Virtual Phone System

Just another Blogetery.com weblog

Archive for category 800 Number

Popular 800 Vanity Numbers

Nov 15

Posted by virtualphonesystem in 800 Number | No Comments

One of the most widely use telephony service are 800 telephone numbers. These are special numbers that are distinguished with their use of toll free number prefix like 800, 855, 866, 877 and 888. AT&T first devises this service in the 1960s and today its use, by different businesses, is steadily increasing during the years. This growing demand has prompted the telecommunication industry to release the 855 prefix last October 2010. Other supplementary toll free service prefixes that are reserved for future used are: 822, 833, 844, 845, 887 and 889.

Vanity numbers are another type of this service. They are also known as phone words since they make use of alphanumeric to make it more memorable and easier to dial. It may be a bit costly than ordinary toll free numbers but both of these are excellent tools for customer branding, customer service or support or marketing.

Below are few of the big names in the business that took advantage of these toll free vanity numbers.

  • AT&T: 800-CALL-ATT
  • 3M Company: 888-3M-HELPS
  • Best Buy: 888-BEST-BUY
  • BMW: 866-BMW-CONTACT
  • Citigroup: 877-7-REDEEM
  • Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST
  • Dell Computers: 1-800-915-DELL
  • DHL: 1-800-CALL-DHL
  • E-Bay: 1-800-GET-BIDS
  • Exxon Mobile: 877-MY-EXXON
  • FedEx: 1-800-GO-FEDEX
  • General Motors: 800-GMC-8782
  • Hewlett-Packard: 800-HP-INVENT
  • IBM: 1-800-IBM-SERV
  • Microsoft: 1-800-MICROSOFT
  • Pfizer: 800-TRY-FIRST
  • UPS: 1-800-PICK-UPS
  • Verizon: 1-800-PICK-DSL
  • Xerox Corporation: 800-ASK-XEROX
  • Yellow Pages: 1-800-Y-B-YELLOW

These numbers are noticeably easy to remember which provide customers the convenience in quickly calling them. Utilizing these special numbers, vanity or not, will provide the business with positive benefits and at the same time give customers the impression that the company is serious in making business with them.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mail Order, Home-Based Business and 800 Toll Free Numbers

Sep 15

Posted by virtualphonesystem in 800 Number | 39 Comments

Small and big businesses alike will experience huge augmentations from the advantages provided by toll free numbers. These special telephone numbers does not only improve your business image; it also allows your products and services to be accessible to the customers. Lots of companies are now acquiring this free phone service for customer support/assistance, inquiries, order taking and as a marketing tool.

Mail order companies definitely need an 800 phone service in order to accommodate customers who want to freely phone-in their orders. These are actually businesses that collect product and even service orders via the phone or online transactions. Successful mail order transactions are delivered personally or through postal or courier services. In the US, this type of business has existed since the 1800s and was pioneered by companies such as Hammacher Schlemmer, Montgomery Ward and CenCo (Central Scientific Company). To this day, there are still companies that adopt this selling method like J.C. Penney and Spiegel, Inc.

Mail order is often times publish as a catalog or as an advertisement on newspapers or magazines to promote their products or services. An individual or company that makes use of this method is referred to as catalogers. Benjamin Franklin, according to NMOA (National Mail Order Association) in the US, was the first cataloger who sells academic and scientific books.

Aside big enterprises, home-based businesses can also benefit from 1 800 numbers. According to NFWBO (National Foundation for Women Business Owners), an organization that provides advancement of economics and social-political of business through data-driven knowledge, 20% of home-based owners are already making use of a toll free service in operating their day to day business.

A business that’s looking for ways to attract more customers must seriously consider getting an 800 phone number service. Acquiring one, nowadays, is simple and inexpensive.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Introduction to Mass Calling Service

Sep 9

Posted by virtualphonesystem in 800 Number | No Comments

Big corporations or organizations oftentimes experience difficulties in keeping in touch with teams especially if they are situated in different cities. Telephony is a vital component of every business. And, in today’s fast paced world an improperly configured phone system can be overwhelming and time consuming that can hamper the day to day business priorities which lead to unpredictable outcome.

Improving and supplementing the telephone system is one way to free up time and become more focus when dealing with everyday tasks. Enhancing the communication with a mass calling service can facilitate the company with the ability to communicate essential information at one time to tens, hundreds or thousands of people.

