An 800 number, also called a toll-free phone number, allows long-distance calling, with the recipient being charged for the call instead of the caller. Get one by choosing a service provider, picking a prefix, and creating an account. 800 numbers enable small businesses to project an image of a large, reputable company and make a great marketing tool since they’re easy to remember. Continue reading to explore the steps for how to get an 800 number.
Step 1: Choose a Service Provider
For those who don’t have phone service yet, many voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) phone systems providers can help set up your 800 number. They include a free 800 number as part of their monthly subscriptions and let you purchase additional phone numbers.
If you already have a phone subscription, you may inquire how to get an 800 phone number through their service. You might get a better price deal if you’re an existing customer. If not, consider a standalone toll-free number provider that charges a flat, one-time fee to secure an 800 phone number. If you opt for a third-party provider, port the number to your existing phone service.
Many cloud phone providers offer VoIP phone features to make the most out of your subscription. If you’re keen to get an 800 number for your business, consider these VoIP providers:
Toll-free Number Providers | Monthly Starting Price (per User) | Key Features | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $23 |
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 | $19.95 |
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 | $18 (Flat-rate) |
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 | $30 |
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 | $25 |
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 | $19 |
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Step 2: Pick a Toll-free Prefix
The second step in getting an 800 number is to choose a toll-free prefix, or the first three digits of the number. These are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888—with 800 being the most popular. A national registry lists all the country’s toll-free numbers. Responsible Organizations (RespOrg) are the phone carriers that manage the registration and distribute numbers to various businesses. Number ownership depends on who comes first to get the number.
Choose among the toll-free numbers available on 800.com. (Source: 800.com)
Since toll-free numbers are on a first-come, first-served basis, be open to multiple number options in case your preferred digits are already taken. One way to approach it is to customize the rest of the numbers once you’ve decided on a toll-free prefix. Spell out a word associated with your brand or industry, say, 1-800-CLEANUP or 1-877-ROOFING, or use repeating numbers, like 1-800-777-7777.
A virtual phone number provider like 800.com lets businesses secure toll-free numbers with its easy-to-use number lookup tool. It readily generates a list of available phone numbers and features a button for refreshing the number inventory to explore more batches of number options.
Step 3: Set Up Your Account
After subscribing to a service provider and choosing a toll-free prefix, the final step to get an 800 number for business is to create an account. Download the service provider’s mobile or desktop apps to register and log in. Refer to the phone number settings to see the registered numbers for your account. If you need more guidance on how to obtain an 800 number, browse through the self-help resources on your service provider’s website.
Create an account with 800.com to successfully claim your 800 number. (Source: 800.com)
Who Needs a Toll-free Number?
An 800 phone number is ideal for any business wanting to establish a national presence. Instead of tying your brand to a specific area code, toll-free numbers project an image that a company is capable of serving customers across the country. If you plan on expanding into new areas, 800 numbers boost brand credibility and client engagement in new markets.
Toll-free numbers can also track the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Assigning 800 numbers to a website, billboard, or print ad lets you identify which marketing channel a call came from. Check out our video below to better understand how to get an 800 number for your business.
Benefits of Having an 800 Number
Toll-free services have provided customers with a free and convenient way to contact businesses. They positively affect every aspect of a company, including its marketing efforts, customer service, and brand credibility. Thus, knowing how to get a 1-800 number for your business proves valuable in the long run.
- Enhance credibility: Customers associate toll-free numbers with large companies with a national audience. Thus, 800 numbers help establish a reputation for serving several customers.
- Gain mobility and portability: Toll-free numbers have no geographical restrictions, allowing you to answer business calls anywhere. They are set up in a way that makes it easy to transfer calls to an internet protocol (IP) phone or personal phone. Even if you change providers, you can take your number with you via number porting.
- Be easily remembered: According to 800.com, toll-free vanity numbers use a neuroscience approach called memory chunking. A vanity number enables the brain to associate the words and digits with the brand, making the numbers themselves difficult to forget. So, if customers can remember your business phone number, you will be at the top of their minds, and it’s easy for them to reach you anytime.
- Track marketing campaigns: Attributing toll-free numbers to a specific marketing campaign allows you to measure its impact based on the number of incoming calls. According to toll-free number provider 800.com, vanity phone numbers increase call rates by as much as 84% for billboard and print ads, 58% for radio and television commercials, and 20% for online ads.
Alternatives to Toll-free Numbers
Other forms of virtual phone numbers—like local, vanity, and international numbers—open countless opportunities to businesses with unique needs. Before picking a phone number, consider these popular options:
Other Types of Virtual Phone Numbers | Function | Top Phone Number Providers |
|---|---|---|
Local Numbers | A local phone number is typically included with a VoIP service. You choose a phone number with a local prefix from the region where your business is located. You can also expand to other places by selecting local phone numbers in states where you want to reach a new market. |
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Vanity Numbers | Vanity phone numbers are custom phone numbers that typically spell out a memorable word or phrase. They work with a local area code or toll-free number prefixes (e.g., 212-NY-PIZZA and 1-800-FLOWERS). Most businesses choose vanity numbers to increase brand awareness and make customers easily remember their contact numbers. |
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International Numbers | If you want to expand your business overseas, international numbers help establish a local presence in other countries without actually opening an office. This encourages foreign clients to call your business without worrying about expensive international charges. |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The cost of an 800 number varies across service providers, but most VoIP services include a free 800 number with their monthly subscription plan, which typically costs $18 to $50 per user. For additional numbers, expect to pay from $5 to $10 a month. Standalone toll-free number providers charge between $10 to $20 per user, per month.
Calling an 800 number is completely free of charge if you’re calling within the US and Canada. However, getting one involves associated fees, depending on the provider and the service plan you choose. Apart from the monthly subscription, 800 number providers may charge a one-time activation fee and per-minute costs for incoming calls.
Definitely! Toll-free numbers are beneficial for small businesses looking to project the image of a larger, well-established company. They boost brand credibility and make your business more memorable to customers.
Bottom Line
Getting a business phone number or an 800 number enhances your brand image and helps you connect with your audience in a way that improves customer service. It builds up a business’ reputation, enabling it to serve a huge client base while allowing callers to reach out to the business without being charged. Subscribe to a virtual phone system today to access a vast catalog of toll-free numbers and call management capabilities.
