Many businesses use 800 numbers to save their customers the cost of long-distance fees when calling the company. 800 numbers are easily obtained through various 800 number providers. The key is to shop around and get the best rate for the toll-free number. Examples of toll-free number providers are Phone People, RingCentral and TollFreeNumbers.com (see Resources for links.)
Once the 800 number has been ordered and secured through a provider, the voice mail is set up for the number and calls are forwarded to a working telephone for the business. The business may choose to have all toll-free calls go directly to the designated voice mail box, or they may have the calls forwarded to the chosen business phone.
Shop around and select the best toll-free number provider for your business.
Complete the application. Most have an online application process.
Designate the phone the toll-free calls will forward to and associate this number with the new toll-free number in the application.
Provide payment arrangements and complete the order process.
Set up the voice mail box on the toll-free number. Set all configuration options for forwarding and voice mail. Many services have a web-based interface for setting up the toll-free service details.
Begin using your new 800 number for your business.
Tips
Many toll-free services use 866, 877 and 888 prefixes -- as well as other configurations.
References
Photo Credits
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