800 Numbers - Should I get one?
Melissa
subscriber Posts: 7
I`ve been weighing whether or not I want to get a vanity 800 number for my business. I`ve seen services out there like Got V Mail which seem like they`d be nice to have, but I`m not sure I really *need* something of the sort.
The reason I`ve considered getting one is that I live in the Bay Area where a phone call to a city that seems "next door" is sometimes not a free call (though, in most cases, it isn`t terribly expensive either) and there is the possibility that I might have a few (but probably not a whole lot) of potential clients from outside of the area, but I think it will be very rare. And, of course, I just think it would be cool to be able to tell somebody to just call 800-WINSOME (actually not available, but there are ones that would work) or something.
On the other hand, I really don`t wish to expend $$ on something that isn`t "revenue generating" and I`m just not sure that a wedding and event consulting business who isn`t specializing in or marketing destination celebrations really needs such a thing....
So, here`s my question - Under what circumstances would it be a necessity or a good idea to have an 800 number? Also, do you think it`s worth it in my situation?
Thanks in advance for all the great advice I will no doubt receive.
The reason I`ve considered getting one is that I live in the Bay Area where a phone call to a city that seems "next door" is sometimes not a free call (though, in most cases, it isn`t terribly expensive either) and there is the possibility that I might have a few (but probably not a whole lot) of potential clients from outside of the area, but I think it will be very rare. And, of course, I just think it would be cool to be able to tell somebody to just call 800-WINSOME (actually not available, but there are ones that would work) or something.
On the other hand, I really don`t wish to expend $$ on something that isn`t "revenue generating" and I`m just not sure that a wedding and event consulting business who isn`t specializing in or marketing destination celebrations really needs such a thing....
So, here`s my question - Under what circumstances would it be a necessity or a good idea to have an 800 number? Also, do you think it`s worth it in my situation?
Thanks in advance for all the great advice I will no doubt receive.
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Comments
On determining whether the 800 is justified - let me clue you in on my opinion - try the toll free number for a month (say $20.) and see how you feel about things afterwards. Unless you run a big ad. in Wall Street Journal(which i don`t recommend - you will be flooded with responses $$) you will have a gut feeling whether the new service is justified(and how you should modifty things). A quick way to quantify your expense is to use pencil and paper and strike a mark whenever you think that a call was money in the bank. Have fun!!
Thanks for your response. Could you elaborate on which provider you are using and whether or not you`re happy with their service?
Thanks!
Our company Web site has drawn customers in areas where we are doing absolutely no marketing. These customers called our toll-free number posted on the site to reach us. Also, from what I`ve read, having a toll-free number boosts your company`s credibility.
Kimberly J.
Our company uses e voice receptionist. We received a toll free #, custom greeting and 3 extensions. They actually record the greeting with a professional voice over person.
If anyone leaves a voicemail, it goes right to my email inbox, which is great since it is connected to my Blackberry.
The service costs us $29.95 a month and we get 1000 minutes per month. I believe they are still offering a 30 day free trial. Here is a link to their site:
http://www.evoicereceptionist.com/evoic ... ionistHome
Good Luck!
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