Toll Free Service Is Essential In The Business World

Toll free service is now a staple of any type of business. Small business owners, following the lead of the CEO’s of nearly half the Fortune 500 companies, are using toll free numbers as a marketing tool. Personal use of toll free numbers has also grown. Estimates indicate that more than two-thirds of the available supply of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are taken. Millions of new subscribers are registering every year.

Realtors Turn to Toll Free in Tough Times

Home prices and sales dropped again in the second quarter of 2009. Realtors throughout the country are tackling the ongoing housing crisis by offering toll free phone numbers. This marketing trend is aimed at helping struggling homeowners contact real estate agents without the burden of costly phone calls. By offering a 1-800 number, realtors can help cash-strapped sellers negotiate a quick sale before they fall into a foreclosure situation. Homeowners in trouble can reach out for free and discuss all their sales options with an experienced realtor.

CNN Business Segment Espouses the Virtues of 1-800 Numbers

Recently a business segment ran on CNN about using strategic marketing–an example the expert used was a 1-800 number- to lure more customers during the economic downturn. On a local level, small businesses can thrive by word of mouth. But once an entrepreneur wants to expand, they need marketing strategies that will reach every potential customer. The expert advised that by offering a toll free number, newer businesses have a better chance to grow into ventures that succeed.

Toll Free Service Has It’s Advantages Over Local Services

Experts say that consumers recognize that many of the advantages of 1-800 numbers outweigh standard local phone service. Toll free service is becoming increasingly common with parents wishing to keep in close contact with children and teens. Businesses with a 1-800 number see increases in sales, word of mouth referrals and a decrease in product returns. Standard local phone service does not provide any of these advantages.

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Telecom Insiders Speak Out

It is important to get the word out about the scarcity of quality toll free numbers. Telecommunications pros are actively spreading the word about the scarcity so that business owners are educated and prepared for the shortfall at a time when they may need toll free service the most. The dearth of available 1-800 numbers comes at a time when economists are advising business owners to shift their marketing tactics to direct response—including using toll free to attract consumers.

FCC May Conserve Limited Toll Free Supply

The stock of available toll free numbers is now so depleted that insiders say government agencies may implement another rationing of the 800, 888, 877, and 866 pre-fixes within months. Rumors of a rationing program have subscribers scrambling to obtain numbers, creating an even more limited supply.

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Toll Free Sellers/Hoarders Face Steep Penalties

By law, phone numbers cannot be sold or brokered. In 1997, the FCC made the sale of 800 numbers illegal. Because of the short supply of available numbers, complaints were pouring in at that time that price gouging for the popular numbers was becoming a common practice. The FCC acted quickly, prohibiting sales.

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Frequency of Fiber Optic Usage Increases in Telecommunications Industry

Hearing more and more about fiber optics lately. Fiber optics used for telecommunications is still considered more reliable than VoIP, particularly for long distance calls, because it allows for longer intervals of signal transmission without interruptions. Fiber optics provides a quality connection that ensures clarity in every call. With this technology, optical fibers are used instead of metal, reducing lost connections from electromagnetic interference. Fiber optics is also considered more secure. It is difficult, if not impossible, to detect motion through the fibers. This reduces concerns over phone calls being improperly monitored.

Say Goodbye to the Traditional Office

A recent article in the Times brought to light the new trend toward mobile offices replacing the traditional office space. Professionals and salespersons are ditching their expensive office space and running their business from their cars. With a laptop, cell phone and a toll free number, they can travel anywhere and stay in touch with clients. No rent, no utility bill. Everything they need is in their vehicle and with a toll free number, customers and clients can reach them anywhere at any time. When they go home, the whole office goes inside with them.

Demand For 866 Numbers Is Up

Experts recommend that anyone wishing to obtain a, 866 toll free number secure one immediately. With a limited number of toll free possibilities, the finite numerical supply is nearly expended. Companies like AT&T and Verizon can quickly secure a number for any subscriber, then offer low rates, a variety of services and reliable fiber optic connections.

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