1-800 Numbers/The Fortune 500

Have you ever noticed that the vast majority of Fortune 500 companies have a toll free number? Nearly all of them use this tried and true marketing tool. And over the past decade, millions of small and mid-size companies have started doing the same.

Many Fortune 500 Companies use vanity numbers because they are a proven way to establish public recognition of a brand image and can dramatically increase word of mouth referrals. Most of all, toll free numbers are one of the best ways to improve and maintain customer relations.

Wal-Mart 800-966-6546
877-MY-Exxon
866-My-Mobil
800-GMC-8782
Citigroup 877-7-Redeem
Hewlett-Packard 800-HP-Invent
State Farm Insurance 877-SF4-Bank
Pfizer 800-Try-First
SBC Communications 866-SBC-Dial
800-Microsoft
877-Safeway

These are just a handful of examples of super-successful companies that use toll free phone numbers.

Keep in mind that toll free isn’t limited just to major corporations anymore. Getting your own 1-800 number is easy and affordable. It can be the perfect marketing tool for any type of business and any size company.

Vanity numbers can be particularly effective--a word or phrase in place of a string of random digits. These catchy phrases help customers remember the phone number and also act as an advertisement for the company. For example, customers will easily remember 1-800-HR-BLOCK without having to look up, or memorize, a numerical sequence.

A toll free number obtained through a reliable service provider like Tollfreenumber.ORG lends credibility to any business, enhances customer service, and increases customer confidence. By combining a toll free call with a catchy vanity number, businesses have an effective marketing tool that attracts new customers and retains repeat business.

The Elusive 800 Number.

With the fixed amount of available 800 numbers shrinking fast, it is becoming clear that it can sometimes be difficult to obtain a premier 800 pre-fix number.

Once used primarily by big businesses, toll free numbers are now one of the most popular marketing tools used by small businesses, charities, and churches. 1-800 numbers have become a staple of all successful businesses. Demand has grown quickly but the supply of numbers has remained stagnant.

Adding to the problem, insiders say 800 numbers retired back to the main database for someone else to use are scarce. Toll free numbers have such an extreme positive impact on any company, that it is rare for business owners to cancel their numbers.

And yes, the supply of 888, 877, and 866 numbers are also dropping-but they can sometimes be easier to get than an 800. And these days all four pre-fixes are highly recognized as toll free.

Toll free service has history going back four decades. 800 numbers were introduced in 1967. By the 1980s, nearly half of all long distance calls would be toll free. The other three pre-fixes were added to address shortfalls. The newest number—866—was launched in 2000.

The next pre-fix to be introduced? Well, it will be 855—eventually.

There are an average of 8,000 new toll free numbers registered each day. With a limited number of numerical possibilities, the supply will eventually be expended. The most effective and affordable way to obtain a toll free number before supplies run out is to contact a reliable toll free service provider like Tollfreenumber.ORG. This reputable carrier can quickly assist subscribers in finding a quality toll free number.

Did You Know? The Basics of Toll Free Phone Service.

With 1-800 numbers growing in popularity, more and more people are considering signing up with Tollfreenumber.ORG for toll free service. To get a better handle on exactly how toll free phone service works, here are a few basics:

• A toll free number is free for the caller, every time. The owner of the number pays for the cost of all incoming calls.

• A toll free number can start with 800, 888, 877, or 866.

• Toll free service doesn’t require any additional equipment. You use your existing phone systems.

• A toll free number rings, or is forwarded, to any number you specify, including your home or work number or a cell phone.

• A toll free number in the form of a word or phrase is called a “vanity number.” These easily remembered numbers are particularly effective as marketing tools.

• A toll free number is portable, which means you can switch the phone company providing your service and still keep the same number.

• Fiber optic technology results in clearer connections than VoIP which can have dropped calls and echos. Stick with fiber optics.

• By signing on for international service, you can acquire the ability to reach U.S. customers from abroad.

• You can "own” your number so you have it for as along as you need it, even if you change locations or expand.

UPS, FEDEX, and DHL Thrive WIth 1-800 Numbers.

Successful courier companies like UPS, FEDEX and DHL have never been busier—Internet shopping, auction sites like EBAY, and home-based businesses have made courier services more popular than ever.

All three companies rely on toll free numbers to connect with customers for pick-up and delivery. Whether you are sending a gift, or an important manuscript, you can simply call a 1-800 number and arrange for safe delivery of your package.

By advertising 1-800-PICK-UPS; 1-800-GO-FEDEX; and 1-800-CALL-DHL, courier companies have created free and convenient connections to their customers while simultaneously establishing company image by using a memorable vanity phone number. Customers will have an easy time remembering those phone numbers as opposed to a string of random digits.

All types and sizes of companies benefit from using a 1-800 number—you never lose customers over long-distance charges; market reach expands because the numbers are not tied to any specific region; and customer relations are enhanced.

And by using a good vanity number, your toll free phone number works as an advertisement—locking your company name and image into the minds of all your potential customers.

Whether you have a small organization or a large corporation, securing a 1-800 number from a provider like Tollfreenumber.ORG can help unlock all your business potential. Toll free numbers are easy to obtain and affordable. Plans are available to meet the needs of all size companies, from basic service that costs just pennies per minute to broader plans that offer all the specific features needed to run a busy office or shop.

