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What do I need to think of buying a US 1800 number?

by Vincent Sparreboom
17 replies
Hi Guys,

I'm thinking of buying/renting a US 1800 number but I don't know what the differences are between the many packages.

I think the best solution for me as a European would be that they would leave their message and that I would be notified via email that I have a new voicemail message.

I'm curious; what's your experience with the different providers and what are the best solutions and providers to consider. Or perhaps Skype is a good solution; I don't know what kind of number you get with them when you pay for a subscription.

Thanks!

Vincent
#1800 #buying #number
  • Profile picture of the author dvduval
    I'd like to know the answer to this as well (and I'm in the US). I am also wondering if Google Voice is going to be helpful to people like me that want an 800 number (or similar). I love the idea that all messages are transcribed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Maria Gudelis
    Google Voice looks like an interesting thing to try out!

    for 1-800 numbers - I've had then since 2003 and find them very effective for my businesses. It provides professionalism and makes it easy for you as a small company/entrepreneur to be perceived as 'bigger' and get more sales/customers.

    I use patlive for live answering (they take tele orders as well and make appts for you) and send your messages to you via email so u can act on it right away. Prices run from $100 per month to $150 per month.

    For simple cost effective solution 'i just need the number and getting vm is fine to my email box) - then

    Maxemail is a great solution - like $10 or so per month - I use that too.

    There are other solutions you can use as well..

    MagicJack - I use it for personal long distance calls etc. and know some use it for a business as u can get a local number as well which is good if u pursue local business...

    Cheers, Maria
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  • Profile picture of the author stefanjames
    When I got my 800 number all you really need is the basic package depending on the volume of calls you receive.
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  • Profile picture of the author ajldomains
    A good solution for overseas people:

    Get a Magic Jack at:

    Magic Jack dot com

    Then get a "pay as you go" at 1800now dot com and forward your 800 number to your Magic Jack Number.

    Hope this helps and it will not cost you a bundle!

    Jim
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  • Profile picture of the author Qaisar
    I recommend ringcentral.com. You can get an 800 number and set up various call answering rules and have calls diverted to any other number, so you can have a virtual office and if you want to you can outsource call answering, its an awesome service
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    • Profile picture of the author Vincent Sparreboom
      Google Voice might be interesting too, didn't know this one.

      Thanks Qaisar and ajldomains for the tips, I'm having a closer look at those.
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    • Profile picture of the author Vincent Sparreboom
      Originally Posted by Qaisar View Post

      I recommend ringcentral.com. You can get an 800 number and set up various call answering rules and have calls diverted to any other number, so you can have a virtual office and if you want to you can outsource call answering, its an awesome service
      I have been looking at ringcentral.com and it looks pretty good. Any things I need to know about them?
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      "Eccentricity is not, as dull people would have us believe, a form of madness. It is often a kind of innocent pride, and the man of genius and the aristocrat are frequently regarded as eccentrics because genius and aristocrat are entirely unafraid of and uninfluenced by the opinions and vagaries of the crowd." :Edith Sitwell
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  • Profile picture of the author blagoj
    Check out hostgator - hostgator.com/popup/toll-free-number.html if you need hosting + free toll-free number with the business plan.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Originally Posted by blagoj View Post

      Check out hostgator - hostgator.com/popup/toll-free-number.html if you need hosting + free toll-free number with the business plan.
      What kind of experience do you have with it? I'd be also interested in something similar solution.

      Thanks,

      Sandor
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      • Profile picture of the author blagoj
        My site phpweby.com is hosted on hostgator, they are really great so far.
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  • Profile picture of the author BizBooks
    AT&T has a website where you can find out which toll free numbers are available.

    AT&T Toll-Free Number Look-Up Tool

    you can wildcard search...

    an 800 number is free to own you only pay per call... so it pays to have one, if only even for emergency use for you own family if nothing else!
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  • Profile picture of the author BizBooks
    you can also forward your 800 number to a voip or skype line... or even a number in a different country!
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Hi Blagoj and BizBooks,

      Thank you for your suggestion. I'll give it a try in the near future.

      Cheers,

      Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author Vincent Sparreboom
    I second that, thanks!
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    Follow me @ http://www.twitter.com/promedia
    "Eccentricity is not, as dull people would have us believe, a form of madness. It is often a kind of innocent pride, and the man of genius and the aristocrat are frequently regarded as eccentrics because genius and aristocrat are entirely unafraid of and uninfluenced by the opinions and vagaries of the crowd." :Edith Sitwell
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  • Profile picture of the author BizBooks
    Kesennem, Sandor.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Originally Posted by BizBooks View Post

      Kesennem, Sandor.
      Szivesen, Izzy! (szivesen meanings: with pleasure)

      Cheers,

      Sandor
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      sig is sleeping
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  • Profile picture of the author Qaisar
    Not really its pretty simple and straightforward, Ive got no complaints.

    Once you sign up you have an online dashboard where you can set up your call answering and forwarding options. I think there is a monthly option in case you just want to try it out.
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