Everyone knows that 800 toll free numbers are free to call…or are they? Currently, 800 numbers are free to the caller from landlines. Many users also expect the calls to toll free numbers to be free of charge from their mobile phones. However, that is certainly not the case in many instances.

Many callers have lost trust in 0800 UK numbers after being charged by their mobile carrier. All of that is about to change, according to BBC News report released earlier this month. The Independent Regulator and Competition Authority for the UK Communications Industries, Ofcom, has come out saying that they want to change that in order to protect the consumer. Acting on behalf of the consumer interest, Ofcom wants to protect the caller that is paying for being on hold or waiting to submit a complaint, thinking the she is calling a number described as “free.” The regulatory body says it is especially thinking of low income household who only have a mobile phone but are hit with the unexpected charge when calling 0800 UK numbers. The consumer watchdog is looking to make a final decision by early next year.

UK 0800 Numbers Free from Mobiles

While this is great news for the consumer, it is also great news for the companies relying on toll free numbers for customer communications. By making 0800 UK numbers free from mobile phones, consumers will regain the trust in toll free numbers. The businesses offering toll free numbers will start seeing an increase in their return on investment in toll free numbers. This will especially benefit companies who have purchased 0800 UK numbers, as their customers will no longer have to deal with the uncertainty of whether and how much they will get charged by their mobile carrier.

By simply making 800 numbers free to call whether a caller is using a landline or a mobile phone, Ofcom is hoping to:

• Eliminate unexpected charges for calling 800 numbers
• Increase the usage of 800 numbers
• Encourage innovation with 800 numbers for the benefit of the customer.

We look forward to the final decision at the beginning of 2013.

800 numbers have come a long way since they first hit the scene in the late 1960s, so has voice communication for that matter. As the telephony landscape changes so do perceptions about toll free numbers. But as the years have gone by, the toll free galaxy has grown significantly with 888, 877, 866, and 855 numbers appearing (844 numbers are even rumored to be on the horizon soon). However, the most tried and true – 1-800 – continues to be the most popular, trusted and well regarded.

Here’s a quick look at the toll free numbers out there today and some thoughts on each…

1-800

The classic. The real thing. The granddaddy of toll free numbers. For years, 800 numbers have been seen as the sign of a legitimate business and that trust has translated, and continues to translate, into more sales and more customer contacts. These numbers have certainly aged well but they have aged and with that age may have come a perception problem. Some customers might see 800 numbers as old and, perhaps, somewhat stodgy. So, what about their hipper offspring?

888

The most well-established of the ‘new’ toll free numbers, 888 also benefits from nearly 20 years of use. If someone misdials 1-800, instead of the proper prefix, 888 is typically the next man up. The 888 prefix also has established a bit more credibility due to its longevity but has yet to reach the venerated status of the original 1-800.

877

This prefix is sort of the hip, teenage sibling to 888. 877 is getting enough age that it is slowly being taken more seriously but is still seen as a younger, more edgy alternative to the more established 888 and 800 numbers.

866 and 855

These two are the youngsters. Both prefixes have benefited from the familiarity that 888 and 877 have created among consumers with the release of new toll free prefixes. This has helped to readily establish them as the ‘new’ toll frees. However, both are a bit young and much less trusted (especially 855 numbers) to be respected as much as 877, 888 or 800 numbers.

So which of the toll free numbers is right for your business? A newer prefix or the tried and true 1 800? Or both? Or all?

Toll free numbers can be a key element of driving the success of a business as well as adding to its potential for longevity. In the competitive market of today, a toll free number should be a part of any solid strategic, business plan. The advantages of offering a free means of communication to your customer base are just too evident to pass up.

A trusted entity

Toll free numbers have been in use since the late 1960’s. For more than 40 years, customers have seen them as a sign of a legitimate, stable company. In other words, a business they can trust. In fact, research has shown that customers are 30 times more likely to provide personal information to an 800 number as opposed to a local number. Why would any business not want to invest in a tool that is so trusted?

Improved awareness

Every little bit of leverage is needed in the current economic climate.  There is an increasing trend among smaller and mid-size businesses competing with the big boys. A toll free number could provide a bit of an edge over the competition and the trust and legitimacy that comes along with an 800 number is definitely an added bonus. In addition to helping improve awareness, toll free numbers provide your customers with a sense of professionalism from their first exposure to your business.

Answer the call

While a toll free number can improve the image of your business, it means nothing if you don’t back it up when the phone rings. The 800 number is just that, a number.  If there isn’t a friendly voice at the other end of the line and solid customer support, all of your efforts could be for naught.