How Do Toll Free Numbers Work

How Do Toll Free Numbers Work?

Call 1-800 Numbers For Back-To-School Clothes.

September is just around the corner and students are gearing up for the first day back to school. Parents are contacting 1-800-Target, 1-800-GAP-Style and 1-800-OLD-Navy to order new clothes.

But with the economy tight and many busy parents working 40 hour weeks, buying school supplies and new clothes can be a burden. A recent news report indicated that more and more parents are shopping online or pre-arranging for specific styles and sizes to be available at certain stores when they arrive.

First, they call the company’s toll free customer service phone number and get details about availability. They arrange for the store nearest their home or office to reserve the items they desire. Then they show up at the store and their items are ready and waiting for them.

With his new shopping trend, parents are saving time, and money on gas and shipping, by getting pro-active with back to school shopping by contacting clothing companies to get a handle on exactly what products are available before they waste time bouncing from one crowded shopping mall to another.

Some companies are even providing coupons and information about sales on their toll free phone lines, saving parents even more money on back-to-school supplies and clothes. source:Toll Number

This is another terrific example of how a toll free phone number improves customer service and gives the businesses a huge edge over their competition.

1-800-SMART-USA Lines Swamped.

With gas prices in the United States soaring this summer, consumers are looking into buying gas-saving, smaller, vehicles. And none is more popular right now than the new Smart Car.

Popular in Europe for quite some time, the Smart Car is now in great demand in America—calls to 1-800-SMART-USA are booming. The compact two-seater has become the vehicle of choice of more than 900,000 customers in 37 countries. Motorists can get 40 to 70 mpg with a Smart Car and American consumers are getting hooked on the tiny vehicle. Some Smart Car dealers have waiting lists lasting for months for these mini-cars.

Smart Car set up toll free phone lines in anticipation of the blast of inquiries by interested U.S. consumers looking for a vehicle with better gas mileage. Calls to 1-800-SMART-USA have been steadily increasing all summer and experts say interest will continue even if gas prices drop. The original idea behind the Smart Car was convenience- the teeny vehicle can easily be parked anywhere and is even short enough to allow "nose-in" parking. Now, skyrocketing gas prices have pique American interest mostly for financial reasons.

Officials at Smart Car knew that when the beloved car was introduced in the United States, the company would need to organize ways to get as much information to the American public as they could—in the most convenient and efficient manner possible. So they immediately set up a memorable toll free phone number to handle the influx of inquiries. And the number has been a great success.

Every business can benefit from a toll free phone number. Customer satisfaction improves when a consumer is offered a free connection to a company representative. A 1-800 number establishes credibility and opens the lines of communication with millions of potential customers.

Starbucks 1-800 Marketing Strategies.

In a recent article, Starbucks founder and chairman Howard Schultz revealed that he doesn’t advertise. No ads. Just a string of nationwide coffeehouses popular by word-of-mouth, and customer relations needs satisfied by a 1-800 phone number.

Logan Marshall, Tollfreenumber.ORG's founder is an avid Starbucks visitor. Mr Marshall often says that he "doesn't drink coffee [he] drinks Starbucks." And as all of us who have ordered a venti vanilla latte (Like Mr. Marshall) can attest, Schultzs' creation has been an enormous success. This was all accomplished without a single ad during the Super Bowl. It’s pure customer relations and quality products, according to Mr. Schultz.

Schultz may not be into mass advertising, but there is one marketing tool he definitely does not go without—a 1-800 phone number. As part of this top-of-the-line customer relations program, and also to keep in touch with his 200,000 employees, Schultz obtained a 1-800 number (1-800-Starbucks of course) where anyone can find information on the corporation, products, merchandise, employee benefits, store locations, and anything else STARBUCKS-related.

These days, consumers expect 1-800 numbers when dealing with electronics companies, billing departments, and most service-related companies and mega-stores. But toll free numbers truly are needed for all types of businesses—including chains, home-based companies, online businesses, and small retail outlets.

Whether you have a shop on every corner, or a single storefront, a toll free phone number is an affordable and simple way to encourage new business, establish credibility for your company, improve customer relations, and never miss any phone calls. Toll free phone service offers numerous options to meet the needs of all types of businesses—from call forwarding, to efaxes, to auto-attendants, to cellular and international toll free service.

The experienced staff at a toll free service provider like Tollfreenumber.ORG can guide you through the process of obtaining your own 1-800 number—it's very simple, very affordable, and doesn’t require any additional installations.

Toll Free Numbers .Organization - Blog: Improving Customer Service

Toll Free Numbers .Organization - Blog: Improving Customer Service

Find Toll Free Listings Through GOOG-411

Connecting with the millions of businesses using toll free 800, 888, 877, and 866 phone numbers in the United States and Canada is fast and convenient-there are plenty of directories ( AT&T for example has a comprehensive listing of toll free numbers) or a quick search on the internet will provide you with all the information you need.

