Toll-free numbers don’t just benefit people who call them – they can be fantastic for businesses, too! If you run your own business, you might just find that you get more calls than a little if your telephone number is free to dial! Let’s take a look at a few fun facts about toll-free numbers that might just surprise you.
1. Toll-free numbers are available to just about everyone.
Toll-free numbers aren’t difficult to arrange on the whole – they’re no longer considered luxury options only available to a select audience!
2. Virtual is the way to go!
It’s always a good idea to look into virtual numbers. Virtual numbers are those that are based without any kind of tethered landline. That means you can have a toll free number with a London dialing code and be based in New York! In fact, all toll-free numbers are untethered – there’s no need for a physical office.
3. Marketing matters.
Toll-free numbers are not only popular because they’re free to call, but because people remember them. There’s no doubt a few 1-800 numbers you remember from TV commercials you’ve seen over the years!
4. It’s all about caller psychology!
Toll-free numbers are great advertising tools – for reasons of memorability as well as freedom from charge. If your company has a freephone number, you’re already appealing to a certain audience.
5. Who pays the toll, then?
When you call a toll-free number, the business you call pays for the duration and the connection.
Businesses can pay for toll-free numbers in packages and in credit, meaning they are always covered to pay for customers’ calls as much or as little as they need.
6. Got a few million lying around…?
Not all toll-free numbers are cheap – the really expensive ones have unique call signs and even letters in them! For example, remember the toll-free number 1-800 YELLOW PAGES? That cost A&T over $1.3 million – a huge investment!
7. Who are toll-free numbers aimed at?
Toll-free numbers can benefit business owners who only have cellphone lines for customers to call. Toll-free lines can therefore appear more professional and more steadfast (again, it’s all in the marketing!).
8. Prefixes will vary depending on where you are.
If you’re in the UK, you’ll find the toll-free number prefix to be 0800. In the US, as mentioned, it’s 1-800. Similar enough!
9. AT&T created toll-free connectivity.
AT&T, as well as having shelled out over a million dollars for a Yellow Pages call sign, are in fact credited with having created toll free numbers, period. The first toll free lines started appearing in the mid 1960s.
10. A bygone era!
Before toll free numbers, all your calls were routed through and rooted to an operator – do you even remember asking an operator to connect your call? Some do!
11. Keep an eye on your bills.
Toll free lines and numbers are free for the majority of the time, however, they may become chargeable in some instances – such as if you call from overseas, or via cellphone.
12. The FCC will connect your US business toll-free.
If you’re based in the US, you’ll normally need to reach out to the FCC if you want to set up a toll free line for your business. In the UK, it’s much easier – weirdly enough.
FAQs about Toll-Free Numbers
Are toll free numbers free to call from abroad?
Not normally - a national toll free line is only ever likely to be free if you are calling from within that country - charges will likely apply overseas.
Can I call 1-800 numbers from the UK?
You can, but they won’t be free - check with your telephone provider regarding charges and rates for this type of connection before you dial.
Can I call a toll free number from my WhatsApp account?
No - in fact, unless you have a number added to your contact list, WhatsApp won’t let you call it. That’s because WhatsApp is geared more towards voice and text chatting.
Do you know any interesting facts about toll-free numbers? Share them in the comments below!
Resources worth checking out:
phonestar.co.uk – provider of UK freephone numbers with no monthly fees.
planet.uk – provides phone services from all over the world.
