Toll Free Phone Numbers - 5 Companies That Must Have One

Toll free phone numbers are synonymous with business success. They are almost taken for granted by customers these days, as any major company wouldn't be taken seriously without one. Most companies are going to benefit from having a toll free phone number. However, there are some companies that will benefit the most.

1. Companies that want to enhance their company image - Toll free phone numbers provide instant credibility to a company, giving the appearance of being large and established regardless of the company's actual circumstances. Even though these numbers are relatively easy to acquire these days, in their earlier days they were only available to the largest, most prestigious of companies. This belief still remains deeply lodged in the psyche of most consumers regardless of the reality that even a one-man operation can obtain one. Companies can use this to their benefit, as consumers want to use a business they can trust.
2. Companies that want to increase their customer base - Toll free phone numbers get a company remembered, especially when they are vanity numbers. Companies with numbers like 1-800-FLOWERS and 1-800-GO-FEDEX are numbers that are not easily forgotten. Companies with numbers that are easily memorized will be the first to be remembered when it comes time to purchase. This leads to an increased response rate, both for orders and pre-sales questions. Given the choice between calling two companies, customers will most likely call the company with a toll free phone number first. As most customers buying from the first company they call, this leaves any company without a toll free number immediately at a disadvantage.
3. Businesses with customers that demand added convenience - Having a toll free phone number saves time and reduces problems. Toll free phone numbers can be routed to any phone, without callers knowing the difference. They provide "number portability," meaning that a company is free to move anywhere, switching providers while preserving the same number. This convenience preserves branding a company builds with a particular phone number. Businesses do not have to change business cards and other marketing material because of phone number changes.
4. Businesses requiring improved customer service - Having to call a long distance number for customer service ranks as one of the top complaints consumers have with companies. Companies offering a toll free phone number show their commitment to customer service, especially when the customer does not have to pay for it. Nothing annoys customers more than having to call a long distance number for support on defects, missing components, or other problems immediately after purchase. Toll free phone numbers provide customer satisfaction, knowing that in the event of a problem, regardless if it is the company's fault or that of the consumer, the consumer can be put at ease knowing they don't have to pay for the call. This is especially comforting when the consumer is placed on hold.
5. Companies that want to increase revenue - Companies exist to make money. Toll free phone numbers are key to achieving this goal, increasing order size, decreasing returns, and encouraging repeat business. Consumers spend more when speaking to a customer service representative on the phone. Even when customers place orders online, they are more likely to have previously spoken to a customer service representative by phone that provided reasons to purchase from their company, perhaps even encouraging them to purchase additional products. Toll free numbers make it easy for consumers to contact a company for pre-sales assistance that often leads to increased order size. Without a free and easy way to get support, consumers resort immediately to returning the product for a refund. In many cases, there is just a small misunderstanding that could be cleared up in a few minutes over the phone. A free number is all that it takes to significantly decrease product returns, which then equates to increased profits. Consumers tend to stick with what works. If a company delivers a good product backed by excellent free support, consumers will keep coming back. Repeat business is always good for any company's bottom line.

With benefits like increased profits, improved customer service, and a greater overall company image, it would seem as though every could benefit from a toll free number. The question should no longer be "What are the top five companies that need a toll-free phone number?" but "What companies couldn't benefit from one?" The answer to this question would almost certainly be close to none. Click to learn more about using a toll free phone number in your business. Or to get a 15 Day Free Trial visit http://www.Freedom800.com, a leading provider of toll free phone numbers for small business.

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