You can also now make a simple, free call to Google's 411 service. With GOOG-411, you can find local business information completely free, directly from your phone--no matter where you are. You can access 1-800-466-4411 from any phone, anywhere, at anytime.

Google doesn't charge for connecting you to the business you're looking for. (Your telephone company may apply regular charges for making a phone call) Check out Google's GOOG-411 website to learn all about the voice-activated commands for their 411 services.

GOOG-411 can connect you with any business phone number. No residential numbers are available yet. Currently, GOOG-411 is available for US and Canadian business listings.

GOOG-411 can be used from any personal or work phone, whether it is a landline phone or mobile phone. (Calls from pay phones are currently not accommodated.)

Toll free providers like Tollfreenumber.Org also have toll free directories that anyone can access. Check out their website for more details.

If you have your own 1-800 number for your business or non-profit, make sure you take the time to list it in as many directories as possible so all interested customers and parties can reach you in the fastest and most convenient way.

Donate School Supplies at 1-800-3-STAPLES.

More than 11 million kids in the US live below the poverty line and don't have the basic supplies that they need to succeed. The charity Do Something and the retail giant Staples have teamed up to provide supplies to needy children. Information about the program is available at 1-800-STAPLES.

Led by teens nationwide, Do Something 101 is a campaign to collect new school supplies for kids in need. Donors can drop off new supplies at any Staples store through August 31st, and the items will be delivered to kids who need them. Staples customers can also get involved by adding extra school supplies to their shopping cart to drop in the collection bin or by donating $2 in any Staples store, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting local teens.

By advertising this program and providing information through its memorable toll free phone number, Stapes has developed a program that benefits each community where it has a store while simultaneously creating a great image for their company.

Using toll free phone numbers for both marketing and charitable works is becoming more common. With a good vanity phone number like 1-800-STAPLES, anyone who learns of the program and has questions will immediately know where to call for additional information.

It’s common knowledge that a good toll free phone number can enhance customer service and increase revenue. But companies like Staples prove that a memorable toll free number can also be used for altruistic programs that benefit entire communities.

Millions of businesses each year sign up through toll free providers like Tollfreenumber.ORG for their own 1-800 phone number. Toll free is affordable and easy to set up. It's been proven as one of the most effective marketing tools available.

Business Coaches Can Help Develop Your Marketing Plan.

Hiring a business coach to help a new or struggling business develop a keen and effective marketing strategy is a great way to propel any company into a huge success.

Business coaches can help you learn to expand your market reach, promote customer service, use 1-800 phone numbers and other telecommunications tools to bring in new business, create ads that catch potential customer’s eyes, draw traffic to your website, and much more.

For example, Steve Mitten’s coaching blog, www.acoach4u.com offers plenty of marketing strategies that can help any entrepreneur achieve the success they desire. Mitten is a Master Certified coach and mentor and writer who offers his clients a series of strategies to help their businesses thrive. Of course, Steve has his own toll free phone number, 877-212-1922.

Business coaches work either in person, by phone, or over the Internet. Find one that matches your personality and provides advice that meets your company’s needs. For instance, if your customer base is small and you rarely get inquiries from beyond a limited geographical area, your coach may help you to develop a comprehensive toll free phone system aimed at drawing national clientele in an inexpensive way. 1-800 numbers can be obtained at affordable rates through providers like Tollfreenumber.ORG and others.

Reaching a broad potential customer base is a must for every business whether you have a large-scale service industry or a small home-based retail company. Toll free phone systems are an affordable and convenient way to reach a new market and to retain your existing customers.

How Can Non-Profit Organizations Benefit From Toll Free Numbers?

Is it true that toll free numbers can help non-profit organizations? Will 800 numbers help non-profit organizations in increasing the flow of donations? Yes, it is true that toll free numbers can help non-profit organizations a great deal. Read on to see how non-profit organizations can benefit by using 800 numbers.

Non-profit organizations rely completely on the donations that they receive from their benefactors for their existence. However, it is not that easy to ensure a good flow of funds into the organization. On the one hand the prevailing tough economic times puts every one under financial stress so donations are difficult to come by and on the other hand even those affluent donors have started becoming skeptical about the intentions of non-profit organizations because of the prevailing scams. Though there have been mishaps in this area, there are a lot of genuine non-profit organizations that work for various social causes.

If you sign up for a toll free number you can reduce your expenses on fund raising advertisements a great deal and at the same time attract a good number of donors. It is not that there are no people with good will but some of them would like to make sure that the money that they donate is utilized for a genuine cause and it is not swindled by a scammer and this is a legitimate interest of the donor. By providing these donors with a toll free number to reach you they will be motivated to talk to you and find out more about you and your services. This will give you a chance to build trust. Many good projects get stalled for the want of funds and by using all the latest facilities that are available we can certainly make good things happen around us.

If you find a good toll free number phone service provider like www.tollfreenumber.org you will be able to great deals and toll free numbers won’t just be a dream anymore. Sometimes we may not be able feed our project with local funds so we may have to have a national drive or sometimes international fund raising programs and if you have a toll free number it will encourage more international donors to lend a helping hand for your program. They will be able to call easily because they don’t have to pay for an international call and they will come much closer to you and in fact they will just be a telephone call away.

