Get a Toll-Free Phone Number For Your Business

A toll-free number is a type of virtual phone number, which works by answering calls 24x7 in a secure data center and handling those calls based on your business needs. For example, calls can be routed to distributed team members or to a single user in multiple locations. Typically, virtual phone numbers offer advanced features such as voicemail, call recording, hunt groups and music on hold.

There are several benefits to having a toll-free phone number. For one, having a toll-free number can enhance your business’s image and give it a more professional appearance. This is because toll-free numbers are typically associated with larger and more established businesses, making your small business look more trustworthy and credible. Additionally, a toll-free number improves customer experience and satisfaction because they are inherently virtual numbers, which can be programmed with additional features such as call routing, automated attendant greetings, and voicemail. Finally, toll-free numbers improve your marketing and advertising results because they allow for improved call tracking and caller-ID capture. Even restricted number phones must reveal their caller-ID in a toll-free call.

In the past, when people made long-distance phone calls, they had to pay for the call based on the distance between the two locations. This made it expensive for businesses that needed to receive a lot of phone calls from customers from different parts of the country. To address this problem, the concept of toll-free numbers was introduced. Toll-free numbers allow customers to call a business without incurring long-distance charges, as the business pays for the call instead.

In the 1960s, the Wide Area Telephone Service (WATS) system was developed as a way for businesses to pay for multiple toll-free lines at a discounted rate. The WATS system allowed businesses to pay a flat monthly fee for a certain number of toll-free calls, regardless of their duration or distance. The WATS system became popular among businesses as it allowed them to provide better customer service and support without having to worry about the cost of long-distance calls. Over time, the WATS system evolved into the modern-day toll-free number system, which is now widely used by businesses across the world.

In North America, toll-free numbers are commonly referred to as “1-800 numbers” because 800 was the original toll-free area code, introduced in 1966. It took 30 years for most of the original numbers to be assigned; in 1996 the 888 toll-free prefix was added. Due to a high demand for toll-free services, additional prefixes were added over time: 877 and 866 in 1998 and 2000 respectively, 855 in 2010, 844 in 2013, and 833 in in 2017.

Yes, you can usually choose your own toll-free phone number. Some providers offer a selection of numbers to choose from, while others let you customize your number based on desired number or letter combinations. With Halloo, you can choose from local area code numbers, toll-free, and also vanity toll-free numbers.

A vanity number is a type of phone number that is specifically designed to be memorable and easy to recognize. It typically consists of a sequence of numbers that spells out a word or phrase related to a business or individual. For example, a florist may use the vanity number 1-800-FLOWERS, which spells out the word "FLOWERS" on a standard telephone keypad. Vanity numbers are often used as a marketing tool to help businesses promote their brand and make it easier for customers to remember their contact information. You can obtain vanity toll-free numbers through Halloo. Generally, the newer toll-free area codes such as 844 and 833 have more number availability.

Generally, no. A North American toll-free number can only be dialed from another phone in the USA or Canada. We recommend subscribing to a local area code number to serve international callers.

In most cases, yes. Toll-free phone numbers aren't tied to a specific provider or carrier, so you should be able to keep your number if you switch services. At Halloo, you are free to port your number to a different carrier as long as your account is active and not suspended.

Traditionally, the "long-distance" portion of the cost required to connect a call to an out-of-state business was the dominant cost associated with a call from a landline phone. Thus, shifting that cost to the business receiving the toll-free call helped improve sales and customer service. However, it should be noted that wireless callers may be subject to airtime charges for toll-free calls unless they have subscribed to an “unlimited calling” plan. As such, it is common for businesses to inform customers of any potential charges associated with toll-free calls to avoid any confusion or disputes.

Yes! You can add a toll-free fax number to your Halloo account to receive faxes for just $4.95/mo.