The Four Toll Free Area Codes--800, 888, 877, and 866.

All four toll free area codes (800, 888, 877, and 866) work the same way—calls are charged to the receiver of the call, never to the caller.

The 800 pre-fix is the most recognizable toll free number, the first to be introduced four decades ago. But public awareness has grown over the past decade about toll free 888, 877 and 866 numbers. In fact, in recent polls the majority of U.S. adults recognized all four numbers as toll free. These toll free area codes are becoming increasingly popular. Big companies are regularly using 866 and 877 numbers (1-866-MY-MOBIL and 877-SAFEWAY for examples)

Since 800 numbers are the most coveted and the most recognizable, they are often the most difficult to obtain. And while the others are widely known as toll free, in some instances when advertising, you may decide to take the time to remind consumers that 888, 877, 866 numbers will cost them nothing. In other words, if you are wary that some of your potential customers may not recognize the 866 pre-fix, write “Call Toll Free” in bold letters before the number to clear up any uncertainties.

When you are advertising on radio or television this can be especially important. When your customers hear the number over the airwaves, they need several reminders. (Vanity numbers are particularly effective on the air because people tend to recall the words more easily than a string of numbers). When preparing a radio spot or television commercial make sure to repeat the number at least three times, remind the listeners it is a toll free call.

All four toll free pre-fixes have the same end result—they increase your customer base and your revenue. And these days, more and more small and mid-sized businesses are securing good toll free numbers with 877 and 866 numbers.