What is a mass calling service? It is a host-provided service wherein a message or information can be recorded digitally which then can be sent to a list of contacts through a phone or other messaging system. Mass calling can transmit data simultaneously to any number of recipients on different channels like office, mobile or toll free phone numbers. This method is entirely automated and the process is done by a computer and messaging software located on the provider’s premise.

This service not only enhances the way a business communicates but it can also eliminate the process of manual dialing when contacting a number. By automating the process a group of contacts can be reached within minutes in any city. Moreover, mass calling service is web-based to make configuration easy anytime, anywhere.

Utilizing a mass calling service can increase the response rate from customers and make the company’s marketing efforts more cost-effective.

Tags: , , , ,

SMSGov Approved Toll Free Service Providers

Jul 6

Posted by virtualphonesystem in 800 Number | 1 Comment

SMSGov, home to the telecommunication provider’s TAC (Toll Free Advisory Committee), collects and aggregate toll free numbers information from governing agencies such as FCC (Federal Communication Commission), SMS/800 (Service Management System) and RespOrgs (Responsible Organizations). SMSGov acts as the general public’s provider for accessible information concerning telecommunication and 0800 numbers.

This agency also maintains a list of approved toll free service providers and companies in the US:

image courtesy of listedonline

image courtesy of listedonline

  • 800PBX – offers services to small and medium sized businesses.
  • 800 Telecom – maintains a pool of vacant numbers which they assign to subscribers.
  • AccuConference – a company that offers a wide-range of communication solutions.
  • AT&T – one of the biggest US telecommunication service providers.
  • BellSouth - provides toll free phone service to subscribers obtained from AT&T.
  • Covista - provider of wide array of communication services.
  • FreedomVOICE – offers communication solutions to businesses.
  • Grasshopper - formerly GotVMail.
  • IfByPhone - automate business phone service.
  • Kall8 - offers traditional 1800 numbers service with online tools.
  • OneBox - an outsourced virtual phone service provider.
  • OpEx - specializing in family telecommunication.
  • PhonePeople - offers wide array of telecommunication services.
  • Pioneer Telephone – also offers long-distance services.
  • PowerNet Global – offers communication services for business and residential users.
  • Qwest - provides data, internet, voice and video services.
  • RingCentral - offer quality communication services from small to large businesses.
  • Sprint - provider of wired and wireless communication.
  • TelCan - also offers end-to-end outsourced solutions.
  • TollFree Forwarding - an international communication solutions provider.
  • TollFreeNumber - offers full ownership and no contracts of toll free phone numbers
  • Virtual PBX – a virtual switching service provider.
  • Virtual TeleCenter – provides virtual PBX 800 numbers.

Remember, SMSGov works externally in the toll free industry. It does not endorse any of the providers and is not affiliated by the US government.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Toll Free Telephone Number Prefixes of Other Countries

Jul 1

Posted by virtualphonesystem in 800 Number | 2 Comments

The first use of toll free telephone numbers started in the US in mid-1967 to lessen the need for human switchboard operators. Toll free telephone numbers in North America are occasionally called 1800 numbers after the first 800 prefix that was used in May 2, 1967.

Since then, other prefixes emerged and are now used in Canada and the US: 866, 877 and 888. Other countries have their own toll free customer service number prefix and the following list shows the different prefixes (previously, currently and reserved) used on their networks.

