1-800 Number Supplies Remain Low.

There has been a lot of discussion about concerns that the supply of available 1-800 numbers is nearly exhausted. Indeed, there have not been any new toll free numbers introduced in the past eight years. And it is estimated that each day more than 8,000 numbers are assigned to a new toll free subscriber.

With demand high, supplies low, and the new toll free phone numbers remaining in reserve, telecommunications leaders are worried that this will create a real economic problem for United States businesses-especially for new companies.

Toll free numbers enable callers to reach businesses, organizations, and non-profits without having to pay for the call. This marketing tool has been so successful that the available 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are decreasing while demand is growing at unprecedented rates. In fact, Tollfreenumber.ORG, one of the leading toll free service providers, reports that 2007 was one of the busiest years ever for new toll free service. And so far in 2008, the valuable 1-800 numbers are even more in demand.

The popularity of the 1-800 number, launched in 1967, led the Federal Communications Commission to add the new pre-fixes 888 and 877 in the mid-1990s. When availability of those numbers plummeted, 866 was added in 2000 to overcome the shortage.

It appears there are no immediate plans by the FCC to release the reserved 855, 844, 833, and 822 pre-fixes. Still, the government agency acknowledges on its website how toll free phone service has increased drastically in recent years. According to the FCC website, toll free numbers are becoming increasingly popular for business and personal use.

The best way to obtain a toll free number before the supply runs dry is to contact a reliable toll free service provider that has access to a large pool of available numbers. Tollfreenumber.ORG can assist subscribers in finding a quality toll free number at a very low cost. Tollfreenumber.ORG can get their clients the newly released phone numbers as soon as they become available.

Round-The-Clock Communication With 1-800 Numbers.

It’s 10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. A New York customer is calling your West Coast office. But it’s 7 a.m.—you are still at home having your first cup of coffee while your office phone rings and rings. Two hours later when you get to work and return the message, the customer has already moved on and is dealing with your competitor.

Round-the clock access is vital to many companies, especially during the current economic recession. We all know times are hard. Customers are shopping less, spending less. When they do reach out, you need to be there.

When a client or customer calls outside the typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday or from a different time zone, having your toll free phone calls forwarded to your home or cell phone—or to an assistant who can help them—is one of the surest ways to keep business flowing during these weak economic times.

With toll free phone numbers from Tollfreenumber.ORG, businesses are offering round-the-clock access and giving customers immediate replies. Customer satisfaction increases, creating return business and generating new clientele.

With toll free phone service that can be routed to any company representative, customers can reach a business 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Business owners acquiring a 1-800 number from Tollfreenumber.ORG can have their customer inquiries routed to landlines, cell phones, voicemail, fax machines, and even to email.

Toll free phone numbers give companies the advantage of communicating with potential customers 24 hours a day. In a soft economy, this can keep a vulnerable business afloat.

In the past, toll free numbers were only available through select phone companies at a very high cost that precluded many small business owners from participating. Now, companies like Tollfreenumber.ORG offer affordable toll free service using advanced fiber optic technology that ensures clear long distance connections.

Try These Toll Free Features.

When signing up for a 1-800 phone number, you will have the opportunity to choose from a menu of plans and features. Some will meet your particular needs, others may not.

Take a look at the following options offered by Tollfreenumber.ORG. These features are extremely useful as a way to stay in touch with customers and to develop your future sales strategies:

Cellular Toll Free Phone Service: Calls to your toll free number ring on your cell phone so you never miss a call even when you are away from the office. Stay connected 24/7 with Cellular Toll Free offered by Tollfreenumber.ORG.

Pay-Per-Minute Charges/No Monthly Fees: For small businesses and new companies, the option for a basic plan with no monthly fees and low per-minute fees can be the most affordable and effective phone service available.

Optional Answering Service: Voicemail, live call answering, and complete virtual offices can enhance your business communications. Make sure to choose a carrier that offers these as an option—already signed up with one that doesn’t? Switch over to Tollfreenumber.ORG—they will handle the transfer without any downtime and you can keep your toll free phone number.

Call Capture: With Real-time Automatic Number Identification you can see where every call originated from—even if the calls came from a blocked number. Any business owner can track leads and perfect marketing plans using this tracking system. (With Tollfreenumber.ORG this terrific feature comes standard with all accounts.)

International Call Options: Don’t let a trip or a relocation out of the U.S. ruin your business. Keep your American customers by looking into international toll free service. This feature is not available through all carriers however. Tollfreenumber.ORG can set you up with convenient international service.

There are many options to consider when using toll free phone service. The five above-mentioned are definitely worth looking into.

Start-Ups Have Huge Advantage With Toll Free Numbers.

Of all the many types of businesses that benefit from advertising toll free phone numbers, start-up companies just may have the biggest advantage. The rewards to a new company from using a 1-800 number are countless…toll free numbers can help them leap from an unknown new business to a successful company with a highly regarded reputation.

It can take new businesses several years to create an established professional image. Customers are sometimes wary of new ventures and may lean toward recognizable companies. But start-up entrepreneurs now have an opportunity to win customer confidence literally overnight.

The day they start offering potential customers a 1-800 number, they reap the benefits of this proven marketing tool.

By offering a toll free phone number from Tollfreenumber.ORG, any business can portray a polished, established image that new customers will respond to. Toll free numbers extend market reach and draw national clientele. In fact, the average business could see a 600% increase in response to ads that include a toll free vanity number.

