While watching TV or on a billboard advertisement, you must have heard/seeing some sort of unique telephone number – 1-8XX, XXXX. These numbers don’t look like the numbers we use. They contain special digit patterns and claims to be toll-free that makes us curious to call over them.
833, 855, 800, 844, and 888 are some of the most common codes in these types of a toll-free number. Though it may sound like a mere marketing gimmick from the surface, it is actually beneficial for all customers. That is why businesses that are customer-centric use them everywhere.
But why are toll-free 833, 855, 800, 844, and 888 numbers so popular? Do they really help a business?
All these and many more questions will be answered in this article. So, let’s get started.
What are the toll-free numbers?
Toll-free numbers are a type of business phone number that allows a caller to call without bearing any call incurring charges. In regular calling, the one who calls bears the calling cost and the receiver is free from this unless it’s an in-roaming or international call.
But, toll-free numbers are different in this case. Instead of the caller (customers), the call incurring cost comes on the shoulders of the receiver (business) with a toll-free number.
Does a toll-free number really make a difference for a business?
Yes, in fact, it makes a huge difference. When customers are free from call incurring charges, they don’t hesitate to contact the respective business. This leads to better customer engagement and interaction.
Also, it gives a business a professional image and helps it to firm its feet in the market easily. Using the toll-free number for business purposes can also improve customer churn and customer satisfaction. As they are national numbers, businesses can use a single toll-free number for all the business locations. It further leads to the integrity of the business.
Are toll-free numbers free from everyone?
It entirely depends upon the business that owns it. For instance, toll-free 800 is free for US and Canada callers. However, if the owner business doesn’t have any customer base in Canada then it can put restrictions on the toll-free number.
Here, the business will decide for whom the toll-free number should be toll-free in the actual sense. A business can opt for calls coming from a particular geographical location and deny paying for them.
Can you send messages from toll-free numbers?
Yes, toll –free numbers can be used to send messages unless their calling plan includes this facility. Even your customers can also text your back if your toll-free number is text-enabled.
What are 833, 855, 800, 844, and 888 toll-free numbers?
833, 855, 800, 844, and 888 are the area code or prefixes used in the United States, Canada and all the countries covered by the North American Numbering Plan. Let’s know little more about these toll-free prefixes.
Toll-free 800 – Toll-free 800 is the first area code that came into being when the toll-free number concept was launched in 1966. It is one of the most widely used and common toll-free area codes.
Because of this only, all the possible combinations of toll-free 800 have been assigned already. Hence, the new area coded like 833, 855,844, and 888 was launched later.
Toll-free 888 – Seeing the huge popularity of toll-free 888, toll-free 855 prefixes was launched in 1996.
Toll-free 855 – Launched in 2000, toll-free 855 is the third area code that came into being.
Toll-free 844 – Toll-free 844 prefix was launched in the year 2013 and it is not assigned to any of the geographical area of the particular time zone.
Toll-free 833 – Toll-free 833 is the newest of all and was launched in 2017 when all the pre-launched area codes were not sufficient to cater to the growing demand of toll-free numbers by the businesses.
How toll-free numbers are assigned?
‘Responsible Organizations’ or ‘RespOrgs’ are the entities that handle the toll-free distribution and allotment. They use the ‘first-come, first-served’ philosophy to assign the toll-free number. The reason for this is the restrictions implemented by the FCC on all the RespOrgs.
As per FCC rules, RespOrgs are not allowed to do warehousing the toll-free numbers. A RespOrgs can’t reverse a toll-free number in advance unless there is an actual toll-free subscriber. Those who ignore this restriction and still reserve the toll-free numbers are subjected to penalties.
These RespOrgs have valid access to toll-free number database maintained Somos, Inc., administrator of the toll-free number database, and are aware of the live status of every area code.
If you want to purchase a toll-free number for your business then you need to contact any of the leading RespOrg, inquire about various toll-free plans and area code available, and them make a purchase.
In the year 2018, FCC arranged a nationwide auction of 17,000+ toll-free numbers in the U.S. In the same auction area code 833 was launched.
Toll-free numbers are indeed a great way to rule over the customers’ hearts and have a professional image. So, get one for you and lead the way.