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Are toll free (800, 888, etc) out of date?

by mmixon
7 replies
I have 2 business lines on voip, and I have maintained a 1-800 toll free number on each line for over 10 years. I am considering dropping the toll free numbers because most everyone has a cell phone now that calls nationwide.
Just wanted to ask your opinion.
#800 #888 #date #free #toll
  • Profile picture of the author jordorules
    Depends on where you are coming from. Are you using the toll free numbers to make it easier for your customers to reach you or are you just using it as a regular phone number? If it's for customers I'd keep it especially if they have your number for the last ten years. If I where you I'd keep it especially if it's a vanity toll free number.

    J
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Burritt
    Banned
    Good question. I used a couple 800 numbers on local biz marketing sites, and haven't had many calls. Most people just call the local phone number, because most people use their cell phone and there's no long-distance charge.
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    • Profile picture of the author mtpm3737
      Yes, good question. I'm watching to see what others have to say. I have an 866 number that ends in my company name that I have had for a while. Most people just use cell phones now and can call for free so they don't need the toll free numbers anymore. Besides, it costs me when they call. So I am also considering dropping the toll-free numbers. I'll be watching this thread.
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      • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
        I think it depends on what roll your 800 number plays in your business. For example:

        I'll give you the positives and negatives based on what you've shared.

        Reasons for Keeping It

        If you've had the number for 10 years I'd think very carefully about trashing it. Especially, if it's a number prospects call for information before they make a buying decision. You could lose prospects/sales.

        Because despite not being charged to call regular numbers, an 800 number still rings (pardon the pun) credibility to prospects far more than 349-457-9732 does.

        When a person sees 800-xxx they "feel" they're calling a business ( or a person serious about his business) ... And not someone's cell while they're shaving, although they could be.

        It could also give you a slight edge if most of your competitors don't have one.

        Reasons for Dropping It.

        But if ...
        • You're not getting those many calls and you never expect to (although that's kind of negative).
        • Your sales don't depend on phone calls.
        • Your customers mainly use it for tech or customer support.
        • The cost is straining your budget.
        or
        • The cost/benefit ratio is extremely lopsided to the negative.

        Good Luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author Curtis2011
    Not sure about 1-800 versus a normal number.

    But I've heard from many people that own businesses that having some kind of phone number is necessary if you want to sell products to older people, since many older people are not comfortable paying online and would prefer a phone number to buy from.
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  • Profile picture of the author Greg Roth
    I do marketing consulting for a telecom SaaS company and I can tell you that even today the demand for toll free numbers is still huge. In fact, because of the demand the FCC is getting ready to release 833 toll free numbers because 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, and 844 toll free numbers are running low.
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  • Profile picture of the author RichSerafini
    As a consumer, if I'm calling in the USA (where I am)- it does not matter to me. I'll dial their local number or their toll free.
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