toll free phone# vs. cellular biz line

[Kristina]

I am starting up my business (retail internet) and am wondering whether a toll free 1-800-# is nessesary anymore with the advent of cell phones, ya know with long distance included in all plans now. I am simply looking for the best option for customers who will be calling to order or need product information. I also intend to have email access.

[kokonutmama]

That's really considerate of you to be thinking about. I hate answering the phone (2 year old in the house makes it tough) so I prefer folks to email anyway, so no toll free number here. I have Vonage for my biz line, and to add an 800 number is only like $5 a month. If you customers are not the emailing type it might be something to look into. If they're online anyway, though...

[Emilian]

A 1-800 number brings a legitimacy to your business that would otherwise not be there if you just had email available, or cell phone.


I am definitely considering getting one too. But I am not at that point yet, as most of my work is handled via online means (email, insant messengers, online voice communication).

[Kristine233]

Thatis a good point. I have noticed that even big companies are using regular phone numbers more and more.

I contemplated both and decided to stick with a local number but have a separate business cell phone. I dont use it much since my customers like to email but I have it just in case. I spend $20 every 3 months on a prepaid through Cellular one and my minutes roll over as well. So very cheap.

[jlpumkin]

I remember one home school curriculum company does not have a 1800 number. I thought that was sort of odd, but then I found on their web site that they clearly state why. It says something to the effect of wanting their customers to only call if they really have to, since most questions can be handled via email. They certainly worded it less offensively. But it made a lot of sense to me. I'd love to spend all day talking to all of my customers, but without a staff it's just not possible yk? I think that a lot of companies - especially those aimed at the younger, computer literate set are moving that way as well. So I too, have ruled out a 1 800 fwiw.

[TypingMarie]

I think that a toll free number is no longer as essential as it used to be, especially for WAHM businesses that want to project a more personal image. Most people know that calling a toll free number often means listening to automated messages and/or staying on hold for a long time. For a customer hoping to talk to a "real person", a local number can seem more appealing. It makes a lot of sense to just go with a local number if you're going to be taking and returning calls on a more flexible schedule.

[Neth Naneth]

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[mama in the forest]

I'm curious about this too.

When I'm ordering online, I'm the kind of person that prefers to do it purely online, rather than by phone. But, I know that there are people out there, and probably a lot of them, who like to phone in an order.

I currently don't have a phone number on my site, but I've been thinking about it for a really long time. I have actually had customers email me and ask for a phone number so they can call in their order. I've emailed them my number, or called them, and they've really liked that. So, I've seriously considered putting a number on my site. The only thing is, I would never be able to answer the phone - the customer would get my voice mail, and I would have to return their call. So I don't know if it would be a help or a hindreance.

I've read that it can increase sales...but I'm still undecided.