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Local vs Toll Free
By Bill Quimby on September 26, 2023
I started TollFreeNumbers.com almost 30 years ago and have been one of the most fervent advocate for toll free numbers in the country, but I have to admit that local numbers are definitely much more viable than they used to be. For many businesses they offer an excellent alternative or even a superior alternative!
Toll Free Numbers came out before people even knew you had to dial a 1 before an area code. That’s why they were advertised as “1-800!” Today everyone used to dialing area codes even for local numbers. 90% of your customers have overlay area codes, and the whole world is used to new area codes everywhere.
Maybe even more importantly, with the proliferation of cell phones, all with unlimited long distance, the whole idea of phone calls costing anything has almost completely vanished. There are other benefits of toll free numbers, but the benefit of more vanity local numbers being available can outweigh the secondary benefits of toll free for a lot of businesses.
When people ask me do they need a 1-800 number, I have always said you know what you want but you take what you can get, meaning if you can get the right message in a “1-800” number go for it, but if you can’t, don’t be afraid to take another toll free area code. Today that really has to be extended to local area codes too. I include local area code matches in the toll free search results, because they are a real alternative for businesses today. And if you can’t get the right message or term in a toll free number, you have to consider the local versions of it.
That’s why in 2023, the founder of TollFreeNumbers.com is now building LocalVanityNumbers.com too. I honestly think there’s way more potential for customers today in local numbers. And if you project these trends into the future, toll free numbers aren’t disappearing, but local vanity numbers are going to continue to grow in use and value, not just for local businesses but all businesses!
We've helped tens of thousands of customers get great numbers over the past 25+ years
“I have used Toll Free Number's services twice now and each time found that their staff is interested in partnering with me with my marketing needs. I have found them to be quick, responsive, and extremely helpful in implementing a successful vanity number marketing campaign. I will certainly be using their services again. ”
Isaac Camacho
Accurate Termite and Pest Control
San clemente, CA
“With tollfreenumbers.com, finding the vanity number that fit our criteria was seamless. In particular, we really loved the unique toll free search engine that allowed us to play around with various number combinations. Beyond the seamless transaction, working with Bill, Gloria and Rita was a real pleasure. They were very helpful in answering all of our questions and did so in the most timely manner. Thanks again. www.JuiceRxCleanse.com”
Dean Kasal
North aurora, IL
“TollFreeNumbers.com is the only company that provides a toll-free birth certificate that verifies your ownership of the number. After placing my order, the company called me to ensure the number was working. The representative answered my questions and helped me select a carrier that would allow me to maintain ownership of my number. I can't thank TollFreeNumbers.com enough; it's the only company from which I will purchase toll-free numbers. The company's website is very informative, and its toll-free search engine is also incredibly helpful!”
Killian Thorne
West hollywood, CA