Does my business need a Toll Free Number?

Alyice Edrich There are several types of businesses on the market... from the
traditional brick and mortar, to the dot coms. But does your
business really need a toll free number?
That depends on a number of factors, such as:

Do you only market your business to local customers, clients, or
businesses?
Is most of your business done on an international scale versus a
national scale?
Do you have an online business that leaves little room for personal
contact?
Are your products special orders, in which others have to give
specific instructions?
Do you have a business, where you are constantly on the go and away
from the office?
Do you have employees that do a lot of traveling and call you collect
or using a calling card?
To answer these questions, let's take them one by one.
If you only market your business locally, and you do not have any
intentions of marketing it nationally or internationally, you do not
need a toll free number.

If your business is mostly done via international avenues, you may
want to think twice about the cost involved in having a toll free
number. For instance, if you are based within the US, and the
majority of your clientele comes from overseas, a toll free number
can become very costly. However, if you are based with the United
States, and you have mixed clientele, both internationally and
nationally, it may be advantageous to get a toll free number. In
fact, some companies have the option of blocking certain phone
numbers and locations from using your toll free number (such as Kall
8).

If you have an online business, it's a good idea to get a toll free
number. Having a toll free number can make or break a sale.

Often, customers have questions and concerns about ordering your
product and service and having a toll free number eases their minds,
while making you look more professional.

Not having a toll free number doesn't mean that you will lose that
sale, as the customer or client can just as easily email you.
However, human beings are naturally inclined to do business with
someone they know, versus someone they don't. Being able to hear
your voice allows potential customers to get a feel for who you are,
and in the process, develop a sense of security and trust in both you
and your business.

Do you have a business that requires more contact with your clients?
Say to customize a product or service, based on your client's needs?
Speaking to that client one-on-one leaves little room for mistakes
and misinterpretations.

Do you have a business where you are constantly away from the desk?
Having a cell phone is a great idea to stay in touch with your
clients, but what if most of your clients are out of state? Having a
forwardable toll free number directed to your cell phone means that
you never lose another business call.

If you have employees, such as salespeople, do they call you collect
or use a calling card? What happens when those calling cards run out
or they don't have any change? They have to check in by calling
collect, don't they? Over time, having a toll free number can save
your company big bucks.

If you decide that a toll free number is best for your business,
there are several options you can choose:

Order a T-1 line from your local phone company -- you have to have a
traditional brick and mortar business for this and it can be very
costly.

Order a "Stand Alone" Toll Free Number -- you can use your "fixed"
phone line and have a toll free number forwarded or redirected to
that number. Your clients and customers never have to know that you
did this.

Order a "Forwardable" Toll Free Number -- you can have your toll free
number moved as often as you like. Forward it to your home phone,
office phone, cell phone, hotel room, or wherever else you may be.
This is the ultimate option for home businesses and businesses on the
go.

The most important thing to remember, is that every business can use
a little help. If you feel that a toll free number can help your
business, order one today.

Make sure that the toll free number you order is one that you like,
as you will be putting that number on all your business and
promotional materials, as well as your website. (This really refers
to Vanity numbers, like 1800 CALL ATT.)

And finally, make sure that you can squeeze that number into your
business budget.

About the Author

Alyice Edrich is a discount telecommunications agent. She offers
great toll free numbers at a price any small business or home can
afford. Visit her at http://edrichcommunications.com today!