Think 800 numbers are only for big business? Think again.

You see them every where, on billboards, road signs, business cards, on television and on cars, but you never tried to obtain your own toll-free number. You thought they were for big business only. Times have changed and so have the benefits and benefactors of toll-free numbers.

(PRWEB) February 24, 2004 --You see them every where, on billboards, road signs, business cards, on television and on cars, but you never tried to obtain your own toll-free number. You thought they were for big business only. Times have changed and so have the benefits and benefactors of toll-free numbers.

1.   Easy to obtain. A toll-free number can be obtained through traditional phone companies or through online companies and affiliates that allow you to establish your service online. Small and medium sized businesses, independent professionals and families are the new users of 800 numbers.

2.   Inexpensive. Individuals and businesses establishing a toll free number pay a set-up fee, monthly fee and per minute call charge. Providers offer set-up fees ranging from $2 to $15, monthly fees from $2 to $15 and call charges at six to seven cents per minute. Services like vanity and specialty numbers typically incur the higher fees.

3.   Easy to use. Toll-free numbers are relatively easy to use. Toll-free service ease of use begins as soon as set-up is complete. Web-based providers offer service that begins immediately to 48 hours. These providers also offer web-based toll-free service management so users can forward calls, route calls with the click of a button. Forwarding and routing is immediate. Calls can be routed and forwarded to any phone.

4.   Convenient. Call forwarding, call routing and voicemail are convenient services that allow you to stay connected to clients, prospects and family. Emails are sent to your email address to notify you that messages are waiting. If you are in a meeting and awaiting an important phone call, an email can notify you that your reply is waiting for you in your voicemail.    

5.   Enable you to establish national and international presence. Toll-free numbers add to the national and international presence offered by websites. If you are here in the US and interested in a service offered by two Canadian businesses, which would you most call - the company with a toll free number or the one where you incur long distance charges?
   
Ayana Glaze, an independent Slumber Parties distributor says toll free numbers have helped her tremendously in expanding her client base.
   
I recently obtained my 800 number. Its great," says Glaze. My customers and hostesses can contact me more easily no matter where they are. It has made my company one of added convenience. Money saved on long distance means morepurchasing power at the parties."

6.   Save money. Toll-free numbers can be used as dedicated business lines for home businesses. This reduces and possibly eliminates the need for a second phone line that can double if not triple your monthly phone bill. Toll-free numbers will cost only a fraction of the cost of an additional phone line.

7.   Help establish your credibility and professionalism. A toll-free number says that you mean business about your business. A toll-free number can also help to maintain your professional appearance. Home-based business owners, especially work-at-home parents, can benefit from the added credibility and professionalism that toll free services provide. Work-at-home parents can simply route all calls to voice mail when kids are up and about and return the calls when the kids have been settled down.

8.   Enable you to extend hours of operation. If you work an eight to five and then work your business from 6 p.m. beyond, callers never have to know. Simply utilize the voice mail option and return calls at your convenience. Toll-free numbers also allow you to offer 24/7 service hours. This is especially helpful to home-based workers who work around their families.

9.   Reduce worry. This is a more personal use for toll-free numbers. If kids are away at college or camp and need to call home, they do not have to worry about change for the pay phone or those times when they forget or cant carry their cell phones. Simply have them call the toll-free number.

Diane Walker has more than eight years experience as a business consultant and has written numerous articles designed to help others considering a career in independent marketing. She owns Legendary Ventures and tollfreebiz.com.