell phone providers have reduced or eliminated long-distance charges for their customers. With so many alternative contact methods available and the need to lessen caller expenses having gone by the wayside, is there still value in having a toll-free number today?
The answer is yes. Toll-free numbers provide much more than savings to callers. 800 numbers still provide legitimacy and a sense of professionalism to businesses, along with other tangible benefits – especially to companies without a brick-and-mortar location or offices spread across different cities. Here are a few reasons why toll-free numbers are as important as ever for businesses of all sizes.
- Make Your Small Business Look BiggerIt used to be that only big companies typically had access to toll-free numbers. An 800 number was out of reach for most small businesses. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 opened up more competition within the telecommunications market, leveling the playing field between small businesses and major corporations. However, the corporate cachet that a toll-free number provides remains amongst consumers and continues to be enjoyed today by companies of all sizes, from 1 employee or 100.
- Gain A National Presence Wherever You AreLocal numbers serve local communities. What demographic is served by toll-free numbers? The answer is all of them. Quickly gain a national presence with a toll-free number, and expand your reach beyond state borders.
- Enhance Your Brand With A Vanity NumberAn easy, effective way to keep your business in the mind of current and potential customers is to use a vanity number. A vanity number is a toll-free number that spells out a phrase associated with your business (think 1-800-FLOWERS) or has several repeating numbers that make it easy to remember (like 1-888-888-8888). These numbers are typically in high demand, but with some forethought and creativity, you can find the perfect number to advertise your business.
- Easily Port Your Toll-Free Number To Another ProviderFederal regulations make it much easier to transfer toll-free phone numbers between providers as opposed to local numbers. Toll-free numbers are maintained within a national database, which makes it easy for phone companies and virtual carriers to transfer numbers between them. Local numbers are decentralized, making the porting process more complicated, and sometimes cannot be ported at all. Toll-free numbers make it easier to shop around for the best service that fits your needs.
For these reasons and more, toll-free numbers are still a valuable asset for businesses like yours. Are you interested in getting a toll-free number of your own? AccessDirect has a wide selection available for you to choose from, or we can also assist you with obtaining a vanity number for your business. Contact us today to get started!
