Twitter

Facebook

Get a Toll Free Number for your Business

First and foremost before you consider getting a toll free number for your business you should ask yourself where your target audience is.  If your business is localized meaning your customer base is in the same area code as your local number then you may not need a toll free number.  It may be wise to just use your local number and brand that phone number on your business cards and marketing material.

If your business is global and you don’t have a toll free number then I can’t stress enough how important it is.  There are numerous benefits to having a toll free number:

• Allows customers outside of your area code to call you with ease and for free
• You can have a vanity number so it’s catchy, for example 1-800-FLOWERS
• It gives your business a better identity and looks professional
• Create direct extensions for your staff and different departments (sales, support, billing etc..)

Where do you get a Toll Free Number?

There are quite a few companies who offer toll free numbers but Grasshopper is by far one of the best companies we’ve used.  They have been featured on CNN, Forbes and Inc 500 and for good reason.

Grasshopper offer 4 plan starting from as low as $12/month which is their pay-as-you-go plan and includes a toll free number with unlimited extensions.  As of today they have waived their $25 activation fee so it’s a good time to check them out.

All of their plans include the following features:

• Custom main greeting (a greeting when someone calls your toll free number)
• Name directory
• Call forwarding
• Call screening (basically call display)
• Virtual fax
• Voicemail for each extension
• Unlimited extensions

Why we like Grasshopper

I can’t tell you how simple the setup is and how amazing their service works.  The first step is to choose your toll free number and you can request a vanity number or if you already have a toll free number you can keep it!  They also have an iPhone app and Android app so you can literally make outbound calls from your toll free number anywhere in the world.  You could literally be anywhere and accept inbound calls or make outbound calls using your toll free number.

The best feature of Grasshopper is their call redirecting.  You can have it so when someone calls your toll free number it goes to a specific phone number (for example your home office line).  If no one answers for a set period of time which you set then it can call another number such as your mobile phone.  This means no matter if you’re at your desk or at the grocery store you won’t miss a call.

In terms of the actual toll free number you can choose from 866, 877, 855, 888 and they even have a limited number of 800 numbers.

Our Grasshopper Review

With over 150,000 customers they are one of the biggest and most popular toll free number providers.  I’ve been using Grasshopper since 2007 when I started my first business and I think I have called support maybe once.  It runs that smooth and for the price it’s been worth every penny.

Virtual phone systems can be complicated to implement if you plan to do it locally which is something I considered but getting a number from Grasshopper just makes thing simple and easy.  I’ve actually heard stories where adding a toll free number to your website can increase conversions.  It makes sense though, if someone goes to your website and sees a toll free number they can call they instantly get the impression that you are a real business with a real presence.

Below is an awesome video showing you exactly how Grasshoppers Virtual Phone System works:

Toll Free Numbers For Entrepreneurs

If you’re just starting your business your costs can add up and quickly might I add.  That’s where Grasshopper comes in to play.  They give your business a professional appearance but more importantly a functional toll free number so your customers can reach you with ease no matter where in the world you are.  With mobile apps and the ability to make outbound calls using your toll free number you’ll always be able to communicate with your customers.

Are you ready to get your toll free number?  Visit Grasshopper Now and get your own vanity number today.