Low-cost and reliable service from Tollfreenumber.ORG is perfect for the start-up business trying to get off the ground. There are no monthly fees, so owners pay as the business grows. The service allows calls to be routed to any phone or fax, offers caller ID, eFax, and voicemail options. And when the start-up company needs to expand or open new offices or stores, the 1-800 phone number never has to change.

Taking months or years to establish a business is costly and unnecessary. A 1-800 number can help the owners of start-ups to launch their company and enjoy an instant connection to a national pool of customers.

1-800 Hotlines.

Millions of toll free hotlines are available to help people in distress, victims of natural disasters, or just for those seeking information or looking to report a problem.

Toll free 1-800 numbers became popular nearly 20 years ago. At first, a few, select, hotlines were set up by the federal government, drug prevention groups, and for health related concerns. Now, there are millions of 24-hour hotlines worldwide offering assistance for people in almost any circumstance, dealing with myriad issues.

888-711-TEEN, 888-4-ALANON, 1-800-RUNAWAY, and 1-800-CDC-INFO are just a few examples of hotlines that help Americans every single day.

Hotlines help substance abusers, victims of domestic abuse, veterans, runaways, the homeless, those looking for jobs and even credit and loans. The topics are endless. Crisis prevention agencies and advocacy groups almost without fail now have a 1-800 number. People in need or people with questions can contact informational resources and get support with a free phone call.

Every one of the 50 States have 1-800 hotline phone numbers advertised for citizens to report crisis situations, health concerns, child neglect, environmental problems, and to request constituent assistance. Nationwide, smaller government agencies--counties, towns, and villages—are likewise beginning to offer their residents 1-800 numbers to report concerns and to ask questions.

With toll free phone service so popular these days with businesses, it is clear that these valuable phone numbers are also used by millions of organizations for a variety of human services and crisis management issues.

1-800 numbers are so affordable that even cash-strapped charities and government agencies on a tight budget can continue to offer this service. With phone numbers obtained through providers such as Tollfreenumber.ORG, the cost per minute for calls is just pennies and options are offered to make sure that every call to a hotline reaches an operator or advocate who can provide assistance.

1-800 Numbers Bring People Together.

One of the best assets of 1-800 phone numbers is that they bring together people who have similar interests and hobbies. Check toll free directories and you can find companies, websites, business people, and associations that match your needs or interests, no matter how unique or rare.

For example, check any listing of toll free phone numbers and you will find hundreds of numbers that will interest pet lovers—suppliers for particular breeds, kennels, dog breeders, associations about a specific type of cat or dog. Someone in Maryland looking for a specific breed of purebred puppy can reach breeders throughout the nation just by calling a toll free number.

Supplies, toys, food, even pet clothing for specific breeds may not be readily available at the typical pet store. But a quick check of the 1-800 directory will offer many options for suppliers nationwide who may carry the exact brand a pet owner is seeking.

Book lovers can connect with small bookstores throughout the country that carry older titles, early editions or collectible books. Finding a out-of-print novel that you loved as a child may be difficult at the large book store chains. But by contacting specialized book dealers on the toll free directory, you may find what you are looking for.

Have a basement filled with antiques or collectibles? Toll free numbers help you connect with appraisers and collectors who can give you an estimate of their worth.

If you have a business that offers specialty items or have a hobby that may be of interest to others throughout the nation, a 1-800 number can connect you to others with the same interests. To communicate with your peers, get a 1-800 number from a service provider like Tollfreenumber.ORG. With no monthly fees and low per-call charges, anyone can afford a toll free number. You will only pay for calls you receive. Post your number on websites, or chat rooms about your hobby, or in advertisements. Meet others with your shared interests without every having to leave home!

1-800 Tech Support? A Given.

With technology expanding every year and electronics part of our daily life, tech support for all our electronic gadgets is becoming a necessity of life.

You’ll notice that virtually every electronic company, computer company etc. have 1-800 numbers for tech support for their customers. Indeed, customers have come to expect that they will be offered a free phone call when they need assistance setting up their new toy or gadget or if they need guidance to fix a problem.

These days, it’s hard to imagine a company not offering toll free phone numbers for tech support and other assistance. 1-800 numbers are not only used for sales and to attract new business, they are necessary for every aspect of customer service.

With a 1-800 number, the price of a lengthy phone call about setting up a new computer or television never shows up on the customer’s bill. The company with the 1-800 number assumes all the phone charges. This is just another level of customer service expected by millions of U.S. consumers.

Even small electronic stores and technical support consultants need a 1-800 number from Tollfreenumber.ORG to help their customers. They may not be the colossal company that produced the product, but they are still in the business of helping consumers use them and fix them. By including a toll free number in their ads, they can compete with the larger electronic corporations.

The effectiveness, and universal use, of 1-800 numbers has created an expectation in most consumers that if they need assistance with a product, billing, or just simply have questions about the company, they will call a toll free number. It is expected. Businesses without one will be seen as inferior or less credible.

Curing The Headache of Inferior Phone Service.

Got a headache over pricey long distance charges, gaps in phone service, and missed phone calls? There is a cure for the headache of poor phone service—a 1-800 number from a carrier like Tollfreenumber.ORG. With toll free service, you can have calls routed to wherever you are, you can sign on for a variety of features and you can choose from affordable plans.

