Is there be a monthly fee for toll free use?

Most companies charge a monthly fee for having a toll free number. The fee will vary depending upon which company you use and what type of toll free number you have.

What are the per-minute rates?

In addition to your monthly fee, you will also have to pay a per-minute fee for every call you receive to your toll-free number. Again, this varies by the company you choose, your location and sometimes the location of your caller.

Is there a monthly minimum?

Some companies will charge a fee if a minimum is not met for your account each month. This fee is typically very small.

Do I have to switch my long distance?

Some companies will require you to switch your long distance services to them in order to have a toll free number through them. If you like your current long distance provider, you can choose a stand-alone toll free service provider.

Can I block calls from certain countries or states?

You should check for this feature before signing up if you want to block specific areas from calling your toll-free number. You may also want to ask about pay phone blocking. Typically, if someone calls your toll-free number from a pay phone, you will be charged an additional fee. You can avoid this happening by blocking toll free calls made from pay phones. Please Note: If you are offering an emergency type of service (for example auto towing, road services, etc.), and your customers often call from a pay phone, you should not block this option.

Can I change my service later and keep the same number if I do?

This is an important question to ask as some providers will not let you move your toll free number if you signed up for it with them. This can really affect you if they decide to change their rates at a later date. Others do allow you to change, but may charge a fee for transferring your number to the new provider. Look for a company that allows you the freedom to change as you please.

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800 vs. 866/877/888 Toll-Free Numbers

An “1-800 number” is a general term that people use when referring to toll-free numbers and is the original area code for toll-free numbers. While most people assume that all toll-free numbers begin with 1-800, there are actually currently 4 prefixes used as toll-free numbers 800, 866, 877 and 888.

So is there a difference? Well yes, sort of. Think of 800 as a “name brand” number (the .com of domain names) and 866, 877 and 888 as the off-brand (or generic) versions (like .net, .biz, etc. of domain names) of toll-free prefixes.

They do the same exact thing: allow customers to call a business without paying for it (the business picks up the tab regardless of the callers location). 800 numbers are simply more recognizable and trusted by the general public, and because it has been around longer than 866 and 877, 888 follows in at second.

Should your business use an 800 or an 866/877/888 number?

Before deciding, take a look at how you will be advertising. For businesses sticking to the internet, you should do fine using an 866/877/888 number because most people will be looking at your number when placing their call to you. If you plan on focusing a majority of your marketing efforts offline, then an 800 number might be a better option since most people will be calling you from memory and will assume that your number begins with 1-800. If you are unable to secure yourself an 800 number, try to get an 888 number before resorting to either 866 or 877 number.

Vanity Toll-Free Numbers

Vanity numbers increase company and brand name recognition, and enhance image. The numbers translate into a word, name, or acronym spelled out on a numeric touch pad or dialing device. Example: 1-877-GOT-MILK.

Does your business need a vanity toll-free? If you plan on doing a lot of offline advertising (like TV or radio commercials, newspaper or flyer ads, etc.) you might consider this option as it may help potential customers remember your number better. If you are a very small business or will be focusing your efforts mainly online, having a vanity number will most likely not be extremely beneficial to you.

In general, I only recommend the vanity option to large companies and corporations. If you are interested in one, RingCentral includes them for free($30 set up fee) with their business accounts.

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