Major Recalls. Get Info Through Toll Free Service

Major recalls announced on a number of products ranging from medicine to baby products. Once again, toll free phone service is allowing consumers to learn more information immediately. Go to http://www.tampabay.com/features/consumer/recalls-over-the-counter-medicine-metal-jewelry-more/1108986 for more info.

Despite Shape Of Economy, Toll Free Applications On The Rise

In the past year, the telecommunications industry has seen a steady increase in toll free subscribers. It appears to be in response to recent reports about the rapid decline of available 800 numbers, coupled with growing public awareness about the effectiveness of having a 1-800 number. A steady stream of requests are pouring in for toll free 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers and applications. In recent years, reports indicate that an average of 8,000 new toll free numbers have been assigned daily. If this number continues to increase, and the reserved 855 numbers are not released, the shortage of available numbers will eventually have a detrimental impact on new businesses.

FEMA Provides Populace With Toll Free Hotline

To address spring and summer flooding and other natural emergencies, FEMS offers a toll free service to provide aide and information. Anyone who has suffered hardships due to a natural emergency can seek assistance. Call 1-800-621-FEMA for more details. Hearing and speech impaired applicants with TTY equipment can call 1-800-462-7585.

Practical Marketing Tip

Interesting post from Practical Ecommerce  (practicalecommerce.com):

Place a toll-free phone number in a large font in the header of your website. You will get a few more phone calls, and that is a good thing. Answering your business phone is your ticket to increasing the average revenue per sale, as the phone is one of the best places a merchant can up-sell.

We completely agree. Toll free telecommunications has a multitude of benefits for every type of business.

Victims of Crime Protected Through Toll Free Number

Crime victims now have more access to information about the custody status of their offenders thanks to a new toll free service provided by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. Citizens can call the LAVNS’ toll-free hot line at 866-LAVNS-4-U to find out if their offender is in jail. They also can register to be notified when that offender is released or if that offender escapes. The victim will receive notification calls regarding the status every half-hour for 48 hours.

New Concern Over Diminishing Supplies of 800 Numbers

Is concern growing about the diminishing stock of 800 numbers? It appears to be. Higher demand for toll free service, especially in this economy, is depleting stocks of good numbers. Studies show that telephone orders can increase up to 60 percent and word of mouth referrals can rise by 200 percent if a toll free number is advertised. These types of statistics bring in thousands of new toll free subscribers every day. And these subscribers want access to a good supply of available numbers.

1-800 Numbers Help Vets Reach Services This Holiday Weekend

This week of July Fourth, veterans’ groups nationwide typically receive twice the number of inquiries and requests for help than at other times of the year. usual. There are numerous veterans advocacy services available through 1-800 phone number inquiries. There are several dozen toll free numbers listed exclusively for organizations and agencies offering some type of service for U.S. veterans. (866-VETS-NJ4U and 800-273-TALK are two examples.)

Any Truth to the Rumors?

Some telecommunications sources are worried that an embargo on new toll free phone service is a real possibility. There is even speculation that could happen this year. Facing a severe shortage of available 800-numbers, a skyrocketing demand for toll free service and an emerging black market for 800 numbers, insiders say some officials feel they are left with no choice but to impose an embargo.

July and No 855 Numbers Yet

Here it is July 1 and we are still waiting for news on the release of the 855 toll free area code telephone numbers. We don’t expect a release in the next few days because of the holiday but earlier this spring we did hear rumors that the new collection of toll free numbers would soon be allowed for use. We also received a tip that there is “testing” of the yet-to-be-released 855 toll free telephone numbers. We didn’t get any specifics on what type of testing is being done on these area code numbers. The new 855 numbers would provide millions of opportunities for subscribers to get new custom toll free phone number for their business or personal use.

Sometimes Toll Free Numbers Are Retired

When an 800 number is disconnected, it goes into what is referred to as the aging process. After several months, it becomes available for use on the 800 Service Management System (SMS/800) database and is up for grabs. The good retired numbers go fast. But the overall percentage of retired numbers is quite low because toll free service is so effective and profitable that businesses, organizations, and non-profits who secure a 1-800 number tend to hold onto it. Even those who take a break from their businesses often hang onto their numbers indefinitely. It costs so little to keep a toll free number that they decide to retain their favored phone number for future use.