Securing a toll free phone number for your business will quickly alleviate the hassles of poor standard phone service. 1-800 numbers are very affordable, and service providers like Tollfreenumber.ORG offer options that keep you in constant contact with all your customers and clients.

With toll free service, you have the ability to transfer your service to another carrier in a simple and affordable way that won’t result in any downtime. (To protect owners of 1-800 numbers, the Federal Communications Commission enacted regulations that make them portable—you have the ability to “port” your existing number to another carrier and to another location.

Calls to your toll free number can be forwarded to any landline or cell phone and faxes can even be sent to email so you never miss a call or an important communication.

If you sign up for full ownership of your number you will be able to retain your preferred number indefinitely. Be careful with shared leases--you may end up losing your number if you decide to switch carriers or if you relocate. Ownership is the safer option.

Fiber optic technology provides clear connections without static and gaps in service or dropped calls. This is a reliable technology that will keep you from losing customers who have problems keeping in touch with you because of poor quality communications.

There is no need to suffer through the hassles of poor phone service—obtain your own 1-800 phone number from Tollfreenumber.ORG and cure the headache of inferior telecommunications.

Return On Investment With Toll Free Phone Service.

Question: What is the #1 way small companies are seeing instant results and getting high returns on their marketing investment?

Answer: By offering their customers toll free phone numbers from Tollfreenumber.ORG.

For your best return on a marketing investment, nothing is better than using a toll free phone number.

Every business is only as successful as its marketing plan. Without strategic marketing, even the best company will struggle. By eliminating the cost of the phone call, businesses draw new customers, especially during these times of economic instability.

Once a company obtains a 1-800 number, it instantly creates an image of an established entity and extends market reach far beyond its immediate geographical location. Easy access through a free phone call also enhances customer service.

A comprehensive marketing plan has many components. But the most cost effective element is by providing customers with toll free calls for sales, service and support. With a service plan from Tollfreenumber.ORG, customers are never charged for a call to the business.

Toll free numbers had historically been too costly for smaller businesses and distributors to utilize. But now, Tollfreenumber.ORG provides an affordable option for anyone looking to promote and expand any type of business.

Business owners acquiring an 1-800 number from Tollfreenumber.ORG can have their customer inquiries routed to their cell or home phones, giving them the advantage of communication with potential customers 24 hours a day. Caller ID, fax, voicemail and vanity numbers are also available.

Reports indicate that response to 1-800 numbers in ads can jump as much as 600%. Now, that's a good return on your investment.

Why Are Disconnected Numbers Hard To Get?

Every so often, there seems to be a slight surge in the amount of 1-800 numbers retired back to the main database for others to use. But they don’t last long. Toll free numbers are so popular and in such demand that once a number is retired, it is instantly in intense competitive demand.

Historically, the percentage of retired good 1-800 numbers has been very low. There are several reasons for this—foremost, toll free numbers are an effective way to bring customers to a business and supporters to a cause. Owners of toll free numbers are generally very pleased with the effect the number has so they rarely give them up. When they do, the numbers are scooped up pretty quickly.

And owners of 1-800 numbers tend to hang on to a good number even if they take a break from their business or organization. It costs so little to have a toll free number (if acquired through affordable and reliable carriers like Tollfreenumber.ORG) that subscribers keep the numbers for future use. When only paying for incoming calls, having a number that is temporarily not in use costs very little. Why give it up if you might need it at a later date?

When a 1-800 number is disconnected, it remains dormant for several months and then is returned to the database of numbers maintained by the 800 Service Management System (SMS/800). Once it is re-activated, especially if it is a desirable number, competition is fierce and it is quickly taken by a new subscriber.

The limited availability of new 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers and the limited turnover of used numbers have created an intense and competitive demand for the remaining toll free numbers. There are new numbers held in reserve-the 855 numbers-but it is anybody’s guess when they will be released by the FCC. So, until new stock is introduced, existing unused numbers and retired numbers remain a very hot commodity.

New Technology Enhances Phone Services.

Emerging technology over the past decade has vastly improved all types of phone service and communications. When using a 1-800 number to enhance the marketing of your business, there are several technologies that are indispensable.

The trick is to make sure that you are dealing with a service provider that keeps up with expanding technologies and offers you all the state-of-the-art advances. Tollfreenumber.ORG offers its customers each of the following options.

Fiber optics. Fiber optics used for telecommunications is considered far more reliable than VoIP because it allows for longer intervals of signal transmission without interruptions. With this technology, lost connections and static from electromagnetic interference are eliminated and calls are consistently clearer. Some companies such as Tollfreenumber.ORG use exclusively fiber optic technology. Other toll free number service providers still use the less reliable VoIP.

Call-Capture. For every type of business, the Call-Capture feature is an essential marketing tool that can be used in a variety of ways. Using Real-Time Automatic Number Identification (ANI) every single call to your 1-800 number can be identified. This technology provides the caller’s ten-digit phone number, even if the call came from a blocked number. With this tracking feature these blocked calls can be unblocked and made available to you. With every call to your number accounted for, you can track new leads, contact people directly as a follow up strategy, and you can develop sales plans based on where calls are coming from. (This comes standard with all Tollfreenumber.ORG services.)

International Toll Free Service. International toll free service allows U.S. clients to place toll free calls even if the business owner or sales representative is traveling, or living, outside the United States. If a business is set up outside of the U.S. borders, the owner can set up a special international toll free number to attract new American customers and to retain relationships with their existing U.S. customers. With specialized international service, you won’t lose any business. An increasing number of American companies are setting up shop in other countries so international service is vital.

