www.gotvmail.com (heard about it on CNN on XM radio)
www.myfax.com

I pay $10 a month for 100 minutes I think (no, not enough) but that is only when THEY call me. When I make outgoing calls. I use my home phone and have my caller i.d. blocked so it comes up 'private' unless I unblock it for family and stuff. As for a fax... I like My Fax. I get something like 200 incoming and 100 outgoing faxes for $10 bucks a month. Not bad, and doesn't waste paper with those silly "win a vacation to blah blah blah" junk faxes you get. Also, no ink or anything to pay for. Plus, you can fax from anywhere you have an internet connection (at a convention in Virginia and you live in Texas? No problem! Fax from the hotel's business center scanner, with your own number and you're good to go!).

Check 'em out and good luck!

__________________
NuTech VA
www.NuTechVA.com

Is it really nescessary or is it ok to use home phone# in the beginning.

Anna

Well it's funny you should say that. I am thinking about going back and using my home number. Actually, in Cincinnati (where I live) you can get a "distinctive ring" with its own phone number and voicemail box - I might switch over and just use that for business because it's no cost. You might look at that? Just a thought.

__________________
NuTech VA
www.NuTechVA.com

With the changes made in by the Department of Labor and that the IRS go by, I would strongly encourage you to have a separate phone number for your business. Depending on the state, the laws can vary, but here's one of the "tests" used to determine if you are an independent contractor rather than an employee:

The individual must represent to the public that an independent business exists to provide labor or services. This could be accomplished if at least four of the following circumstances exists:
1) The work is performed at a location separate from the private residence of the individual; or at a specific portion of the residence that is set aside for the business.
2) The individual purchases commercial advertising or business cards, or has a trade association membership.
3) A telephone listing and service separate from the residence is used for the business.
4) Written contracts are used to specify work requirements.

Having a separate phone number listed passes the test and gives you a better professional image. Remember reverse phone looks up? It looks better to have a business name rather than you and your spouse's name showing up.

Sincerely,
Mary Hettwer

__________________
Mary Hettwer
Hettwer Virtual Office

When I started my business I was reluctant to post my home address and phone number on the web. I rented a PO Box with a street address and got my numbers through Onebox. The PO Box costs about $200 per year and the phone is $20 per month. Not bad overhead and I always receive positive feedback. I have all of the business tools for a minimal amount without the trappings!

Donna

__________________
Donna Cravotta
Virtual Management Concepts LLC
www.virtualmanagementconceptsllc.com

I think Mary makes a good point about have a separate and distinct number from your home or personal number. Not only for the contractor vs. employee purpose but also for tax filing/deduction purposes. Definitely something to think about. And really, it's not that expensive for most of those services.

__________________
Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

This is good information I will look into getting a separate number.

So pleaser refresh my memory. Is GotVmail the service where the phone rings at your house and you choose 1 to accept the call , 2 to tranfer to voice mail, etc.? and you can set up extensions for people that are at other locations?


Heather

Originally Posted by LawrenceSN

www.gotvmail.com (heard about it on CNN on XM radio) www.myfax.com I pay $10 a month for 100 minutes I think (no, not enough) but that is only when THEY call me. When I make outgoing calls. I use my home phone and have my caller i.d. blocked so it comes up 'private' unless I unblock it for family and stuff. As for a fax... I like My Fax. I get something like 200 incoming and 100 outgoing faxes for $10 bucks a month. Not bad, and doesn't waste paper with those silly "win a vacation to blah blah blah" junk faxes you get. Also, no ink or anything to pay for. Plus, you can fax from anywhere you have an internet connection (at a convention in Virginia and you live in Texas? No problem! Fax from the hotel's business center scanner, with your own number and you're good to go!). Check 'em out and good luck!

I got a better service for you. It's called Onesuite Fax Plus and for $2.95 a month you get unlimited incoming fax and 2.5 cents sending out per page.

So if you get 200 incoming and 100 outgoing for $10 in My Fax that equals to $5.45 in Onesuite (200 incoming = Free, 100 outgoing = $2.50 plus $2.95 monthly) Let you save half of what you currently paying for your fax service

I just got myfax.com trial basis and since I haven't completed my business cards I will have to look into Onesuite Plus Fax before making my final decision. I am looking to get an 800 numbers but there so much that come up with I google hard to figure out which is best. Anyone have personal experience?

Bless,


Elisabeth Hernandez-Madrigal
Aztlan Dreams Executive Solutions
"Helping your Business be as efficient as you Dream it should be.."

Hi Elizabeth,

I have an 1-800 number from GotVMail (now called Grasshopper). It is a great service, costing me about $10 a month. When callers phone, I have the calls redirected to my cell phone so I can choose to answer the phone or redirect them to voice mail. They also offer a wealth of other options. Prior to having the GotVMail number, I had a subscription to MyFax.com which I dropped when I got my GotVMail as they offer incoming faxes. You can't send faxes with GotVmail, however, I rarely use outgoing faxes as I can always pdf whatever document I am sending and email it.

There are a number of companies out there offering similar services, I know quite a few VAs use Ring Central and have heard others use Kall8. There are a number of threads on this board discussing these services, you can do a search and read more.

Whatever you choose will end up being a matter of personal choice depending on what you intend on using the service for.

Good luck!

__________________
Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Awesome, thanks for the response and the helpful tips. I will research gotvmail and the others and decide from there. Thanks again,

Elisabeth Hernandez-Madrigal
Aztlan Dreams Executive Solutions
"Helping your Business be as efficient as you Dream it should be.."

Hello,

Does anyone know of any of these services that offer Canadian telephone numbers?

I know that if you are virtual it really shouldn't matter, but I would prefer to have a Canadian area code.

__________________
Heather
Robinson Business Solutions

This is a great thing to have. I was also wondering if an 800 number would be wise for me. It's definitely a great idea and a wonderful resource, I will be checking this out. Thanks.