AT&T first developed 1-800 numbers in 1967 as a convenient way for businesses to pay the tolls for their customers who contacted them. They then offered them to their customers and the world of toll free has grown exponentially until today toll free numbers can begin with 800, 888, 877, and 866 to accommodate the tremendous growth.  And this is just in the USA and Canada. Area codes 855, 844, 833, and 822 have also been reserved for the future.

So why do so many businesses and individuals rely upon toll free numbers?

Here are some of the main advantages of toll free numbers:

Consumers simply like toll free numbers - They are free to call, so customers are more likely to call you if you provide a toll free number. Therefore you will find much higher response rates to your marketing efforts when offering a toll free number option.

Companies like them because they are portable and they create a more national presence. They also have additional capabilities in terms of reporting and routing than local numbers. Another major reason for their popularity is that they have dropped so dramatically in price and ease of use. When they were first introduced they were expensive and hard to get. But now they are so cheap and simple to set up that even the smallest part time business or residential user can afford one.

Toll free numbers can have only one terminating number (ring to number) at a time. BUT a big advantage of toll free numbers for small businesses is the ability to change that ring to number. If you move your business, you can change your toll free number to ring you at your new location, and there's no cost to do it. You can now even have the number change during varying times of day or days of the week.

You create a big company image with your own toll free number. Giving your customers a toll free number may not be as impressive as years past, but it lends to credibility. Without one, one wonders if you are really capable of serious business.

You can expand your marketing reach - Toll free numbers give you a national or now even global presence. These days, if you want to market outside your local area, you pretty much have to offer a toll free number to be credible.

You pay as your grow - another benefit for smaller start up businesses is that you only have to pay for the usage or calls to your toll free number. If nobody calls, there is only a small monthly service charge. Just showing you have a toll free number pays for this in simple improved credibility. When used your bills will only increase as your business grows.

You can get a vanity number - A "vanity" number is a toll-free telephone number that spells your company's name or a related word that you choose. If you sell gadgets, for example, 1-800 GADGETS is easy to remember and tells the caller just what you offer. 


How do I get a toll free number?

To get a toll-free number you don't need an extra phone line. Instead, the number rings through to your business, cellphone or whatever other number you specify.  So you simply need contact a provider who can help you determine your needs and wants and provide the service.  A key consulting and service provider is Namada.com . They have been providing services for thousands of customers in the US and worldwide since 1991.