Cellular Toll Free. Cellular toll free service is perfect for the type of businessperson who is frequently away from their desks. Cell phones are within reach no matter where you are. Having toll free calls routed directly to your cell is one of the best ways to make sure you never miss a call. This option has countless advantages for salespeople, realtors, and professionals with businesses in different locales.

Make sure that your carrier offers the most updated technological advances available for your toll free phone service.

822 Numbers.

When the FCC releases new area codes to address the dwindling supplies of 800, 888, 877 and 866 numbers. the new area codes will be easily recognizable as toll free because they will continue down the “8’s” as in 855, 844, 833, and 822.

As soon as the 866 area code begins to see signs of strain, the FCC will launch additional toll free numbers-and eventually the 822 numbers. When these numbers are released they will instantly become a hot commodity. Once they are released, they will be available at http://www.822-numbers.com.

Don’t be fooled by companies promising to reserve you an 822 number now—they cant guarantee you a specific number yet. But once the 822 numbers come into play, anyone can submit a reservation to the above-mentioned website.

Each area code has 7.7 million potential phone number combinations. There is the perfect 822 phone number for any business, campaign, cause or personal use. A business with a good vanity number can see drastic increases in customer calls and revenue. Catchy vanity numbers that establish brand recognition can increase response to an ad by 600 percent and can increase word of mouth referrals by 200 percent.

Once the 855, 844, 833 and 822 phone numbers are released the race will be on to obtain the best numbers. Go to Tollfreenumber.Org today and learn how you can be prepared in advance to get great new toll free phone numbers.

Self-Employed and a One-Person Operation? Why You Must Get A 1-800 Number To Stay Competitive.

If you have a one-man show, your own company that you run yourself, a 1-800 phone number is a necessity that will keep your business going and will help you to stay competitive.

With one-person operations, toll free numbers are especially important. A 1-800 number allows you to reach a bigger market and will give you an image of a larger company which will help your potential customers feel a bit more confident when dealing with your business. Standard phone numbers tied to a geographical region limit the pool of customers or clients. A 1-800 number broadens that reach and can attract interest from all over the country.

Ads can be expensive—to be cost effective they need to pack as much punch as possible. With a 1-800 number, and especially a vanity number, included in an ad your response will be much higher than if you only include a local number.

When you run your own business with no additional employees, having access to every phone call, every inquiry, lands on your shoulders. You need to be certain that you are available for every call.

With a toll free phone number from Tollfreenumber.ORG, calls to your 1-800 number can be forwarded to your home phone, your cell phone or to your office. Voicemail options help you receive messages when you are unable to answer the call. Auto attendants and other options keep you connected. This round-the-clock access to customers and clients can keep a small one-person business afloat and help it to compete with the larger companies offering similar services or products.

And one of the best features of 1-800 numbers for one-person companies is the flexibility they provide for growth. If your business takes off and you hire employees, rent additional office space for your company, or otherwise expand, your number stays with you and the options for service can be expanded to meet your growing needs.

Toll free numbers instantly win customer confidence, lend small businesses legitimacy, and increase sales. Reports indicate that 98 percent of American adults regularly use toll free numbers. One-person businesses with a 1-800 number gain a strong competitive edge.

The Vital Elements of Effective Toll Free Phone Service.

To capitalize on the many benefits of using toll free phone service, the first step you must take is to make sure you are working with the right service provider.

If a carrier isn’t providing you with features that will benefit your business, you are missing out on opportunities and perhaps paying too much for service that ultimately isn’t a good fit.

Before signing on for a 1-800 number, research service providers and make sure to deal with a reputable company like Tollfreenumber.ORG, which offers state-of-the-art technology and a variety of service plans.

Three vital features to look for when signing up for toll free phone service:

Ownership of Numbers. A permanently assigned number goes with the owner during any change of location or company expansion. Once a number is assigned, the subscriber can continue to use it indefinitely. When you own a number, you can even switch carriers—just make sure you don’t get locked into a contract that prohibits transfers.

Fiber Optics. You never want your customer to suffer through a bad connection or gaps in phone service. By securing toll free numbers through service providers that use fiber optic technology, connections are clear and reliable. With fiber optic connections, callers don’t have to worry about interruptions in service associated with the less reliable broadband service.

Menu of Features. Your service provider should offer several options that meet your individual needs. What works for one business isn’t necessarily right for another company. Flexibility of features and service is key. Never at a desk? Opt for cellular service. Need a basic plan? Start with a plan under which you only pay for the calls you receive. Frequent traveler? Look into international toll free plans.

Whatever your specific needs are, be selective when getting a 1-800 number and zero in on the three vital features outlined above. Tollfreenumber.ORG is a dependable service provider that offers all the above-mentioned options.

Five Ways Toll Free Phone Service Can Instantly Expand Your Business

If you have an established business or have just started a new company, getting a 1-800 number can have an instant impact and generate new business. Signing up for toll free service through Tolllfreenumber.ORG is fast--within just days you can begin advertising your new free phone number and immediately the image and range of your business is enhanced.

Access To Calls Round-The-Clock. Toll free calls can be routed to any cell phone or other phone line, fax or even e-mail. With a 1-800 number, you will never miss an important call.

Reach New Customers. A 1-800 number appeals to potential customers nationwide. Avoid losing long distance customers with a standard phone number.