Moreover you can also cut down costs on your regular phone bills and save that money for a better cause. Feel free to visit www.tollfreenumber.org to know more about the features and prices of your toll free number. The sign up process is very simple and it does not involve any complicated procedures that are required normally for signing up for your regular phone service. Go ahead and sign up for your toll free number at www.tollfreenumber.org and increase the number of donors who will support your programs.

Kall8 and Tollfreenumber.ORG

Getting a toll free phone number, with all the advanced features you need, is easy and affordable.

Toll free phone service providers such as Kall8 or Tollfreenumber.ORG can help you secure a perfect toll free number and the trained staff will advise which features and online tools can effectively manage and track your incoming calls.

Toll free service is affordable and effective—in fact, having a 1-800 number is a proven way to extend your market reach, generate new interest in your company, and improve your customer relations.

Kall8 is a Seattle-based toll free phone service and telecom design firm specializing in custom voice and data applications. Kall8 provides customer online control to direct response marketing analysis and many other options.

Tollfreenumber.ORG, located in California, offers affordable, basic plans plus all the state-of-the-art features any businessperson needs to help their company thrive.

Anyone who already has a toll free number but is unhappy with their service can transfer their number to either of the above-mentioned providers. Staff at Kall8 and Tollfreenumber.ORG will manage the transfer within just days without interruption in service.

The days of expensive toll free phone service used only by select corporations are over. Getting a toll free number these days is affordable—just pennies per incoming call and service with Kall8 and Tollfreenumber.ORG is fast—you can have a new toll free phone number within just a few days.

With toll free phone numbers, businesses offer round-the-clock access to all their customers, consumer satisfaction increases, creating return business and generating new clientele. Toll free phone service can be routed to any company representative, 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Business owners acquiring a 1-800 number from Tollfreenumber.ORG or Kall8 can have their customer inquiries routed to landlines, cell phones, voicemail, fax machines, and even to email.

Posting The Numerical Equivalent Of Your Vanity Number.

Vanity numbers—a word or phrase as a phone number—generate solid brand recognition and promise an easy-to-remember toll free number. A creative string of letters in place of a numerical sequence (called mnemonics) can be an invaluable asset for any business.

For those wondering if they should post the numerals along with the vanity number, that question is best answered on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, depending on your clientele and the specifics of the number, it is indeed best to put the numerical equivalent nearby in an ad or on a business card. In other cases, it just isn’t necessary.

There is an enormous business benefit to owning a vanity number—there is no doubt about that. However, if you have a number that is easily misdialed, it is sometimes a good idea to include the numerical equivalent. If your strongest competitor has a vanity number that is very similar to yours, just one or two digits different, consider including the numbers. It is also advised that if the majority of your potential customers are senior citizens or teens, including both options is likewise a good business practice.

Vanity numbers can lead to a much higher ad response rate and they create a stronger identity for any company. Word of mouth referrals increase dramatically—as much as 200%. For instance, 1-800-GOT-JUNK; 1-800-Call-DHL, and 1-877-My EXXON are prime examples of how a phone number can establish instant company recognition.

When looking for a vanity number, work with professionals at an established toll free service provider like Tollfreenumber.ORG to get the right number for your business. Once you find a number you like, activate it quickly before anyone else scoops it up, and then decide if it’s in your best interest to include the numerical phone number in advertisements and on your website.

In many cases, time will answer this question. If you have a series of misdialed calls and complaints about translating the number, then of course include the numerals. But if after using the vanity number for several months, there appears to be no problems, then use the vanity number alone. But either way, understanding the overwhelming benefits of a vanity number is a key to a successful business strategy.

Crime Stoppers Great Success With 1-800 numbers

There was a news report recently in a Washington D.C. paper stating that since the year 2000, anonymous tips to 1-800 numbers have resulted in more than a million arrests nationwide.

Federal, state, and city police agencies have been using 1-800 numbers for more than a decade. Anonymous Crime-Stoppers lines have been very effective and in recent years, small town police departments have picked up on this trend.

Law enforcement authorities have discovered that in small communities these phone lines are even more successful. Why? Small town gossip spreads fast. People know their neighbor’s business. But in small towns people are often more reluctant to openly squeal on other community members so these anonymous, toll free numbers have proven incredibly productive.

Some police agencies are even advertising 1-800 numbers for confidential informants to call to stop a crime before it happens. Knowledge that a relative or friend is planning an illegal activity can be quietly reported.

There are so many creative uses for 1-800 numbers. We tend to think of them as the premier business marketing tool—and they are. But there are so many other possibilities and advantages to toll free service. The expanding use by law enforcement to catch criminals and prevent crime is just another example. The popular television show America's Most Wanted advertises 1-800-CRIME-TV; that phone number has received tens of thousands of tips, leading to the arrest of hundreds of criminals.

Whether you want to promote a cause, help your community, or open the lines of communication for any purpose, a 1-800 number can help. But before signing on, carefully research toll free service carriers and make sure to work with one that offers a variety of features, low prices, and state-of-the-art fiber optic technology. Tolfreenumber.ORG is a prime example of a carrier that can offer you all these options.

