VOIP or Business 800 Number - Which is Right for You?
Today, companies have a head-spinning array of options for giving their customers access. Customers can contact you either through a toll-free 800 number, or through VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). The most popular VOIP program today is Skype. While both of these offer direct access to your customers, each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Your Business 800 Number
It's easy and relatively cheap to get a business 800 number. Independent service providers now offer these numbers along with special features to businesses great or small. It doesn't matter if you're a huge corporation or a business run out of a bedroom, you can have your own toll-free number.The Advantages Of Toll-Free Numbers
The main advantage is that it gives your company a professional image. Even if you're working out of your home and there is no brick-and-mortar location for your business, you look more established. Most people won't buy from a company without a toll-free number. Anyone can call you at any time, and your company pays the bill.You can also choose a vanity business 800 number. This is a number that has your business's name or a related phrase after the '800.' These are easy for customers to remember and they help in branding your business.
Business 800 number providers also offer a wide array of features. For example, you can have teleconferencing sessions within your company. Buying a monthly package that comes loaded with features is a way for your business to minimize costs by killing lots of birds with one stone.
The Disadvantages Of An 800 Number
The main downside is the cost. You have to pay for all calls yourself. Depending on the volume of calls, this can get quite pricey. Another downside of 800 numbers is that there aren't many of them left. Especially if you want a vanity number, you may have to choose an alternate prefix such as 888, 877, 866, or 855. However, these numbers work in exactly the same way and as they become more common, the difference between them and a 'real' 800 number is disappearing.Voice Over Internet Protocol
VOIP is an excellent alternative to using telephones at all. Calls are taken over the Internet and they're absolutely free. This can mean considerable cost savings for your business. VOIP programs also have lots of special features such as the ability to record calls. Like toll-free service providers, they offer every feature you could possibly imagine.The Disadvantages Of VOIP
There are just two disadvantages to VOIP. One is that VOIP programs are not always reliable. If you've ever used Skype before, you know that it sometimes experiences system failures. You also need a certain amount of memory and bandwidth in order to take calls. When you're running a business, technical difficulties like this can be disastrous for your customer service reputation.The other problem with VOIP is that not everyone has it. In the years to come, it might become common for everyday folks to use VOIP programs for personal and business calls. However, right now, it's fairly rare. People who are always online or who run an online business usually are the only ones who use these systems.
If you're considering both options, take a look at some business 800 number provider websites. Check out their prices and package deals, and contact them with questions. Many of them will let you search your chosen vanity number's availability, and many also offer free trials so that you can try their service out.