Establish Credibility. Businesses with a toll free number instantly establish the sense of a credible, legitimate business. A 1-800 number immediately boosts customer confidence.

Brand/Company Recognition. A 1-800 vanity number with a word or phrase is easily memorized by consumers. Vanity numbers also shape brand image and increase word of mouth referrals. By seeing your number, a customer instantly associates it with your company.

Boost For Upstart Businesses. An upstart business using a 1-800 number generates the instant impression of an established business. New business owners can choose a plan that works for their small company, and then as the business grows, the plans can be updated to meet changing needs.

Traveling? Check Out Trip Advisor's List of 1-800 Numbers.

Going on a vacation or business trip? When you are traveling, you rely on solid communication with your airlines, car rental services or hotels. These days, most companies in the travel and hospitality business offer 1-800 phone numbers. Even luxury hotels are now signing on for toll free service to accommodate their guests.

Check out the website Trip Advisor for an extensive list of 1-800 numbers for hotel chains, airlines, trains, associations like AAA and AARP and more. Print it out and take it with you. With a list like this, you will be able to easily contact any company you need to make your trip more affordable and more convenient.

When traveling, cell phone service is sometimes unreliable. You need access to your hotel and transportation services. By offering a free call, hotels and transportation providers allow you to contact them if you are lost and looking for directions, have a last-minute reservation to make, or have questions about the status of a flight.

Toll free numbers have become a staple within the travel business. Virtually every airline and hotel chain provide 1-800 numbers which enable their customers to make a reservation or call with a question at any time of day at no cost.

Toll free numbers have become increasingly popular in every industry over the past few years and the travel business is no exception. Customers have come to expect a 1-800 number when dealing with reputable businesses. Toll free numbers are now used by small and mid-sized companies too. With affordable toll free plans from providers like Tollfreenumber.ORG, anyone can sign on for a 1-800 number.

Having a list of 1-800 numbers for services that will accommodate all your travel needs will help you better enjoy your vacation or business trip.

Flexibility And Your Phone Service.

Whether you have a growing business, a successful company or firm, a non-profit agency, or a political campaign, there is one thing you always need—flexible toll free phone service.

Times have changed. We don’t work 40 hours at a desk anymore. Our businesses grow, expand, relocate. We communicate on the website and make business transactions nationwide. All our needs have changed dramatically over the past couple of decades. It’s a different world.

The days are gone when standard phone service was enough. Now we need toll free phone numbers, call routing, cellular 1-800 numbers, international connections, call tracking, and auto attendants. We need our calls forwarded to wherever we happen to be.

Tollfreenumber.ORG offers all the features any type of business needs to stay flexible these days. With international service, travel won’t disrupt your communications with customers in the United States. With cellular service, 1-800 calls can go right to your cell phone.

Auto attendants and voicemail are available for those who aren’t always available to answer their calls. And toll free faxes can go straight to email. How is that for flexibility?

Tollfreenumber.ORG offers ownership of your number so if you change locations, you can keep your favored 1-800 number. A new phone number assigned through standard phone service can mean a devastating loss of existing customers and can lead to confusion for potential customers.

Don’t want to get calls from a particular area or a particular phone number? Tollfreenumber.ORG can block calls from designated regions or from specific numbers.

Flexibility for all of us in business is essential these days. With toll free phone service from Tollfreenumber.ORG, changes don’t cause upset. Their valuable toll free features provide you with all the flexibility you will need.

Avoid These Traps When Getting a 1-800 Number.

There is no doubt that toll free phone numbers increase business. Response to ads can jump as much as 600% if the ad includes a 1-800 number. Word of mouth referrals can skyrocket.

But before signing on for a 1-800 phone number, choose a reliable company like Tollfreenumber.ORG that offers you quality service and affordable rates. Don’t fall into the following traps when obtaining a toll free number for your company:

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 take your preferred number with you. Be careful when signing a contract. Don’t get locked in for a long period of time.

Leasing A Shared Use Number: Under lease agreements you relinquish control of your number. If you change locations or want to switch carriers you could lose 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 fewer dropped calls, make sure to sign on with a company that uses state-of-the-art fiber optic technology.

What is CALEA?

There are always questions circulating about the impact of CALEA on toll free phone service. Here is a simple explanation:

In 1994 as a means of keeping up with emerging digital technology, the United States Congress approved the Communications for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA). The regulations were intended to preserve a wiretapping law put in place in 1968 and allow wiretapping over digital phone networks.

CALEA requires telecommunications carriers to modify their equipment, facilities, and services to aid surveillance capabilities. Initially there was some question as to whether this would apply to VoIP—Voice Over Internet Protocol service—but in 2005 the courts ruled that indeed VoIP must comply with CALEA.

As part of an investigation, law enforcement agencies or intelligence services can tap into a phone call or trace the origin of the call without advising any of the parties involved in the communications. This means that all VoIP phone service, including toll free providers using VoIP, is subjected to the surveillance provisions under CALEA.

In fact, all telecommunications companies as defined by CALEA must maintain updated system securities plans with the Federal Communications Commission. Internet providers and VOIP service providers were required to submit their initial plan by March 2007 and now must provide updated material as mandated by CALEA.

Virtually all common carriers and telecommunications companies are subject to the regulations under CALEA. This means all telephone communications can be monitored as part of legal, warranted, surveillance by law enforcement agencies.

Hoarding Toll Free Phone Numbers.