Foreclosure Assistance Offered on 1-800 Hotlines

With the housing foreclosure rate higher than ever in the United States, some government officials are trying to help homeowners in trouble by providing assistance through 1-800 numbers. These hotlines offer free referrals and financial counseling for troubled homeowners.

For example, in order to address the foreclosure crisis, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has recently announced the creation of the Kentucky Homeownership Protection Center. This venture is aimed at helping Kentuckians in financial trouble become more proactive in keeping their homes. By working with the homeowners, the Governor hopes to prevent at least some of the potential foreclosures.

Every homeowner who contacts the Protection Center through the toll free phone number at 866-830-7868 will be referred to a counseling agency serving their area that will assist those homeowners in danger of defaulting on their mortgage loans.

The Protection Center is a joint effort of the Department of Financial Institutions, Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) and many other organizations across the state.

These types of 1-800 hotlines are being put in place all over the country by both public and private entities. Organizers work with homeowners on ways to keep them in their homes. Through a toll free phone call, trouble homeowners can contact resources nationwide about solutions to possible mortgage defaults.

Toll free phone numbers, provided in just days by carriers like Tollfreenumber.ORG or AT&T, help people reach resources for all types of different reasons. These days, with the housing crisis impacting millions of Americans, toll free is successfully connecting troubled homeowners with mortgage counselors who can help them keep their homes.

A Quick Look At The History of 800 Numbers

What we call today as toll free numbers or 800 numbers are used for generating business by companies all companies including small, medium and large companies alike and they are also used to provide presales and post-sales customer support for various products and services across the globe. Toll free numbers have introduced a new face to the customer relationship management and today it is used as an icon for building customer trust because it serves as a free means for the customers to communicate with the companies from which they have hired a service or purchased a product.

Today, even an organization that is operated by a single individual has an 800 number and this was not the case when the 800 numbers were introduced in 1967 by AT & T network so as to reduce the need for a large number of human operators needed to process the increasing number of collect calls from the customers to service providers. The concept of collect calls served as the basis for today’s toll free numbers. When it is a collect call each call involved an operator who had to confirm the collect call with the recipient of the collect call.

The original form of toll free phone service was called Inward Wide Area Telephone Service or INWATS and interestingly it was not software giant or other fortune 500 companies that tried this to new system. This service was first used by the Sheraton Hotel Chain and the first INWATS facility was installed in 1970.

Today’s modern version of the toll free numbers was called the Data Base Communication Processing Method by its inventor Roy Weber. Contrary to what we would presume, this did not catch on like wildfire it was very slow to get into the market and it took some time for people to understand and appreciate the importance and the potential of this new technology.

Until 1984 AT & T owned all 800 numbers and the situation changed in 1991 with the initiative of FCC to bring diversity and competition in this area. It was possible for people to move from one carrier to the other without having to change their original numbers. Many telephone network carriers started offering the 800 numbers as well, giving a number of options for the subscribers to choose from. The latest trend in the toll free numbers is called vanity numbers. Vanity numbers have alpha-numeric characters; if you used a vanity number then you can spell out your business name as part of your contact number such as 1-800-TOLLFREE.

Today there are number of toll free phone service providers and when you select your toll free phone service provider you must make sure that your service provider is capable of both controlling and assigning toll free numbers. Today with toll free numbers you can get a lot of other value add features such as caller ID unblock, caller ID with name, 3-way calling etc., so you must find a service provider who is capable of providing you with all the latest features possible like Tollfreenumber.org. Check out www.tollfreenumber.org for their exciting features.

Make-A-Wish Foundation; Volunteer at 800-722-WISH.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation (1-800-722-WISH) has helped children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work since 1980. In fact, this renowned charity has granted nearly 168,000 wishes.

The Foundation has changed the lives of the children, their families, and even the donors, sponsors and entire communities who have pitched in to send a sick child to Disney, on a cruise, to camp, for lessons or for whatever their specific wish may be.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 after a little boy named Chris Greicius realized his heartfelt wish to become a police officer. Although it has become one of the world's most well-known charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has maintained its grassroots. It relies on donations and volunteers to continue to grant children wishes. To learn about the organization, read about recent wishes, or to donate go to www.wish.org.

Or, you can make a toll free phone call to 1-800-722-WISH to learn about the organization or to nominate child for a wish.

A network of more than 25,000 volunteers work with Make-A-Wish Foundation to help children with life-threatening medical conditions. These volunteers have signed up by calling the toll free phone number and learning how to serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants and in numerous other capacities.

If you would like to volunteer, call 1-800-722-WISH today.

Advertising Nationally.

There are many businesses choked by a limited customer base because they post a standard phone number and expect potential customers to call long distance for a product or service. There is another alternative used by millions of successful companies.

Toll free phone service can open up their potential market as much as 1400%, maybe more. All they have to do is opt into one of the most reliable and affordable marketing tools available---a 1-800 number.

By simply placing ads with a toll free number in publications throughout the country and on websites, a small company can instantly attain national appeal, reaching millions of potential customers. This has worked for major companies--that started out very small--like 1-800-FLOWERS, AMAZON, DHL and hundreds of others.

