what to do for a phone number?

Two options. Google Voice or Skype. Google Voice is free and Skype you can rent an inbound number for cheap. The only issue you have with both of them is if they have numbers in your area. I can't use them for my business since not having a local number is actually a deal killer where I live. Less of an issue for ecommerce.

You could get an 800 # with a professional sounding voice mail message. Check it when you can . Return any important calls at the end of your day. Grasshopper offers the service at around $23 a month, much less than getting a business line from the phone company since you only receive calls on the number and don't make them.

Depends on how you really want to handle the calls I think. I have used Skype in the past for a nice looking phone number and was able to take messages and then respond as quickly as possible. This was good for when I wasn't receiving many calls.

Try someone like tollfreeforwarding.com, get a 1800 or local area if they have it and forward it to their voicemail system making sure you have a nice professional voicemail message.

Any new messages left by callers will be emailed to you.

Rob

Google Voice is the easy way. You can also go the Twilio and OpenVBX route as well. A bit more work, but a lot of power if you want to put the work in it. Frankly, I'd do Google Voice to start.

A few options would be Google Voice (not my personal favorite but it gets the job done if needed), Callfire is another great choice, they have a free plan and $3 phone numbers, or evoice which is around $9 a month if I'm not mistaken.

- Dan

i been using tollfreeforwarding.com for about 4 months now.. 1 word --> "great" .

Check out this site: We Compare Toll Free Number Providers | Toll Free Compare

I've heard good things about grasshopper.

Hi tbk125:
I use "Magic Jack" for my business phone. It's internet telephony. They offer 2 different hardware devices. I have both. With the one unit you plug the unit into a usb port in your computer. Then you plug a telephone line w/phone in the other side of hardware. With the other model, you plug it it a wall (electric) outlet. The hardware has plugins on both ends. You have to run a cord from your hi-speed / dsl modem to the one end of the Magic Jack. Then plug your telephone cord w/phone into the other end. I use a phone I bought at Walmart for $8.00. The quality is 100%. It sound as good as any land line.
The first time that I bought the "Magic Jack" it was the unit that plugs into a usb port on your computer. I bought it at Radio Shack. This one I use for my business.
After I used it for a couple of years; I bought the model that plugs into the wall (electric wall outlet). And I fired my phone company .
After you buy the "Magic Jack" the first year to use it, is free. Then it is $30.00 a yr. or $20.00 a year If you pay for 5 years in advance. This is what I do ... the five year plan. It's unlimited calling in the USA 24/7.
I've been using the "Magic Jack" for atleast 4 years now ... I have no complaints. I have no problem recommending it.

get one off of tossable digits, and foward it to your cell, get a 800 # or 866
the show private Callers names ,

Just one more note.

If you're looking for a local number, Google Voice may not be the one for you. They appear to be out of numbers in a number of locations.

Meanwhile, Twilio has a much larger selection of numbers and a very low cost as well. One dollar a month for the number plus whatever you actually use at a low per-minute rate as well. Twilio can be set up for forwarding to your phone or an answering service, and can also be used for SMS messaging just by setting the number up differently. And their support is absolutely stellar!

Yes, Twilio is the right option, also you will get the facility to send sms messages and many other features of Twilio Services. You also set up call forwarding for you.

I use Google Voice and it's really easy to configure.

For those who are using majic jack do you have a 800 number attached to it?