The distribution of toll phone free numbers is highly regulated to ensure that anyone who wants a 1-800 number can get one in a fair and economical way through a legitimate service provider like Tollfreenumber.ORG. Hoarding batches of the toll free phone numbers is illegal.

Under rules established in 1997 by the Federal Communications Commission, available numbers must be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Available numbers are stored on a database maintained by the 800 Service Management System (SMS/800).

A subscriber may not acquire more toll free numbers than they intend to use. By FCC definition, “hoarding” also includes “brokering” –the illegal lease or sale of toll free numbers for a fee.

The FCC began investigating hoarding of 800 numbers as far back as 1995, but despite the subsequent release of 888, 877, and 866 pre-fixes, the practice continues to grow. The FCC has the 855 pre-fix numbers reserved to alleviate the shortage but has not yet announced plans to release those numbers.

Concern about the diminishing stock of 800 numbers is creating an even higher demand for toll free service, a marketing tool that the FCC says is “proven” to increase business. Studies show that telephone orders can increase up to 60% and word of mouth referrals can rise by 200% if a toll free number is advertised.

If the FCC discovers illegal hoarding, they immediately send out suspension letters to the owner of the numbers. Additionally, the brokering of toll free numbers can result in hefty fines.

How To Get A 1-800 Number.

You have researched all the many benefits of having a 1-800 number. Now, how do you get one?

The toll free area codes—800, 888, 877, and 866—are available through large phone companies (AT&T and Verizon) or from toll free service providers (Tollfreenumber.ORG). These smaller companies are often more affordable. You can choose your own number—as long as it’s available—or the provider can assign one to you.

If you sign on for ownership of that number—the recommended action—then it is yours to keep for as long as you want it even if your business changes locations or if you switch carriers.

Available numbers are managed through a database maintained by the 800 Services Management System (SMS/800). Service providers assign and reserve numbers off the database for their customers.

When choosing toll free service, subscribers typically can select from a menu of services—phone calls routed to land lines, faxes, emails, or cellular service, auto attendants, international service, etc. and a variety of other features that suit their needs.

Once cost prohibitive for small businesses or for personal use, toll free service has now become affordable and easy to obtain. Experts say that most consumers recognize that the advantages of 1-800 numbers far outweigh standard local phone service.

By contacting a provider like Tollfreenumber.ORG, anyone interested in getting a 1-800 number can get all the answers and guidance they need to secure a toll free number that meets their preferences, their needs and their budget.

1-800 Numbers As Part Of Political Campaigns.

With election season in full swing this time of year in towns and cities all across the United States, candidates for office at every level are recognizing the value of using a 1-800 number in their campaigns.

Candidates for government offices are getting 1-800 numbers right when they kick off their campaigns and using them straight through the election and beyond. The number(s) appear in ads and letters to newspaper editors along with an invitation to call and speak to the candidate to discuss community needs and campaign issues. This is a good way for a candidate to immediately establish themselves as eager to hear all types of constituent concerns.

Opening the lines of communication for any candidate is important. They need to hear the resident’s concerns and address them during their campaign. Using a 1-800 number is especially popular in rural areas where one official may represent constituents across a broad geographical region. Calling a candidate or elected official, whose offices could be three counties away, could mean an expensive long distance call.

Toll free phone numbers obtained from a comprehensive provider like Tollfreenumber.ORG offer many advantageous features for candidates for office. Voters can contact them for free; calls can be forward to them while they are campaigning on the road or routed to volunteers at their campaign headquarters. Toll free numbers can also be used for donations to a political campaign. Anyone looking to support a candidate can call and make a political contribution free of charge.

And Call Capture, a call tracking system offered by Tollfreenumber.ORG, can generate a list of everyone who has called the 1-800 number. Candidates will instantly have a valuable compilation of all interested voters and constituents.

1-800 numbers are useful tools for any candidate for office looking to keep in touch with all their supporters.

Mnemonics And Your Toll Free Phone Number.

When a numeric phone number is translated into letters it is called mnemonics. Those of us who have used this technique to create valuable vanity toll free phone numbers know just how effectively they increase awareness about a company.

With mnemonics, a creative business person can get a phone number with their company name, a brand image, a community name, or any other memorable word or phrase that draws attention to their company.

Show someone a string of numbers and ask them to repeat it and they may have a difficult time. But show them the same number translated into letters of the alphabet, and they are much more likely to recall the number. For instance, 888-BEST-BUY is far easier to recall than 888-2378-289, right? And 1-800-GO-FEDEX is very memorable.

In fact, some studies show that a vanity number is 14 times easier to recall than the numerical equivalent. Word of mouth referrals can jump 200% with a vanity number. It’s a given that if the phone number spells out the business name, or similar connection to the company, more customers will remember it and use it.

Numbers and letters can be mixed or the entire number can be translated into letters. Either way, this is a proven marketing tool with many advantages.

To find a perfect vanity number, contact a representative at Tollfreenumber.ORG and ask to discuss the mnemonic possibilities. With a good number attached to your company, you can see dramatic spikes in your customer response to ads—as high as 600%. There are many vanity number possibilities if you get creative and Tollfreenumber.ORG has access to one of the largest supplies of numbers.

To draw more customers and more word of mouth referrals, get creative, use mnemonics and include the perfect toll free vanity phone number in all your advertising.

Your Phone Number Is Your Biggest Marketing Asset.

