Taped Messages on 1-800 Numbers

I recently called a 1-800 number for information about an upcoming event. The date had changed, rumors were flying that the event had been cancelled, and the corporate sponsor needed to get the facts out, fast. Ticket holders were advised to call a toll free number to get the lowdown.

I called a 1-800 number and a taped message instantly provided me with all the details—I didn’t have to suffer through an automated system that forced me to push five different numbers to get the answer I sought. And I didn’t have to wait on hold for a representative to answer my simple question.

Toll free service is the perfect way to convey informational messages to the public. Government agencies use them all the time to provide data, instructions, and information during a crisis. Businesses are starting to use the same method. Some churches even have toll free numbers for followers to hear uplifting spiritual words of faith.

It makes sense to put taped informational messages on toll free lines rather than on standard phone numbers. Callers who need information won’t have to pay for the call and employees wont be constantly disrupted from their duties to repeat the same information every time the phone rings.

And as an added feature, a business or agency can track how many inquiries were made and exactly where the calls came from—some carriers (Tollfreenumber.ORG for example) offer tracking features that provide their subscribers with a list of every caller. This tracking feature can even “unblock” blocked numbers so you have a complete contact list.

Communication is vital for companies, non-profits, municipalities, and even faith-based organizations. Getting a message out to a large number of people can be easily accomplished with a 1-800 number forwarded right to a taped message.