Choosing Business Toll Free Numbers: Do The 800 Numbers Work Best?

Long gone are the days of just the 800 area code as a toll free number. Now there are 888, 877 and 866 numbers that are toll free as well. Does it really matter to your business? It would really depend on who your target audience is.

The first 800 numbers were introduced in 1967. Due to the increased demand over the next three decades, other area codes were added beginning with 888 in 1997. The demand grew quickly and there are many toll free area codes already reserved for future use. That alone speaks volumes about the efficiency of toll free numbers.

If your target audience grew up with only the 800 area code, you may find these customers are more likely to dial the 800 area code, rather than one of the new ones. However, if your audience is mainly the younger generation, any toll free area code will work just as effectively.

Another important point to consider is if your company will benefit from a vanity number. Businesses such as 1-800-FLOWERS have branded their company simply through the toll free number. If you feel this type of branding will help your company increase its customer base, then by all means, choose wisely. However, if you have several business toll free numbers, it may not be as important.

Toll free numbers are a terrific way for customers to contact your business without running up high phone bills. However, there are also many customers that may have unlimited long distance plans, but will still prefer to dial 800 numbers.