877 Phone Numbers - As Good As An 800 Number?
A toll free number can begin with one of the following three digits: 800, 888, 877 or 866. With 90% of Americans using toll free numbers, the popularity and utility of this concept is proven beyond any doubt. Born out of necessity, 877 phone numbers are one of the later introductions in the toll free line-up which began in the ‘60s. In fact, 2006 marked the 39th anniversary of toll free calling in the United States. If we look at demand patterns of toll free numbers, requests for business and personal use for new 888 numbers averaged approximately 238000 per month since their introduction in 1996. This overwhelming demand led to the creation of 877 phone numbers in 1998, followed by 866 numbers in 1999.
Toll free numbers have proved to be one of the most essential communication tools for a marketing company. Particularly in the areas of customer service and telemarketing, a toll free number is the most convenient and ’free’ way to establish connectivity with a potential or a loyal customer. It is estimated that one-third of Americans make 60 or more toll free calls per year. Because 800 was the original toll free number that was introduced, all toll free numbers subsequently introduced are also referred to as ‘800’ numbers by many. The area codes 855, 844, 833, and 822 have also been reserved for toll free activation in future - if and when necessary.
The overwhelming demand and mass usage of the original 800 number resulted in its rationing in 1995. The limited availability made people crave for more when the subsequent area codes were introduced. Coupled with the fact that there are adult phone services which buy out all the limited, available 800 phone numbers as soon as they are released to the pool, making the shortage of 800 phone numbers more pronounced. These numbers are then sold to the buyer who offers the most money.
Though 800, 888, 877, and 866 are all toll-free codes, they are not interchangeable. For instance 1-800-244-0653 is not the same as 1-877-244-0653. Calls to each toll-free number are routed to a particular local telephone number, which is specific to the area coded number. Chances are still very high that a potential customer wishing to dial a 877 phone number will end up dialing 1-800. For example, when a consumer hears a radio ad while busy doing something else, he or she would normally rely on memory before dialing the toll free number. Since most customers relate to toll free as 1-800, it is highly likely that he will assume the number on the ad was 1-800 when he actually should have dialed a 877 phone number. Thus the customer lands up dialing a wrong number. From the company’s point of view, a precious sale is lost. This concept is being regularly hammered into the business buyer’s mind by several phone companies, who have a lot of 800 numbers to sell at a premium and looking for buyers. To solve this problem, many marketers are now owning all the possible combinations of their vanity numbers. Possessing all the possible misdial combinations as well as 877 or 866 phone numbers is considered to be the best form of defense against losing precious calls and potential customers.
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