Consider this: an ad in a distant market that includes a standard phone number could instantly lose the interest of 7 out of 10 potential customers. But an ad placed in a distant market that has a 1-800 number could increase interest up to 1400%. The difference is staggering, isn’t it?

Toll free service has become a staple for businesses, organizations, and not-for-profits. According to reports, 98% of Americans use toll free numbers regularly. Responses to ads can increase as much as 600 % if the advertisement includes a 1-800 number.

Toll free numbers are economical, convenient, and very effective in helping small and mid-sized businesses grow. And what if this growth necessitates relocating to a new space, expanding to other locales? There is no problem—your toll free number can go with you.

Quality, rates, and service plans can differ greatly between carriers so when looking into obtaining a 1-800 number, make sure that you find a service provider that uses fiber optic technology, offers affordable rates without a lot of hidden fees, and provides a variety of features so you can amend your plan if your needs change.

Staying Connected With Investors

This time of year, late summer, corporations regularly begin announcing their 2nd quarter financial results. And this year, many large U.S. companies are opening the lines of communication by using 1-800 phone numbers to announce the results to investors and to the public.

Companies like Gymboree Corp, WalMart, and JBT Corp are enjoying financial gains in the 2008 second quarter. To provide timely and specific results to their investors they have set up 1-800 numbers. At a pre-set date and time, any investor can call in for a massive conference call to hear all about the financial gains.

For example, JBT held a toll free conference call at 9 a.m. on August 12 to discuss the second quarter results and the business outlook. A replay of the call remains available through August 19, 2008 at 800- 642-1687.

These companies and others now routinely have taped explanations of their detailed financial situation available at their 1-800 numbers.

This type of open communication with customers and investors can be easily accomplished using comprehensive toll free phone service that allows incoming calls from all over the nation to be routed wherever the CEO wants them forwarded. And interested parties, with a free phone call, can learn everything they need about the the corporation's outlook.

This is just another example of how 1-800 numbers have made communication in the business world more convenient. Toll free phone numbers have become a staple for businesses, small and large. Consumers, clients and investors have begun to expect the availability of a toll free phone call when dealing with most companies. By providing access to all financial information through a toll free phone number, corporations are finding a new way to meet their customer's and investor's expectations and needs.

Toll Free Numbers .Organization - Blog: 1-800 Numbers and the Real Estate Market

Toll Free Numbers .Organization - Blog: 1-800 Numbers and the Real Estate Market

Real Estate Investor Training by Dennis J. Henson: Real Estate Investing—12 Reasons to Use an 800 Number

Real Estate Investor Training by Dennis J. Henson: Real Estate Investing—12 Reasons to Use an 800 Number

1-866 Numbers.

With 800 numbers, the first and most popular toll free area code, becoming more and more difficult to obtain, the toll free 866 numbers are now rising in popularity and fast becoming one of the most requested toll free numbers-- especially in the business world.

866 numbers are the newest toll free numbers, released by the Federal Communications Commission in 2000. Once consumers began to recognize the 866 pre-fix as toll free, the value of 866 soared. Recent studies indicate that the majority of American consumers recognize 866 as a toll free number.

Today, the 866 numbers are more popular then ever before, increasing in demand every day. Companies such as Exxon Mobil have chosen 866 numbers (1-866-MY-MOBIL)

With popularity of toll free service soaring, the supply of 866 numbers is steadily decreasing—just like the 800, 888, and 877 numbers. A nationwide demand for toll free service has caused supplies of all the available toll free phone numbers to drop.

For a little background on the 866 numbers, let’s start at the beginning: AT&T introduced Toll Free 800 numbers in 1967. Two decades later, when most of the 7 million possible numbers were taken, the 888 pre-fix was introduced. It took just two years for that supply to run dry. With the popularity of toll free service soaring and supplies dropping, the FCC then launched 877 in 1998 followed soon after by 866.

The FCC has reserved 855 numbers for future use. Until then, with supplies low, it is a good idea to get an 866 toll free number now. Even if your business isn’t quite ready to open yet, secure your number quickly. Until you start advertising the number, the cost will be minimal—you only pay for incoming calls.
Companies like Tollfreenumber.ORG can quickly assign you an 866 while there are still choice numbers left to pick from.

Increase Sales With A 1-800 Number.

Sales is a competitive, high-energy, 24-hour-per-day job. To close a deal, sales professionals must have a substantial competitive edge, the highest quality product, the best image, and the most effective marketing tools.

These days, it is no secret that salespeople without a 1-800 number are at a distinct disadvantage. Having a toll free number that can be forwarded to any landline, cell phone, or fax is essential to making sales. Customers must be able to reach a sales person at any time of day, no matter where they happen to be.

Successful sales professionals must be available around the clock, ready to pick up the call whenever the customer decides to reach out. Missed calls means lost commissions.

With a 1-800 number from a comprehensive and reliable carrier like Tollfreenumber.ORG, calls can be routed to salespeople on the road. Features offered through Tollfreenumber.ORG will meet the needs of any type of sales professional.

Toll free calls attract new customers nationwide. By using a 1-800 in advertisements, on websites and on packaging, sales people can expect an instantaneous jump in the number of potential customers. Word of mouth referrals can increase as much as 200%. Toll free numbers generally enhance customer satisfaction and that means more revenue streaming in.

