You're
familiar with toll-free numbers for businesses and advertisers,
and the obvious benefits they provide. However, have you considered
the possibility that a toll-free number might benefit your family?
How
does a toll-free number work?
A toll-free
number allows people to dial an 800 number to reach your home phone.
Some plans will also allow you to answer the toll-free number on
your cell phone as well. Instead of the caller paying the bill,
you will, so you should select a plan that fits your budget.
Children
and Grandchildren
If
you have children or grandchildren you'd like to call more often,
a toll-free number may be the answer. This works well if you can
afford a few cents per minute, but they can not. College students
and young adults just getting started will appreciate your providing
an easy way for them to call you that doesn't break their budget
or yours.
Most
people carry cell phones routinely, but the cost of a cell phone
plan can easily rival the cost of a toll-free number, so it may
be more cost-effective for you to set up your toll-free number and
ask people contribute to its cost. Let your children conserve their
cell minutes, and their money.
Other
Relatives
Do
you have older relatives who might not be able to afford to phone
you as often as they'd like? Would you like them to not have to
wait for your phone calls but to be able to talk whenever they choose?
A toll-free number can be a wonderful "gift" to older
relatives who would appreciate the money savings and opportunity
to talk with you more.
Traveling
If
someone in your family travels frequently, a toll-free number can
be more convenient and less expensive than other alternatives. Cell
phones are sometimes unpredictable and difficult to charge while
traveling, and hotel telephone charges can be prohibitively high.
A toll-free number will ensure that you or your family member can
call home whenever you'd like, or need to.
Emergencies
As
much as we'd like to not think about it, emergencies do happen.
Sometimes, cell phones aren't charged, or are unreliable. Not all
pay phones allow collect calls, so having a toll-free number at
home will save you hunting for change and credit cards to make that
important call.
Home
Business
If
you have a home business, then having a toll-free number will allow
your clients to contact you more easily. Whether you freelance,
sell make-up or home décor, or sell from one of the auction
sites, your clients will be more willing to purchase from you if
you're easy to contact.
A toll-free
number also indicates to your customers that you're serious about
your business, and that you'll be available to them should a problem
arise.
Cost
Consideration
If
you're considering a toll-free number, you should shop around for
plans available in your area. They can vary widely in features and
cost. Some will charge by the minute and others will charge a flat
fee. Some offer voice mail and other features you may or may not
want. If you shop carefully, the cost of a toll-free number can
easily fit within your family budget.
