What is a Toll-Free Number? A Beginnerβs Guide
Have you ever used a number starting with 800? Then you are already familiar with the toll-free number technology. When calling a toll-free number, the call is redirected through a specialized system. The system checks the database to determine who owns the number and routes the call to the appropriate business line.
Would you like to understand in more detail what is a toll free number and why a business needs it? Keep reading and use new technologies for good.
What is a Toll-Free Number?
A toll-free phone number is one that is not paid for by the caller but by the receiving party, usually the company. Such numbers start with special codes (for example, 800, 8800, 8-800) and allow customers to contact the business at no cost. They are a convenient and accessible communication channel that increases trust and simplifies customer service.
How Does a Toll-Free Number Work?
The principle of operation of toll-free numbers is simple: the client calls a toll-free number, the call from which is automatically redirected to the company’s regular line: mobile or city lines, as well as a call center.
At the same time, it is not the calling customer who pays for the call itself but the business that set up the telephony system. The telecom operator, in turn, monitors and routes such calls through a special platform to ensure stable communication and cost accounting for the company.
What is a Toll Free Call Number?
The very concept of a free phone call through a toll-free number ensures a high-quality connection with the company’s manager. At the same time, all expenses for the call itself and the subsequent minutes of the conversation are paid not by the subscriber but by the company receiving the call.
This format makes business communication accessible, especially for customers from other regions or without long-distance tariffs.
*Discover: What is a Virtual Call β How to Use for Free Calling?
Toll Free Numbers vs. Regular Phone Numbers
Here is a brief comparison of toll-free and regular numbers, according to key criteria:
| Criteria | Toll Free Numbers | Regular Phone Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Price for clients | Free-of-charge. | The customer pays for the call. |
| Price for companies | The company pays for the call. | The caller pays for the call. |
| Region | It is not linked to a specific region. | It is linked to a city or a mobile operator. |
| Convenience | You can make free calls from anywhere. | Long-distance or mobile communication costs are possible. |
| Business usage | It is often used in support and advertising. | It is more often used for internal communication. |
| The level of trust | Increases trust and is perceived as a βhotlineβ. | Ordinary number, neutral perception. |
| Tracking capability | It is often integrated with CRM and analytics. | Depends on the operator and the type of number. |
Thus, toll-free numbers offer more advantages than regional numbers.
Benefits of Using a Toll Free Number for Business
A toll-free number is an ideal option for businesses, which provides not only fast and high-quality communication but also increases customer trust and saves them from additional communication costs.
In addition, such a number looks solid and professional, especially in advertising and on the website. It is convenient to track such numbers by analyzing the effectiveness of marketing and the quality of service.
How to Get a Toll-Free Number
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a toll-free phone number:
- Select an operator. First, you need to choose a communication provider that will provide a toll-free number. This can be either a mobile operator or special VoIP services.
- Select a number. You can choose either a standard number or a beautiful set of numbers corresponding to the brand or company concept.
- Submit an application. You must register on the website and provide the necessary information about the company.
- Enable forwarding. In the settings, you need to add a number to which calls will be redirected.
- Set up analytics and an answering machine. You can configure call tracking settings, as well as other analytics settings.
Cost of Owning a Toll Free Number
Since calls for a customer using a toll-free number are free, all costs are borne by the business or the company that issues the number. As a rule, the number rate includes:
- Connection fee β a one-time fee is charged for number activation.
- Monthly subscription fee β charged for room rental and service.
- Per-minute call payment β payment rates depend on the direction and volume of calls.
Thus, the final price varies from twenty dollars per month, depending on the provider and the load.
Can Individuals Get a Toll Free Number?
As a rule, only businesses and various organizations issue toll-free numbers for business purposes. Individuals do not register such numbers but in rare cases, for example, for freelancers or small projects, this is possible through special providers. These numbers help look more professional and increase accessibility for customers.
Are Toll Free Numbers Available Internationally?
To support international communications, special global toll-free services are used that provide free calls in several countries but this requires separate configuration and additional costs. Such numbers can also be purchased on special services.
Alternatives to Toll Free Numbers
If for some reason you cannot use toll-free numbers, then here are alternative business communication methods:
- VoIP numbers β cheap and flexible phone numbers that work remotely over the Internet.
- Virtual numbers β provide calls from different regions without a SIM card or a physical line.
- eSIM the UK β completely remote numbers offering international support.
- Messengers β a convenient and fast way to communicate with customers through an online application.
These tools expand the service’s capabilities and reduce communication costs.
*Discover: What is a VoIP Number? How Does it Work?
Do You Need a Toll Free Number?
A toll-free number is an effective tool for companies and businesses that want to raise the level of service and ease of communication between customers. Despite the cost of connection and maintenance, it pays off due to the growth of requests and loyalty.
Thus, a toll-free number is a great number for working with a wide audience and appreciating the quality of service β a toll-free number is definitely worth considering.