When choosing toll free service, subscribers can select from a menu of services that suit their needs and their budget. Once a number is assigned, it can stay with the owner permanently. (Make sure you sign up for ownership of your number—leasing can be risky.)

If a company grows--changing or adding locations--their toll free numbers remain, safeguarding the connection to all their customers. And if a sales professional works as an independent contractor, the number goes with them to all their jobs and assignments.

Simply put, toll free numbers are a necessity these days for any sales professional and it is an easy, reliable, and affordable option.

Toll Free Number - Is It Expense or An Investment?

There is no service or product that will not require its customers to get in touch with the company at some point or the other. Customers have to get in touch with the service provider either to rectify a problem with the product they bought or to register for a new service or to renew their billing etc. So it is important for each company to provide a reliable and inexpensive or free way of reaching you. Providing your customers with a toll free number will be one of the best customer management solutions. All the customers prefer to deal with companies that have a local contact number for obvious reasons. Primarily a local number helps them build trust in you; secondly they do not have to make expensive long distance calls when there should be a need. It is all the more better, if you provide them with a Toll Free number to reach them.

So spending money on setting up a reliable Toll Free number for your business is certainly not to be considered an expense but it is an investment that will take you a long way in keeping your customers happy. When you want to have Toll Free, 800 numbers for your business you must find reliable phone service providers because you cannot win your customers by providing a toll free number that has poor telephone quality. So find a reliable company such as TollFreeNumber.org that has been in business since 1999. They have great experience in providing Toll Free telephone solutions to big, medium and small companies. They offer cost effective phone services for over 100,000 customers in all 50 states.

Furthermore, when you want to signup for toll free number to help your customers reach freely and quickly; you are becoming a customer of the company from which you are getting this service. So you must find a company that has good customer support so that you will not end up being a frustrated customer yourself. They should be accessible easily and should be friendly and helpful. Above all they should know how to listen to your problems before they try to rush into pre-made or template based responses. One of the ways of identifying a good company is its long standing experience and reputation in the industry. The number of customers it has also a lot to tell about their services. If they have a large customer base then it is more likely that their services are good because people will stick to a company services only when it is good. Today, customers have hundreds of other options to easily switch to, so the customer base will be stable only when the company maintains high standards in its services.

By providing the right blend of high quality service and easy and reliable communication means to customers will help you keep your customers happy and happy customers will stay with you. Get your toll free number today from ‘TollFree Number.org’ and take advantage of their experience in this field. Their friendly research agents will help you find a catchy number that you can use for your business.

Starting A New Business? Get Your 1-800 Number in Advance.

You know you want a toll free number, but your business isn’t quite ready to be launched. Do you wait rather than pay for a number that isn’t being used yet? Or do you get the number activated in advance of opening your company’s doors?

Most experts would advise you to get the number sooner rather than later. There are many reasons why waiting is a bad choice.

It really won’t cost you much to get the number in advance…remember, under many service agreements, you only pay for the calls you receive. So, just because the number is active doesn’t mean you have to advertise it, or use it, immediately. Get the number, then when you are ready to open your business, place ads, launch the website, and mail brochures advertising your number.

What if the phone rings before you have officially kicked off the business? You suspect it is likely a wrong number and you don’t want to pay for the call. Simple. Don’t answer the phone and you wont pay for the call.

The supply of available 1-800 numbers is dwindling. Waiting is a mistake. If you want to secure a good, effective number that helps promote your business, the time to start researching available numbers is now.

Work with an established carrier like Tollfreenumber.ORG, find a number that meets your needs, and secure it. Activate it but don’t advertise it until you are ready. With a company like Tollfreenumber.ORG, there are no hefty monthly fees so you just pay for the calls you receive.

Toll free phone service is skyrocketing in popularity. More than two-thirds of the available numbers are taken and the percentage of “retired” numbers, (returned to the database for someone else to use) it very low. If you know you want a 1-800 number for your business, make it a priority to get one well before you are ready to open for business. Then prepare your stationary, ads, website and business cards. Release the information when you are ready and the phone will start ringing.
And if there is a time when, for one reason or another, you are taking time off from the business for an extended period, don’t give up your favored number. Hang onto it for future use. If you intend to re-open your business at a later date, you will have the same phone number.

So, when making your ‘To-Do’ list for your new company, put “Get 1-800 Number” at the top and have your number secured well in advance of your Grand Opening day.

Common Toll Free Mistakes

1-800 numbers have become a staple for any type of successful business because toll free service has so many advantages.

But remember, this esteemed marketing tool is most effective if you sign on for service specific to your needs and if you work with a professional carrier who is looking out for your company’s best interests.

An inferior toll free carrier and shoddy phone service can do more harm than good. Avoid these mistakes when securing a tool free number:

Leasing A Shared Use Number: Under lease agreements you relinquish control of your number. Ownership is a much better option because you hold onto the number for as long as you want to.

Signing on for VoIP: If your callers experience echoes and outages, you will end up losing revenue. VoIP is generally considered less reliable than fiber optics. For clearer connections and far less risk of dropped calls, make sure to sign on with a company that uses state-of-the-art fiber optic technology.

