Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

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. 

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MeLissa
Independent Chocolatier for Dove Chocolate Discoveries http://www.ChocoRocco.com Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/ChocoRocco

Hi, I have a 888 number attached to my personal phone and it costs $1.50 monthly + .10 cents per minute. These services(800 toll free etc.) are easily available on the internet and they might require that you switch long distance. I was very happy to switch my long distance because the local phone company can no longer threaten me with disconnect. Plus, the new long distance is cheaper state to state - by the way, the internet has phone cards for long distance at very low prices!! You never actually get the card, just a number to connect(eg. .02 cent per minute in U.S. - and great foreign calling too!). Just remember that those services could be monitored by international committee on terrorism. O.k.

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!! 

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I am no longer posting on this forum. A fellow citizen here suggested that I should Think before I add commitary to my postings. I thought he was wrong, but I am mistaked(not everyone digs Mr.Wicks) E

I don`t have an answer for you but you might consider the direction your taking the company.  If you plan on franchising at some point or having a corporate office and managing satellite offices having an 800 number would be a desired commodity.

Thanks for your response.  Could you elaborate on which provider you are using and whether or not you`re happy with their service?

Thanks!

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MeLissa
Independent Chocolatier for Dove Chocolate Discoveries http://www.ChocoRocco.com Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/ChocoRocco

I see from your blog that your have a Web site coming in July. It would probably be a good idea for you to go ahead and get a 1-800 number once the site goes live. They are pretty cheap these days, and you never know how many potential clients from outside of the area you`re missing.

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.

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The Writing Docs Editing/Proofreading Services For Businesses, Students, & Individuals FREE Sample Edit 1st Order Discount www.thewritingdocs.com

MeLissa - Re: the long distance i use is: CogniState - they have several websites for different kinds of service (International etc.), I`ve been using them for several years - the billing seperate from local and service is outstanding (online and call-in) - you can search with Google.com (make sure you choose the correct service that applies for your needs - mine is State-to-State featured), easy to switch and swing back if you should need another carrier!! Never a problem.

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I am no longer posting on this forum. A fellow citizen here suggested that I should Think before I add commitary to my postings. I thought he was wrong, but I am mistaked(not everyone digs Mr.Wicks) E

Hi,

What do you think about Go Daddy not having an 800 number? I prefer them not having an 800 number if it keeps my cost down.

Thanks,

Staniel

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www.searchmarketingsystems.net

Hi MeLissa,

I`ve done a lot of research on business numbers. Please be certain that whatever number you go with you identify whether or not you will own the number.

God Bless,

Tyra