There are many marketing tools available. There are those that work effectively for some types of business and those that work effectively for others. And for many companies, there are some strategies that just don’t have any value for their specific type of business.

Then, there are universally beneficial marketing tools—ways of reaching and retaining customers that work for virtually every type of business. And one of these popular, universal marketing strategies centers around the 1-800 number. This is a marketing program shared by all kinds of business owners.

1-800 numbers are valuable for most businesses because they generate higher responses to advertisements. It has been proven that a 1-800 number in an advertisement significantly increases ad response.

Toll free calls help any professional because they can be routed to any cell phone or other phone line, fax, or even e-mail. With a 1-800 number, important calls aren’t missed. A free 1-800 number appeals to potential customers nationwide. Business owners with toll free numbers don’t lose long distance customers.

Toll free numbers instantly establish credibility. When consumers see a 1-800 number they have the impression of a legitimate, established business. Even brand new companies and home-based businesses can create the impression of a large venture by getting a 1-800 number obtained from Tollfreenumber.ORG.

And for all types of businesses, a 1-800 number with a word or phrase can be easily remembered. Vanity numbers also shape brand image and increase word of mouth referrals.

So, while different marketing plans work for different types of businesses, every company shares the same benefits and the broad appeal of a 1-800 number.

Answers to Commonly Asked Toll Free Questions.

As interest in toll free phone service increases, there are more and more questions about its use. To address this growing curiosity, here are a few more commonly asked questions about 1-800 numbers.

How are 1-800 numbers assigned? Toll free phone numbers (800, 888, 877, and 866) are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis from phone companies and toll free service providers like Tollfreenumber.ORG.

Does the FCC assign numbers? No. The FCC regulates the use of the numbers but does not distribute them to subscribers.

How does toll free phone service work? Once you are assigned a 800, 888, 877 or 866 toll free area code number, calls to that number ring on your phone—the caller doesn’t pay for the call, you do. These calls can be forwarded to your home phone, office phone or even your cell phone.

What is a vanity number? Vanity numbers are 1-800 numbers in the form of a word or phrase—the numbers are translated in letters which correspond to the standard phone keypad. These are highly effective and easily memorized.

Is a toll free phone number too expensive for a small business? No. In fact, toll free service can be less expensive than other standard phone fees. Plus, it is actually ideal for a small business because it is so affordable. With plans from providers like Tollfreenumber.ORG, you pay for calls you receive. Small business owners using a toll free number can actually see substantial savings.

Can I have more than one toll free number? Yes, you can subscribe for multiple numbers from Tollfreenumber.ORG. In fact, multiple numbers can be very advantageous.

What if I move my home-based business to another state? Any business owner who changes locales can rest assured they can continue to use their toll free number as long as they have signed on for ownership of the number. Ownership of toll free numbers is available through Tollfreenumber.ORG.

Is there a directory of toll free listings? Yes. There are several. Tollfreenumber.ORG has a free directory. And for additional exposure, you can pay to be included in the AT&T directory.

Customer Feedback Over The Phone.

Customer feedback is a necessary way to build your new business, work out the kinks, correct oversights and mistakes. Without this valuable feedback, a business could sink.

With a 1-800 phone number aimed at soliciting customer feedback, a business owner gains a huge advantage over the competition and gathers immeasurable information that will help the company grow and thrive. Customers can call and give their impressions on the service or product.

Business owners will fail if they are oblivious to the positive and negative comments from their customers. Taking that feedback and using it to better the company is the key to success. This is one of the first lessons taught in Business 101.

With a 1-800 number, valued customers are more likely to interact with the business owner or a customer relations representative. Free of charge, a customer from anywhere in the nation can call to discuss the business transaction. This not only provides the business with crucial data, it also establishes a better relationship with the customer and creates a good reputation for the company.

The importance of customer relations cannot be underestimated. Feedback collected through 1-800 phone numbers are essential for any business. Consumers are far more likely to call a 1-800 number to discuss a product than to pay for a pricey phone call.

And with a tracking system called Call Capture available from Tollfreenumber.ORG, business owners can obtain a list of every customer who called the 1-800 number. This can help produce marketing strategies, demographic charts, and organize other useful data.

To keep a lock on customer feedback, every business owner needs a 1-800 number to track the good comments—and the bad—and then guide and mold the business in response to the customer’s experiences.

In This Economy, Toll Free Calls Are A Necessity.

In this sinking U.S. economy, a free phone call is more appealing to American consumers than ever before.

Consumers are watching every penny, cutting back spending, and constantly looking for deals. To keep your business afloat during the economic crunch, now is the time to get a 1-800 phone number to offer your valued customers and clients.

As we watch grocery and gasoline prices climb along with the national unemployment rate, a free phone call becomes more and more attractive to potential customers of any type of business. Long distance calls can be expensive. Companies that rely on long distance business absolutely must provide toll free phone service if they want to successfully deal with customers outside their local community.

By including a 1-800 number in advertising, on websites, and in brochures, small and mid-size business owners can connect to cash-strapped customers nationwide. Toll free phone numbers extend market reach and significantly increase the amount of potential clients.

With a 1-800 number obtained from a provider such as Tollfreenumber.ORG, a business in Phoenix can use a free phone call to attract customers in Maryland, Maine, Alabama or elsewhere. In these tough economic times, those customers could decide they only want to deal with businesses that provide a 1-800 number. If you don’t have a toll free number, you could lose those important customers.

