How to Get an 800 Number For Your Business?

With the ever-growing competition in the market, it is difficult for businesses to find loyal customers. It is tough for firms to get a callback or hear from possible clients, mostly due to high call costs.
Want consumers to reach out to you more often? Then, the best solution is to get an 800 number.
800 number allows your customers to contact your business without incurring any charges. And it is easy to get one. You can buy 800 numbers from VoIP phone service providers online.
What is an 800 Number?
An 800 number is a toll-free number where the caller doesn’t have to pay a single penny for a call, as the receiver bears the cost. The toll-free number starts with the 800 prefixes, and other prefixes are 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888.
800 numbers are mainly used by businesses to offer free calling options that enhance customer service and accessibility. These numbers help project a professional image, broadening a company's appeal and market reach. Many companies use it for their customer support/care or helpline department, some use it as their primary number.
How Does An 800 Number Work?
An 800 number works by routing calls through telephone carriers on different levels (local and national) to provide a free call service to the callers.
Here’s how it works:
- A customer dials an 800 number.
- The call is sent to their local telephone company, which inquires about the SMS/800 database of the business responsible for paying the call charge.
- The local telephone company again routes the call to a suitable long-distance telephone company, which directs the call to the desired firm’s local telephone company.
- Finally, the local telephone company connects the recipient with the caller.
Note: Though it looks extensive, everything happens in less than 3 seconds.
Types of 800 Numbers
There are mainly four types of 800 numbers: standard, local, international, and vanity.
Standard: Toll-free numbers starting with prefixes like 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, or 888 are known to be standard toll-free numbers. It allows customers to get connected to businesses without any cost, and the receiver will pay the charge.
Domestic: Domestic or a local toll-free number, allows creating a sense of community connection. Only people from the same country can call a domestic toll-free number.
International: If your company has an international reach and customers in multiple nations, these numbers allow calling freely, regardless of borders.
Vanity: It is a special type of 800 numbers with some alphabetic characters. Vanity numbers are not associated with a region but a company. Example, (1-800-COKE.)
How To Get An 800 Number For Business?
To get 800 numbers, select a reliable provider, create an account, and choose the preferred 800 number.
Choose a Service Provider
Initially, you have to decide from where you want an 800 number, either from a traditional telephone carrier or a VoIP provider, where you get multiple features like call recording and forwarding.
Basically, if you’re a growing business, you should go for a VoIP provider as they mostly include business communication features that are fruitful for a company.
Sign up for an Account
After settling on a service provider, provide your personal information, including name, business address, type of business, and other necessary card details for billing purposes. Furthermore, pick an appropriate subscription plan fitting for your business.
Select an 800 Number
After signing up for your account, the final step is selecting an 800 number. Since 800 numbers are limited, it is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Try to have a number that is easy for the consumers to remember. Or customize your toll-free number to highlight your business. For example, if your business sells beauty products, you can get 1-800-MAKEUP.
Benefits of Getting a 1-800 number
1-800 number helps expand your business nationwide and improve credibility and trustworthiness among customers by offering them a free way to call you.
- Business expansion: Getting an 800 number provides a nationwide presence for your business since it doesn’t have a specific area code.
- Enhancement of credibility: Since not all companies have a toll-free number, if you have one, people will perceive your company as reputable, attracting more clients.
- Suitable for international customers: Significant for global brands, multinational clientele can call without worrying about hefty international charges.
- Easy to remember: Let’s say you are a pizza restaurant. If your toll-free number to place an order is 1-800-PIZZA, then people would not have a hard time memorizing it. So, getting an 800 vanity number associated with your company is always better.
- Increase the effectiveness of the marketing campaign: As per reports, vanity numbers can greatly increase call rates compared to traditional numbers: 84% for print ads and billboards, 20% for online advertisements, and 58% for TV and radio commercials.
Conclusion
Toll-free numbers allow callers to connect to a business without considering calling costs. You can get an 800 number for business from a regular telecom carrier or a VoIP service provider. It is better to get your toll-free number from a reliable VoIP provider, as they often come with additional business communication features.
Sign up with Calilio today to get a feature-rich virtual toll-free number. Alongside free-to-call phone numbers, you can enjoy many features like a unified callbox, call queuing, forwarding, and transcribing in your business communication solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to buy an 800 number?
The cost to buy an 800 number depends on the service provider. Typically, it can range from $15 to $30 per user/month. With Calilio, you can get it for only $12 per user/month if billed annually.
Can I get my own 800 number?
Yes, you can get your own 800 number for business by subscribing to your desired business plan from a reliable VoIP provider.
Are 800 numbers still available?
Yes, 800 numbers are still available. However, it depends on the VoIP provider as they are limited.
Is the 800 number free from anywhere?
No, the 800 number isn’t free from anywhere. It is toll-free only within the specific country of origin.
What app can I use for a business number?
You can use Calilio's business phone app for your business because it offers advanced features like AI-powered call summaries, unified callbox, call monitoring, and sentimental analysis, enhancing flexibility and control over your communications.
Is an 800 number free?
Yes, calling an 800 number is free, but the person or business you’re calling pays for the call.
How can I get a toll-free business number?
To get a toll-free business number, choose a trustworthy VoIP provider like Calilio, create an account, select an 800 number, and activate it for business calls.
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