Long-Term Contracts: Signing a long-term contract with a carrier could prevent you from switching providers if you end up dissatisfied with the service or fees. Toll free numbers have been portable since 1991—this means you have the ability to switch carriers and “port” your number, in other words take it with you. Be careful when signing a contract. Don’t get locked in for a long period of time.


Renting an Automated System (IVR): Think carefully before getting the type of automated system that may turn off your potential customers. These systems can be effective for some types of businesses: but they can be a detriment for many others. Consider whether an automated system matches your company’s image. If you do decide to go with an IVR system, buying one instead of renting one typically makes more financial sense.

Research Carriers: Don’t sign on to the first provider you consider. Work with a company that has a variety of plans and features, flexibility of services, low prices, and uses fiber optics. Be selective when choosing a toll free service provider—it could save you money in the end. Check out Tollfreenumber.ORG for information on quality toll free phone service.

Statistics on 1-800 Numbers.

You have probably noticed that most of the Fortune 500 companies use toll free phone numbers. Millions of people are subscribing for a new 1-800 number every year. Even the U.S. Federal Communications Commission states that 1-800 numbers are successful, steadily growing in popularity, and a proven marketing tool for any sized company.

To quantify these advantages a little, let's take a look at some statistics on using toll free phone service:

• Recent polls indicate that 9 out of 10 U.S. adults say they use toll free numbers.

• Businesses with a 1-800 number in their advertisements can see telephone orders increase from 30%-60%.

• Product returns can decrease by 50% for companies with a toll free number.

• With toll free numbers, word of mouth referrals skyrocket as much as 200%.

• Advertising a 1-800 number out of your area can increase distant sales as much as 1400%.

• A business with an effective 1-800 number can see revenue increases as much as 600%.

The benefits of using a toll free number are staggering when you consider these statistics.

And while mulling over those, also consider this statistic: if you sign on with Tollfreenumber.ORG, your rates can be 40% lower than some of the large “Brand Name” phone companies. This reliable carrier offers affordable rates and offers quality service and a variety of features that could create statistics for your company just like those listed above.

Still not sure? Check out the testimonial from Morganstanley.com on the Tollfreenumber.ORG website.

Transferring Your Number To A New Carrier

You have a toll free number. But you aren’t happy with the carrier you signed up with. Keep in mind, you can switch providers and keep the same phone number without any inconvenience and without any downtime.

Some toll free number subscribers unnecessarily tolerate static calls and dropped service. Transferring your toll free number to a new carrier is actually very simple. With a superior carrier, you can have better sound quality, lower prices, and a variety of plans with a variety of features to fit your individual needs.

In 1991, the Federal Communications Commission enacted a regulation that made 1-800 numbers ‘portable’—this simply means the number can be moved from carrier to carrier. (This is referred to as “porting” the number.) The idea was that subscribers should never have to worry about losing control of their preferred phone number if they switch carriers and they should never be locked into inferior service.

Any business owner who changes their phone number risks losing customers. And any business owner who accepts static and dropped calls can suffer a loss of revenue. In this precarious economy, every aspect of customer service is vital to the survival of a company.

But before transferring your 1-800 number, do your research. A service provider like Tollfreenumber.ORG will arrange a smooth transfer within about ten days. Their professionals coordinate the entire switch over—you won’t lose any phone service and they handle it all for you. (read MorganStanley.com’s praise for this carrier on the Tollfreenumber.ORG website.)

Variations in quality, rates, and service differ between carriers. When considering transferring your toll free number, make sure to find a service provider with fiber optic technology, low rates, and a variety of features. Also, make sure they offer you the option of owning your phone number. Ownership has many advantages and is another way to ensure that you will keep your number for as long as you want it.

If you are suffering through shoddy service, then seriously consider switching service providers today. Why risk losing business by losing control of your phone number?

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.

Your Company's Image

They say image is everything, right? For any business, image can make or break a company.

Consumer expectations are higher than ever before. People are busy 24/7 with their jobs and their families. First impressions are crucial. The image of your business means the difference between a customer contacting you, or looking elsewhere for products or services. Established companies have one thing in common--they have an appealing image. Owners of successful businesses have had years to perfect their reputation. They use effective marketing strategies to create the ideal image to draw new clientele and to hold onto their existing customers.

A simple way to instantly boost the image of your business is to use a 1-800 number on all advertisements, stationary, websites, brochures, and business cards. Offering a free phone call to your customers creates the perception of an established legitimate business with a national customer base.

A permanently assigned toll free number from a carrier like Tollfreenumber.Org provides stability and secures brand recognition. A customer can always reach the business no matter how many changes the company goes through. Customers will continuously relate the phone number with the product.

Just make sure you use a toll free carrier that can offer you full ownership of your phone number. Renting or leasing a number can be risky if you want your number will stay with you indefinitely.

A toll free number lends credibility to any business, enhances customer service, and increases customer confidence. By using a toll free number, and perhaps obtaining a catchy vanity number, businesses are adding an additional marketing tool to create an image that will attract new and repeat business.