I've kept a file with most of the questions I've gotten for years and I've tried to organize and post the most common ones. Also, please check my searchable Toll Free Forum where I try to post some more in depth answers in several categories.
Most of the answers are the same for all of the services in the 800Numbers.com Network. Where there are differences, I've explained so that you can understand them and you don't have to re-read the FAQs for each separate site within my system.
How can you offer such low rates?
I've been in the toll free business for years and have excellent contacts and connections with some of the best companies and carriers. It also helps that I have much less overhead and produce a large volume of clients. I use the efficiency of the internet and avoid the more expensive advertising that major carriers use so I can pass that savings on to you. Please understand that I do have to deal with a lot of customers so please check the FAQs first but you can definitely rest assured that I know the toll free business and will definitely give you the best information and service for your business. And they are all very real and legitimate.
Are there quality differences between long distance companies?
All of my services use the networks of Tier 1 carriers with vast global fiber optic capacity. Those carriers include Qwest, Global Crossing, MCI and XO. There's no VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) so you'll have the same or better quality than you get with your current carrier.
Do I have to change my long distance service?
The service from TollFreeOnly, Cellular800, InState800 and International800 do NOT change or affect your outbound service. The Airespring service from 800Numbers.com does require you to change your outbound service which will be at the same low rate.
Do I need to have a new or separate line for the toll free service?
No, a toll free number just rings to or points to your current local number. No special equipment or change is necessary. It's like a remote call forwarded number.
Do I need to notify my local phone company?
No, you don't need to contact your local company to have a toll free number terminate on it. It doesn't affect the local number. If you use Airespring's service from 800Numbers.com, you might need to contact your local company to change the outbound service if they don't switch it at the request from Airespring. But you don't need to contact the local company in order to use or set up an 800 number.
How come Airespring won't service some areas?
The smaller local phone companies charge higher termination fees (the cost to bring the call that last mile). Airespring can't afford to offer the cheapest service in those areas so rather than raise their rates, they limit their coverage to the 80% of the customers which are within the Tier 1 and Tier 2 local phone companies.
How long have you been in business?
I started TollFreeNumbers.com after I quit my last job in 1995. There's more information about my business and the carrier in the About Us section. But that's probably not the purpose of this question. This question is usually aimed at addressing the underlying concern visitors have about the telecom industry. Unfortunately today we've all seen even the biggest companies have serious problems and even file for bankruptcy.
I wrote an article that helps to explain that your real security comes from understanding the portability of toll free numbers and how the process all works. And even if you don't really understand the process of transferring your toll free number, just knowing an expert you can turn to can give you the reassurance you need. You can read more about this at
(http://www.tollfreenumbers.com/newsletter/02-11.htm#article2)
What are the toll free exchanges?
800, 888, 877 and 866.
What about 855? When will that be coming out?
855 numbers were originally scheduled to be released in 2000, but were put on hold and are on indefinite hold at this point. You can send us an email and we'll keep your name to notify you but at this point they won't be available any time in the foreseeable future.
Why do so many companies charge so much more?
Most companies have much more overhead, larger advertising budgets, and expenses. Local phone companies are usually the worst since they focus on marketing to their captive audience and their competitiveness just doesn't affect that much the number of customers they can attract. I just use the marketing power of the Internet to reach a larger audience and do it more effectively than the larger older mostly offline competitors.
Will the toll free number affect the number that it rings to?
No, toll free numbers don't necessary affect the local number they ring to at all. However most carriers require you to change your outbound long distance. Airespring from 800Numbers.com does, but my other services don't affect the local number or the outbound service at all.
How do I change the ring-to number?
You need to contact a customer service representative of the carrier servicing the number to change the ring to number. They can all change the ring-to number with no down time within a couple hours (depending on the timing of the next system upload). International800.com however, can even do it in real time directly over the net. There is no fee for changing the ring to number, but other than International800 you should only use it for permanent changes. You can use call forwarding on the local line to make short term changes.
Who do I contact to make changes to my account?
Again you need to contact a customer service representative of the carrier servicing the number to make changes to your account. I can answer questions and help you get the right service for your business, but I can't actually make changes to your account. You can also think of me as an advocate for you though. I don't work for the company but I do have some clout and connections, and can help explain things or put you in touch with the right people to clear up problems.
Who do I contact if I have a question about the service before I have an account?
You're in the right place. Review the questions here or in my Toll Free Forum and then contact us directly if you have any questions. My contact information is in the Need Help section and I'll be happy to help you any way I can.
Can I call out on my toll free number?
No, if you make a call from the number which your toll free number rings to, you're actually calling out on the local number, not the toll free number. Toll free numbers are only for incoming calls.
Can I have more than one toll free number?
Yes, you can certainly have more than one toll free number. You can use multiple toll free numbers to measure and track the response to specific campaigns or types of advertising. They can ring to the same number or to different numbers. And since you pay for the usage, dividing it among multiple numbers doesn't even cost any more. The minimum usage and fees for most of the services I work with are per account, not per toll free number.
I also wrote an article about the benefits of using a second toll free number for your fax number. (See:
http://www.tollfreenumbers.com/newsletter/03-02.htm#article4)
Can I point my toll free number to a cell phone?
The Airespring service from 800Numbers.com doesn't allow you to point your toll free number to a cell phone, but I built a whole section specifically for toll free numbers for cell phones at Cellular800.com. It explains why some companies don't allow it as well as some additional tips and advice which may be helpful.
Can I tell toll free calls apart from calls to my local number?
No, regular service doesn't sound or ring any different on your phone. There are a couple ways to do this though. You can get differential ringing from your local phone company which will give you another line which rings differently. You can also use the "whisper" feature to announce the call before connecting which is available from SmartVoicemail.com. Other than that, you would need a different line to be able to differentiate the toll free calls from your regular calls.
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