•    Australia – 180
•    Argentina – 0800
•    Austria – 0800
•    Belgium – 0800
•    Brazil – 0800
•    Bulgaria – 0800
•    Chile – 800
•    China – 400, 800, 4001
•    Colombia – 018000
•    Croatia – 0800
•    Czech Republic – 800
•    Denmark – 80
•    Dominican Republic – 1200
•    Egypt – 800
•    Ecuador – 1800
•    France – 0800
•    Finland – 0800
•    Germany – 0130, 0800, 0801
•    Greece – 800, 807
•    Hong Kong – 800
•    Hungary – 80
•    Iceland – 800
•    India – 1800
•    Indonesia – 0800
•    Ireland – 1800
•    Israel – 1800
•    Italy – 1678, 167, 800, 803
•    Japan – 0077, 0120, 0800
•    Malaysia – 1800
•    Mexico – 01800
•    New Zealand – *555, 0508, 0800
•    Netherlands – 0800
•    Norway – 800
•    Pakistan – 0800
•    Philippines – 1800, 1888
•    Poland – 0800
•    Portugal – 800
•    Romania – 08008
•    Russia – 0800, 8800
•    Serbia – 800
•    Singapore – 1800
•    Slovakia – 0800, 0850
•    Slovenia – 080
•    South Africa – 0800
•    South Korea – 080
•    Spain – 800, 900, 909, 1002, 1004, 14xx, 15xx, 16xx
•    Sweden – 020, 0200, 0800
•    Switzerland – 155, 0800
•    Taiwan – 0800, 0809
•    Thailand – 1800
•    Turkey – 0800
•    Ukraine – 0800, 8800
•    UK – 80, 0500, 0800, 0808
•    Vietnam – 1800

Tags: , , , , ,

800 Number Pricing and Cost

Jun 18

Posted by virtualphonesystem in 800 Number | 3 Comments

image courtesy of tenantmail

image courtesy of tenantmail

People as well as the array of businesses use toll free numbers for a number of reasons. International businesses for example, will find it ideal to have this phone service to cater the needs of their overseas customers. And since this special phone numbers are now affordable and easy to acquire, some residents have started using it to provide calling convenience to friends, relatives and other family members residing in another state or abroad.

What are toll free numbers?
Whenever a caller dials the 800 number, the subscriber who owns it will be charged for the cost of the call. These toll free phone numbers uses special area codes or prefix numbers to distinguish them from local area code numbers. Currently used toll free number prefixes in the US are 800, 866, 877 and 888. Once these area codes are exhausted, the future reserved codes that are most likely to be utilized are 822, 833 and 844.

The cost of toll free numbers
Long time ago when land line telephones were the major element of telecommunication, only few businesses can afford the toll free numbers due to the very high cost. The era of the mobile technology on the other hand, paved the way in lowering the cost of toll free numbers. This is significantly because cell phone companies increased the competition against the telephone companies by offering unlimited calling, lower call charges and flexible plans.

Toll free pricing
Different providers offer different 800 numbers pricing depending on the features and plans that goes with it. Searching only using the keywords “toll free number providers” will give lots of results. Toll free plans and prices can cost you for as low as $2.99 a month. Pricing will also depend on the prefix. Some providers may put a higher price on an 800 prefix and lower price on an 866 or 877 prefix.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Top Toll Free Number Providers for Price Affordability

Jun 10

Posted by virtualphonesystem in 800 Number | No Comments

Toll free pricing should be put into consideration when planning to equip the business with toll free numbers. However, not all toll free services are built equal. Evaluating the business telecommunication requirements beforehand can greatly help in coming up with a decision as to what type of toll free plans to acquire. Some of the aspects to consider are: the volume of inbound calls, length of calls and the features to incorporate.

image courtesy of tollfreenumbers

image courtesy of tollfreenumbers

The following list enumerates the top service providers of toll free numbers based on the lowest 800 number plans:

  • AccuDial – offers a cost-effective toll free forwarding service to individuals and businesses with a regular plan of $2.00 a month and ¢5.9 for excess minutes.
  • Grasshopper – standard plan costs $9.95 a month with 1 free toll free number, 100 free minutes and with plenty of features. Unfortunately, they charge $25 for the set-up fee.
  • Kall8 – a provider that offers a flexible basic plan that starts at $2-5 (depending on the prefix) for the monthly fee and set-up fee.
  • PhonePeople – its economy plan costs $9.99 a month that includes 5 extensions, 100 free minutes and enhanced basic features.
  • RingCentral – offers a professional plan at $14.99 a month that features free 100 minutes, 5 extensions, ¢3.9 for additional minutes and unique features. Only the professional plan charges $15 as set-up fee.
  • Virtual PBX – its affordable plan costs $9.99 a month with 100 free minutes, 5 extensions, free set-up and lots of features.

However, affordability may vary depending on the need of each business. That is why providers are offering diverse toll free plans and pricing to help businesses further save on the cost of per-minute charges.

