What Is A Toll-Free Number?

If you’re signing up for a business phone system, switching phone providers, or just looking for a new way for customers to contact you, you might want to sign up for a toll-free number.

A toll-free number isn’t available for every business, though. Before taking this additional cost onto your monthly expenses, find out what a toll-free number is, who should get one, and how much you should expect to pay.

What Is A Toll-Free Number? The Quick Answer

A toll-free number is a phone number that customers can call from their landline phones without incurring long-distance fees, even if they aren’t in the same city or state.

Toll-free numbers are only free for landline phones. Customers who call from cell phones will incur charges if they are not on an unlimited calling plan.

Many companies use toll-free numbers for their customer service departments. Toll-free numbers are beneficial for businesses that have customers around the country, while businesses that only deal with local customers won’t find them useful.

What Is A Vanity Number?

A vanity number is a toll-free number that uses the letters on a phone’s keypad to spell out a word, name, or phrase. Examples of vanity numbers include 1-800-CONTACTS, 1-800-FLOWERS, and 1-800-GOT-JUNK.

A vanity number is easy for customers to remember. Many companies have used them in advertising and jingles to keep customers top-of-mind when they need a specific product or service.

Toll-Free Codes

When you think of a toll-free number, you probably think of the codes 800, 888, and 877. While these are toll-free codes, there are others as well. The full list of toll-free codes includes 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888.

Why Does A Business Need A Toll-Free Number?

Businesses with customers outside their local areas should consider getting a toll-free number. This allows customers with landline phones who aren’t in your area code to call without incurring charges.

A toll-free number is also a subtle marketing tool. Remember the jingles we mentioned earlier? A toll-free number (especially a vanity number) that’s easy to remember makes your business memorable, which could lead to customers calling you instead of your competitors.

Finally, a toll-free number just makes your business look more legitimate and respectable. As silly as it may sound, having a toll-free number can help build trust, which in turn will build your customer base.

How Much Does A Toll-Free Number Cost?

The monthly cost of a toll-free number varies by phone carrier. Generally, you should expect to pay around $10 to $20 per month for your toll-free number in addition to your monthly calling plan fees.

Pricing for a toll-free number isn’t typically as simple as paying a monthly fee, however. Sometimes, you may have to pay a monthly fee for the number PLUS an additional charge for calling minutes used for inbound and outbound calls.

For example, you may be able to score a toll-free number for free or for a very low monthly fee. However, additional fees may apply:

• Per minute for every inbound and outbound call, OR
• Purchase a bundle of minutes (i.e., 500 minutes per month) for an additional monthly fee

On the other hand, your carrier may charge a higher monthly fee (such as $50/month), and this includes your toll free number plus a bundle of minutes (i.e., 1,000 minutes per month).

Because of these different pricing structures, you shouldn’t be fooled by a very low-cost (or free) toll-free number. Make sure to compare providers, estimate how many minutes you expect to use per month, and read the fine print before making a commitment.

How Do I Get A Toll Free Number?

Getting a toll-free number is easy. While we’ll briefly outline the steps here, don’t forget to check out our step-by-step guide for more details.

Start with your current phone provider. If you don’t have one, check out the best VoIP phone systems for businesses to find a reputable provider.

Once you have a provider in mind, contact them directly or check their website for toll-free number rates. Remember to look beyond the cost of the number for any additional fees and shop around if you need to.

If you’re already signed up with a provider, you should be able to sign up online through your dashboard or with a quick call to the sales department. You’ll be able to select your phone number, review the changes, and get your number set up on the same day.

If you don’t have a provider, make sure to add a toll-free number when signing up online or mention it to a sales rep when you call to sign up for service.