Why take the chance of losing business to your competitors who already have a toll free number? You can’t afford not to offer your customers a 1-800 number during the current economic crisis.

To attract customers nationwide during these tough times, start with a free phone call. With service from Tollfreenumber.ORG the owner of the number gets a financial break too---service plans from Tollfreenumber.ORG can be as much as 40 % less expensive than from some larger phone companies. Toll free service is affordable and during the economic crunch, it is a necessity for every business trying to compete.

International Toll Free Service

There seems to be some confusion and lack of understanding about using 1-800 numbers internationally—but there shouldn’t be. It’s actually a very simple process. With the right toll free service, you can speak to your clients no matter where you are—even if you are traveling outside the United States or Canada.

International toll free service obtained from a carrier like Tollfreenumber.ORG allows U.S. clients to place toll free calls to any business no matter where it is located. If the business owner or sales representative is traveling, or even living, outside the United States they can still communicate with their clients and continue to expand their business.

If a business is set up outside of the U.S. the owner can set up a special international toll free number to attract new American customers and to retain relationships with their existing U.S. customers.

When you sign on for an international service, be sure to work with a carrier that uses the latest technology---namely fiber optics which will ensure clear connections no matter where the calls originate or how far apart the parties are. Fiber optics reduces static, delays, echoes and you won’t have to tolerate dropped calls. The same can’t be said for VoIP service (Voice Over Internet Protocol).

To broaden your market beyond the U.S. borders, contact Tollfreenumber.ORG today and learn all about the options available for international toll free phone service. Don’t let a trip or relocation ruin your business. With specialized international service, you won’t lose American customers. They can still reach you no matter what time zone you are in.

International toll free phone numbers keep your business running worldwide 365 days per year.
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Why Toll Free Is Growing In Popularity.

Toll free phone numbers are growing in popularity every year. A 1-800 number gives companies a substantial boost in business, they give non-profits more exposure, and they increase communication between constituents and officials.

Public awareness about the benefits of providing a free phone call is steadily increasing. 1-800 numbers obtained by carriers like Tollfreenumber.ORG have never been more sought-after and here are some of the reasons why:

Affordable: Toll free service is very affordable and easy to obtain. No additional phone systems, set-ups, or any type of installations are needed. Toll free phone numbers work with your existing phones. In many cases, toll free service is much more economical than standard phone service or long distance packages.

Expands The Market: With a toll free number, there is no link to a designated geographical area. Advertising with a 1-800 number instantly gives you a limitless potential customer base.

Portability: One of the best advantages to a toll free number is called portability. This means if your business relocates, expands, or otherwise changes, you can keep your phone number. And if you are unhappy with your existing toll free provider, you can switch carriers and still retain the same number.

Image: Even for home-based businesses and upstarts, toll free numbers create an image of a large, established company. This solid image provides a sense of security for potential new customers.

Progressive: A small business can start out with a very basic, affordable toll free plan and just pay for the incoming calls they receive. As the business and the budget grow, service can be expanded to include additional features.

More Companies Using Home-Based Customer Service Reps

Many large U.S corporations these days have started employing freelancers, working from their home-based offices, to cover all incoming customer service calls. This arrangement benefits both the employee and the company and is made easy with 1-800 numbers.

Toll free phone service from providers like Tollfreenumber.ORG allows any call to a 1-800 number to be routed to any home office or cell phone. Companies like 1-800-FLOWERS and J. CREW are employing freelance customer service representatives to handle incoming calls to their toll free lines. Customer service reps handle all aspects of inquiries from customers, just as if they are working in the main headquarters of the corporation.

The home-based employees save money on gas, childcare, and they do not have to worry about lengthy commutes. And the company benefits financially too—they need less office space and fewer in-house resources.

This type of employment arrangement works easily with toll free phone service. Calls can be forwarded to available customer service representatives at any time of day, in any time zone. And the customer never pays for the call.

This set-up can work for smaller companies too. A customer rep can work from anywhere—toll free 800, 888, 877, or 866 area codes are not tied to any geographical location. So, the company’s customer base is broad and incoming calls can be routed anywhere the toll-free-subscriber chooses.

Using home-based staff to handle customer concerns and inquiries is a growing trend, and another reason why toll free phone numbers help all types of businesses to thrive.

Professionals and 1-800 Numbers.

Once a marketing tool used primarily by retail and service industries, 1-800 phone numbers are now commonly used by all kinds of professionals—doctors, lawyers, dentists, financial advisors.

Toll free phone service for professionals is a good partnership, a smart idea, and more and more white- collar professionals are signing on for a toll free number to keep in touch with existing clients and to attract new ones.

With a 1-800 number, a patient or client can reach their doctor, attorney, or financial advisor at any time of day. Answering services and call routing to any phone are features which make this an effective option. Combined referral numbers, which are becoming very popular, allow potential clients to connect with a professional in their own community, or anywhere else they choose, who can assist them with whatever they need.

Keeping in touch with clients in the most convenient way possible is essential for all professionals. A staggering increase in the number of doctors and lawyers in the United States over the past two decades has created a competitive market in those fields that did not previously exist. They, like any other businessperson, must now market their professional services.

Toll free phone numbers from a carrier like Tollfreenumber.ORG come with a host of features that will meet the particular needs of any professional or any type of businessperson.

For all the same reasons that 1-800 numbers have been a favored marketing strategy of business owners for decades, white-collar professionals are now likewise signing on for their own 1-800 number.