There is sometimes a fear surrounding 1800 numbers that you may be charged a fee for calling their number and using their services. If you purchase an item or use a certain service from a 1800 number you may have to pay for this item or service. However, simply dialing the phone number will not incur charges. Toll free numbers are telephone numbers that utilize original three-digit codes that can be dialed from any landline and most cell phone service providers, without a fee being charged to the person making the call. 1800 numbers are used by businesses as a means for their customers to get in touch with them all over the world and not incur a long-distance fee for the phone call.
Is a 1800 Number Free to Call?
Yes, 1800 numbers or 800 numbers are business toll free numbers and, therefore, are 100% free for callers in the country of origination. Customarily, a 1800 number is used as a customer service tool to let customers call a business for free. The toll free phone number usually provides returning customers and potential customers with a means to ask the business questions they might have about their product or services or get assistance.
Cell phone callers may find that their phone call was charged because they do not use an unlimited calling plan. However, most plans include unlimited calling and therefore 1800 numbers should be covered by their cell phone provider. Additionally, if a business has enabled SMS messaging for their services, then it would also be possible for the business to receive a text message from the customer.
Related: The Absolute Guide to 1800 Numbers for Businesses
Are There Different 800 Numbers?
While 1800 numbers using the prefix ‘800’ are the most common type of toll free number, there are type prefixes being used as well. Other toll free codes include 888, 877, 866, 855, and 844. These toll free codes were created due to a shortage in availability of traditional 800 numbers. Note that none of these different codes are interchangeable, and dialing a business that has advertised 1-888-DINE-NOW would not be the same as dialing 1-800-DINE-NOW. Each toll free number is routed to a different local telephone number.
How do 800 Numbers Work?
There are many people who are confused by how toll free numbers work. Although many businesses use these numbers, some customers believe that they will be charged a fee if they call the number. However, businesses often ensure that the customers located outside of their physical location (region, city, state, or country) are able to contact them for free. This is where toll free numbers come in.
These businesses are able to provide this service by using different country-specific virtual phone numbers. Each country will have its own number that has its own separate coverage and accessibility. If you live in Ireland, your toll free number will begin as 1800 followed by six numbers as local Ireland toll free numbers are formatted. Similarly, the U.K. has a different freephone number format of 0800 or 0808 followed by six digits and so on.
Then, locals in that country can call the 800 toll free number for free while calls that come in are forwarded to the business’ location in another country or region through international call forwarding. The majority of toll free numbers only work within their own country. This means that if your customer is physically out of the country, they will either be charged an international fee or be unable to reach the business. But if they call from within the country, their call is free.
Why Use Toll Free 1800 Numbers?
800 toll free numbers are integral in many business communication strategies. They allow the customer to call from anywhere in the world, and not charged a fee. This allows businesses to expand their markets beyond their physical location and still connect with their customers. Having the ability to make the connection with customers results in an overall more positive image of the company.
Get 1800 Numbers for Your Business Today
There is no such thing as a global toll free number, unfortunately. However, most businesses will accommodate their clients in other countries by using virtual phone numbers that have local area codes. If you are running a business and you would like to encourage contact with international companies, it is highly recommended that you check out Global Call Forwarding and have a look at their many offerings for virtual international numbers.
