Toll-free Number (also referred to as an "800 number") is a service wherein the recipient is the one paying for the incoming call. This allows consumers, family or friends to call you at no cost to them. If you operate a business wherein your customer needs to call you, toll-free numbers is a cost effective option compared to calling cards, payphones, or collect calls. Currently, any phone number beginning with 800, 888, 877 or 866 is a toll-free number.

A lot of people think that toll-free numbers are expensive but the truth is that you can afford a toll free number. Here are some facts about toll free number:

1. Some long distance carrier may charge a nominal set-up feeif you want to have a toll free number. But others would let you have a toll free number at no extra cost.
   
2. There are some companies that would charge a monthly fee it is either by account or by toll free number. While other phone companies would only charge you for the usage.
   
3. Per minute calls are almost the same as an outbound long distance call.
   

Choosing a Toll Free Carrier

1. First you need to know if most of your toll free calls will be coming from within your state or out of your state. Check the rates for in-state calls or interstate calls since it vary in different areas. Make sure that you have found the cheapest rate that is available.
   
2. Check if most of your toll-free calls are from a payphone. There is a charge for using a payphone when they make a toll-free call to compensate the payphone owners. This amount varies. Inquire about it form the long distance company that you are interested in getting your toll free service.
   
3. Do not go with a name brand carrier, they are usually more expensive than small resellers.
   
4. Check the agreement. They may need to lock you at the same rate for about a year or more. The rates might go lower but you will not be able to avail it since you have an agreement with your long distance company.
   
5. Check for monthly fees. Look for a cheap long distance carrier that has no monthly fee.
   

Stand-Alone Toll-Free Number is one of the options that some long distance carrier offers. With this option you can have a toll-free number without a fixed phone line. It will let you receive calls from your cellular phone, dorm phone, or work phone. This can be an alternative for customers who do not wish to switch their long distance carrier. This is ideal for people who live in area or phone network that does not let you choose an outbound long distance carrier.

English Spanish