How to Create a Toll Free Number

Having a toll-free telephone number will allow your customers to call your business without a charge to them. Typical uses of a toll-free service are for handling inquiries, providing customer support, receiving complaints, making sales and telemarketing. According to the Federal Communications Commission, companies are willing to provide this service to their customers for free as a way to increase sales and customer satisfaction.

Toll-free numbers begin with three-digit codes. The numbers made available to those seeking a toll-free number begin with 800, 888, 877 and 866. It is relatively easy to obtain a toll-free number for your company, but bear in mind, though calls are free to those calling the number, your company actually pays for the calls.

Instructions

1. Visit the 800 Service Management System website and look at the list of RespOrgs. Toll free numbers are obtained through service providers known as RespOrgs (Responsible Organizations). RespOrgs are establishments that have access to the toll-free service database and are designated to manage the records.

2. Choose a RespOrg from the list. You can judge the reliability of RespOrgs by reading reviews in forums, blogs or by asking colleagues who are currently subscribed to a toll-free service. Should you make a mistake of choosing a bad RespOrg, toll-free numbers are portable. This means that you can use the same number even if you transfer to another RespOrg.

3. Choose a toll-free package. RespOrgs offer additional services on top of the basic toll-free calls. Examples of value-added services include the ability to know who is calling and the ability to route the call to a voice mail, if you are not available to take the call. You can also receive fax messages as email attachments. You will be able to route your toll-free number to a mobile phone. You can get a toll-free number directory listing. You can choose flat-rate or per-call charging. Be sure to choose the package appropriate for your business.

4. Fill out the application form. They can either fax or email the application form to you and you will return the form in the same manner. Some RespOrgs have websites where you can enter your information and the application process begins immediately. In many cases, application processing takes about three days.

Tips & Warnings

• Toll-free numbers are also available to individuals. A practical application of this service is to allow a family member to call home without getting charged.

• Toll-Free service subscriptions are also used by businesses to obtain a vanity number. Examples of these are: 1-800-8-CARSERVICE, 1-866-8-PIZZADELIVERY, and 1-888-9-SUPERMARKET. This helps companies look more professional to their clients and these numbers are easier to recall.

• A national toll-free number is different from international toll-free access. Be sure to check with your provider to see if they also offer international toll-free service.

References

• Federal Communications Commission: What is a toll-free number and how does it work?
• Service Management System: SMS/800 FAQ