Tags: , , , , ,

The Costs and Benefits When You Get 800 Number

Jun 2

Posted by virtualphonesystem in 800 Number | 2 Comments

One of the most difficult parts in acquiring toll free phone numbers is finding the right provider since not all of them can provide the exact requirements preferred by the subscriber. Most will impose monthly charges that may exceed the projected budget for it. And this may affect the service of the company that is trying to have this service for their customers. Without it, customers would have a difficult time in remembering their number because 800 numbers are designed to be easily memorized. E.G. 800-PLUMBER

For most of the first time toll-free subscribers their frequently asked questions are: How much does it cost? What are the benefits? How to get one?

image courtesy of Ere

image courtesy of Ere

The cost
The cost varies depending on the provider or toll free prefix. A provider can be a local phone company, a dedicated toll-free provider, or a telecommunication service provider. A business can try inquiring on its phone provider if they offer such a service and if they offer a discount. As, for the prefix, the 800 is still the most expensive among the other prefixes – 866, 877 and 888. Typically, the cost of a toll-free service may range from five cents to more than twenty five cents a minute.

The benefits
For some, the cost may not be an issue but the advantages one can benefit are the most important reasons for acquiring such a service. Among the advantages a business can gain are: higher response rates to marketing/advertising; national presence; portability; strong corporate image; instant branding; expanding the reach of marketing; and increase in sales or profits.

Getting one
Toll free numbers do not require extra phone lines. They can be linked with any existing number (cell phone, business or home). A RespOrg or provider can assign toll free numbers to subscribers on a first-come first-serve basis. To acquire one requires the assistance of a potential provider.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Small Business Marketing Tools and Tips

Feb 18

Posted by virtualphonesystem in 800 Number | 7 Comments

Establishing a physical plan for a business is just the start of an entrepreneur worry about launching a company. Aside from this, a new business must create a marketing strategy in order to promote the service or product it offers, so it can acquire customers. Now marketing entails applying different methods. And an established business will have to do them again and again in order for the campaign to reap results.

Most companies nowadays, whether new or established, has their own website. For the most part, the Internet has been an effective and a powerful tool for performing internet marketing. A website can be a business advertising tool to channel and promote almost anything globally. From services, products to sales and special offers. Telephone providers are now providing, along with their phone system, a click-to-call feature that can be embedded on every web page, e-mail signature or other linkable documents to transform a web traffic into a phone call.

A customer service number hot line is another tool a company should have to serve as the gateway for a customer to connect to the business for complaints, orders, sales, inquiries or support. Depending on the necessity, a company can acquire either a local or toll free 800 numbers or both. If a company wants to serve more customers nationwide then a toll free telephone number will do the job. A local number on the other hand is best for serving customers locally on the same area of operation. A voice mail or fax can always be incorporated with these numbers as an added feature.

These are just two, among of the many, tools and tips available that a company can add to strengthen its marketing strategies in order to stay ahead of the competition.

Tags: ,

0800 Numbers Boost Business Image and Accessibility

Dec 29

Posted by virtualphonesystem in 800 Number | 3 Comments

For a business, telephone calls, whether from customers or associates, are as important as the products or services they offer. A business should not neglect the calls they get as much as possible; even if sometimes they may be prank calls or solicitations. This is because these phone calls could be sales, orders, inquiries or confirmations. Envision a customer requiring a crucial order worth thousands of dollars suddenly being canceled due to poor customer service – not a good picture to look at.

That is why it is important for businesses to be concerned with promoting and maintaining healthy communication relationships with their customers. They should try to implement proper and organized communication by utilizing business telecommunication system features such as 0800 numbers or more commonly known as toll free numbers.

Toll free numbers can provide callers a no-cost and continuous phone interaction with their business contacts. These numbers are usually used as a customer support tool. For example if a business is selling computers, it should provide its customers with a toll-free number where they can call anytime for troubleshooting problems, inquiries or additional orders. It is a business must to never give callers a busy phone signal or unattended call as this will drive them away from the business.

Better customer service reflects on the image of the business and this is where an 800 telephone number gives ample assistance. An impressed customer will definitely recommend a business to his/her friends. Thus enabling a business to grow by word of mouth and in return results to increase sales.

Anybody would want to be on top of the competition and this is where 0800 numbers can play its magical role. Better image, accessibility and proper customer support only means that the business is doing its job properly.

Tags: ,