In today’s economy, it’s important to make your business seem like number one. That means as a small 1-5 person business, you need to look and sound as professional as the big guys. An 800 number can not only help you sound bigger but can also make life easier for everyone. Here are seven reasons your small business should have an 800 number:
An 800 number centralizes your business. Even if your employees are located in five different states, you still only need one number.
It’s easier for customers to remember your number, especially when you use vanity numbers (think 1-800-Flowers).
Customers are more likely to call an 800 number simply because it’s free!
You own your 800 number. Change businesses, locations, etc…the number is still yours.
They are easily transferable. Your business has grown tenfold and you need a bigger phone system but you don’t want to have to change your number. Good news, you don’t have to! Take it with you.
Posted in Small Business, Toll Free & Local Numbers | Tagged 800 number, Toll Free Numbers, virtual number, virtual phone number | Leave a comment
Here at Grasshopper we get a lot of questions from people who want an 800 number but they aren’t sure about the specifics. To help, we’ve included five of the most frequently asked questions below. Have a question that isn’t on here? Feel free to leave a comment or contact our awesome customer support team 24/7 (800-820-8210).
You have 888 numbers listed. Are they the same as 800?
888, 877, 866 and 800 numbers are all toll free prefixes that work exactly the same way. A number with an “800″ prefix is simply called a “true” 800 number.
Can I buy an 800 number from another company and use it with Grasshopper?
We know how important a phone number can be to your business and that’s why we try to make transferring numbers easy. You can transfer any toll free number to Grasshopper, ensuring marketing materials, contact infor, etc won’t have to be changed.
We do ask that you allow up to three (3) weeks for transferring. The number will not be transferred before all of the necessary paperwork is submitted and verified complete.
So, if I get an 800 number do I own it or does Grasshopper?
Once an 800 number has been assigned to you, you’ll have ownership of it. If you decide to
Posted in Toll Free & Local Numbers | Tagged 800 number, Toll Free Numbers | Leave a comment
We all know toll free numbers have become a staple in business communication over the past 35 years. However, as more and more people buy them, the less numbers there are for new businesses.
As a way to ensure toll free numbers remain available, the FCC intermittently releases new toll free prefixes based on demand. In 1996, 888 numbers were released, in 1998, 877 numbers were released and most recently, in 2000, 866 numbers were released.
Release of the 855 Prefix
The latest news indicates that 855 prefixes are the next to be released, meaning over 7 million new toll free numbers will be available to our customers. While there is no set date for this, the announcement is positive for companies looking to acquire toll free numbers and especially for those looking to purchase vanity numbers.
Grasshopper will keep you up to date on any new developments regarding 855 numbers. In the meantime, if you have any questions about toll free numbers, local numbers or the Grasshopper virtual phone system, please feel free to contact us 24/7 at 800-820-8210.
Posted in Toll Free & Local Numbers | Tagged 800 number, Toll Free Numbers | Leave a comment
When you start a business there are obviously a number of things you need to think about. One of these things is your phone system. While it may seem fine to start with your cell phone, eventually you will want to expand, have a dedicated number, hire employees and so on. Using your personal cell phone probably isn’t going to work for long.
What is it you will really need though? A big expensive PBX system? An extra phone line? A virtual phone system is a low cost solution that may be exactly what you need.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing your phone system & plan:
Phone Numbers
Your phone number is the first thing to consider and hopefully will stay with you as your business grows. Your phone number will be how your customers communicate with you.
Posted in Small Business | Tagged 800 number, Local Numbers, Small Business, Toll Free Numbers, vanity numbers, virtual phone number, virtual phone system | 1 Comment
While we have an FAQ section on the site, I thought we could address a few things specifically about 800 numbers right here on the blog.
Here are a few common facts about 800 numbers that you may not know. 
A “true” 800 number is simply a toll free number with an “800″ prefix.
You own your 800 number.
800 numbers are portable. If you change service providers, you can take your 800 number with you.
800 numbers that spell out a company name, product, etc are called “vanity numbers”.
800 numbers have been around for over 35 years.
800 numbers are regulated by the FCC.
800, 888, 866 & 877 are all toll free numbers. The only difference is the numbers themselves.
800 numbers can be used for home numbers as well as business numbers.
Posted in Toll Free & Local Numbers | Tagged 800 number, Toll Free Numbers, vanity numbers, virtual number, virtual phone number | 1 Comment ← Older posts Newer posts →
