How To Get A Toll-Free Number

Does your business need a toll-free number? Whether you want to market your business with an easy-to-remember vanity number or make it easier for customers outside of your area to get in touch, a toll-free number can benefit your business.

And the best part? It’s easy to sign up for a toll-free number. Keep reading to learn how to get a toll-free number for your business in just a few quick and easy steps.

How To Get A Toll-Free Number In 5 Easy Steps

Once you’ve decided it’s worth the expense to add a toll-free number to your contact methods, here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Contact Your Phone Carrier

Start with your carrier if you already have VoIP or other phone service. Most carriers can provide a toll-free number.

There are a few ways to add a toll-free number to your existing account. You can contact your carrier by phone to inquire about toll-free numbers. An easier way is to go through your online dashboard or sign into your online account to add a toll-free number to your plan.

If you’re able to sign up with your phone carrier, you can jump over to step three. However, if you’re shopping for a new carrier, looking to switch carriers, or want to simply compare pricing, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Contact An FCC-Approved RespOrg

You can acquire a toll-free number from a Responsible Organization (RespOrg) approved by the Federal Communications Commission. RespOrgs are responsible for registering and indexing toll-free numbers and porting toll-free numbers when switching carriers.

Most carriers are also RespOrgs. If you don’t have a phone carrier, your carrier doesn’t sell toll-free numbers, or you’re thinking of making a switch, sites like TollFreeNumbers.com have lists and databases listing RespOrgs. You can also check out our list of the best VoIP phone system providers, as many of the options on this list offer toll-free numbers.

Step 3: Compare Costs For Toll-Free Numbers

Even if you can get a toll-free number through your carrier, it’s still a good idea to compare costs. There are several pricing models, and you want to choose one that’s the most cost-effective for your business.

When comparing costs, there are two costs to keep in mind:

• Monthly fee for your toll-free number
• The cost for any minutes used on your toll-free number

Here’s what you should know about pricing for toll-free numbers:

• Upgraded Calling Plans: Some carriers offer a toll-free number, plus a specific number of included minutes (i.e., 1,000 minutes per month). This is usually a higher-tier plan that is more expensive but may be more cost-efficient for businesses that need a toll-free number.
• Pay-Per-Minute: Some carriers sell toll-free numbers for a low monthly fee. In addition to this fee, the business pays per minute for incoming and outgoing calls. These options make the most sense for businesses that do not send or receive many calls using a toll-free number.
• Bundled Minutes: Other carriers sell toll-free numbers for a low monthly fee and bundled minutes for an additional cost.

All costs vary by provider. Generally, you should expect to pay around $10 to $20 monthly for a toll-free number. If you’re paying per minute, expect to pay around 2 cents per minute on the low end and around 8 cents per minute on the higher end of the scale.

Step 4: Choose Your Prefix & Phone Number

Once you’ve compared costs and selected a provider, it’s time to choose your prefix and phone number. Most carriers will allow you to pick a toll-free number of your choice, provided that it’s available.

You’ll be able to pick your number and prefix. The prefix is the three-digit number dialed after the one (e.g., for 1-800 numbers, the prefix is 800). Prefixes for toll-free numbers are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888.

Next, you’ll select the rest of your number (if this is an option with your chosen carrier). Some businesses opt for a number that’s easy to remember. Others choose a vanity number that uses the letters on a telephone keypad to spell a name, word, or phrase (think 1-800-CONTACTS or 1-800-GoFedEx).

After selecting your number, you’ll be able to review the addition of the number and charges and pay any applicable upfront fees.

Step 5: Configure & Set Up Your Toll-Free Number

Congratulations! If you’ve completed the previous steps, you’re now the owner of a toll-free number. If you’re with a VoIP provider, you should be able to log into your account or dashboard to assign or route the number to a line. You’ll also be able to customize settings.

Now, all you have to do is get your number to your customers. Make sure to add your toll-free number to your website, email marketing campaigns, social media, business cards, and other marketing materials to ensure your customers can reach you from anywhere when they need you.