| There are several types of businesses on the | | | | feel for who you are, and in the process, |
| market... from the traditional brick and | | | | develop a sense of security and trust in both |
| mortar, to the dot coms. But does your | | | | you and your business. |
| business really need a toll free number? That | | | | |
| depends on a number of factors, such as: | | | | Do you have a business that requires more |
| | | | contact with your clients? Say to customize a |
| | | | product or service, based on your client's |
| | | | needs? Speaking to that client one-on-one |
| - Do you only market your business to local | | | | leaves little room for mistakes and |
| customers, clients, or businesses? | | | | misinterpretations. |
| | | | |
| - Is most of your business done on an | | | | Do you have a business where you are |
| international scale versus a national scale? | | | | constantly away from the desk? Having a cell |
| | | | phone is a great idea to stay in touch with |
| - Do you have an online business that leaves | | | | your clients, but what if most of your |
| little room for personal contact? | | | | clients are out of state? Having a |
| | | | forwardable toll free number directed to your |
| - Are your products special orders, in which | | | | cell phone means that you never lose another |
| others have to give specific instructions? | | | | business call. |
| | | | |
| - Do you have a business, where you are | | | | If you have employees, such as salespeople, |
| constantly on the go and away from the | | | | do they call you collect or use a calling |
| office? | | | | card? What happens when those calling cards |
| | | | run out or they don't have any change? They |
| - Do you have employees that do a lot of | | | | have to check in by calling collect, don't |
| traveling and call you collect or using a | | | | they? Over time, having a toll free number |
| calling card? | | | | can save your company big bucks. |
| | | | |
| To answer these questions, let's take them | | | | If you decide that a toll free number is best |
| one by one. If you only market your business | | | | for your business, there are several options |
| locally, and you do not have any intentions | | | | you can choose: |
| of marketing it nationally or | | | | |
| internationally, you do not need a toll free | | | | Order a T-1 line from your local phone |
| number. | | | | company -- you have to have a traditional |
| | | | brick and mortar business for this and it can |
| If your business is mostly done via | | | | be very costly. |
| international avenues, you may want to think | | | | |
| twice about the cost involved in having a | | | | Order a "Stand Alone" Toll Free Number -- you |
| toll free number. For instance, if you are | | | | can use your "fixed" phone line and have a |
| based within the US, and the majority of your | | | | toll free number forwarded or redirected to |
| clientele comes from overseas, a toll free | | | | that number. Your clients and customers never |
| number can become very costly. However, if | | | | have to know that you did this. |
| you are based with the United States, and you | | | | |
| have mixed clientele, both internationally | | | | Order a "Forwardable" Toll Free Number -- you |
| and nationally, it may be advantageous to get | | | | can have your toll free number moved as often |
| a toll free number. In fact, some companies | | | | as you like. Forward it to your home phone, |
| have the option of blocking certain phone | | | | office phone, cell phone, hotel room, or |
| numbers and locations from using your toll | | | | wherever else you may be. This is the |
| free number (such as Kall 8). | | | | ultimate option for home businesses and |
| | | | businesses on the go. |
| If you have an online business, it's a good | | | | |
| idea to get a toll free number. Having a toll | | | | The most important thing to remember, is that |
| free number can make or break a sale. | | | | every business can use a little help. If you |
| | | | feel that a toll free number can help your |
| Often, customers have questions and concerns | | | | business, order one today. |
| about ordering your product and service and | | | | |
| having a toll free number eases their minds, | | | | Make sure that the toll free number you order |
| while making you look more professional. | | | | is one that you like, as you will be putting |
| | | | that number on all your business and |
| Not having a toll free number doesn't mean | | | | promotional materials, as well as your |
| that you will lose that sale, as the customer | | | | website. (This really refers to Vanity |
| or client can just as easily email you. | | | | numbers, like 1800 CALL ATT.) |
| However, human beings are naturally inclined | | | | |
| to do business with someone they know, versus | | | | And finally, make sure that you can squeeze |
| someone they don't. Being able to hear your | | | | that number into your business budget. |
| voice allows potential customers to get a | | | | |