How To Get a Personal 800 Number
Personal 800 numbers make staying in touch with family, friends and even clients hassle-free. The types of personal 800 numbers you can sign up for include 800, 888, 877 and 866. However, you can also choose a vanity (1-800-Michelle) or customized number for your business such as 1-800-DECORATOR.
Decide if an 800 number is right for you. The reasons for taking up a personal 800 number vary, but sometimes include:
Telecommunication experts are predicting that the traditional home phone will be replaced within five years by portable telecommunication systems. Personal 800 numbers can provide one number directed to a cell phone rather than needing to pay both house (and/or office) and cell phone subscriptions.
Decide which features you need. Personal 800 numbers are available through various companies and plans, meaning that you need to choose the plan and costs that best suit your needs. Some of the options available in personal 800 plans are:
Choose an 800 service company. The Federal Communication Commission oversees the regulations and providers of personal 800 numbers. This means that the competition and quality of services have a government watchdog. The toll free numbers all come from a central database, which each personal 800 number provider accesses for each new subscription. The public can find toll free number providers at BestTollFree800Numbers
Personal 800 numbers are transferable between providers, meaning that you can keep the same number even if you choose to change your subscription provider. All charges for the calls are paid for by the subscriber and not the caller and many providers allow subscribers to sign up online. Activation varies from immediate to 2-3 business days.
Most personal 800 number providers have international call plans so that their customers can route the toll free number to a number anywhere in the world. You can also choose whether or not to include your personal 800 number in directory listings. If you are a business thinking of taking up the option of a toll free number, take into consideration that any overseas clients will not be able to dial a toll free number.
My advice is to first decide the type of plan you need for your personal 800 and then research providers for the most suitable plan and best pricing available. The reasons for taking up a personal 800 number are numerous and the options in the plans available are user-friendly and subscriber-orientated. The most important benefit of all – people can reach you no matter where you are on just one number.