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

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

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

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

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

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

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.