Hi,

Maybe someone could help me out here. I've been using phone.com for the last year for my virtual number and electronic faxing. (Love them!)

Now, I'm about to have business cards printed, so I needed to decide what to do about my phone number. I may be moving back to the Tampa Bay area in the next few months, so I was considering getting a toll-free number instead of a local number for either New Orleans or Tampa. I don't want to have to get new cards printed there, or to have to call my clients and give them a new phone number when I move.

But, a toll-free number always gave me the feeling of either...fly-by-night business and scammish marketing when it pertains to a small business or the faceless customer service run-around we've all experienced with larger businesses. A local number always seemed to have that comforting, familiar feel and gives an impression of stability, even if you are out of state. This is important to me, because I offer bookkeeping services and most people are protective of their money.

What do you think? For those with toll-free numbers, what has been your experience? I noticed that most VA's here have local numbers.

Your feedback would be GREATLY appreciated.

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www.lloydbusinesssolutions.com
"Getting you back to what you do best"

Hi Tomekia. I don't really know about whether local or toll-free or virtual would be better for you. But I wanted to say that I've never felt that toll-free is fly-by-night or "scammish" or less personal. In fact, I've always been quite grateful for toll-free numbers - they save me money! I always thought it was a thoughtful thing for businesses to do. Personally, I don't care much where I phone someone (unless it costs me money).

While there are scammers and spammers in almost everything these days, I don't think they give that whole system a bad name.

Deb

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Deb at Ivy Freelance
Metrics, Marketing and Macros

Thanks for the reply Ivy.... You know what, I needed to hear another perspective on things. My sister-in-law (marketing and public relations expert) said the same thing you did.

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www.lloydbusinesssolutions.com
"Getting you back to what you do best"

We've always used toll-free numbers in addition to local numbers. Since we have clients all over, it's important for them to feel comfortable calling us without incurring charges. So go for a toll-free number.

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Sue L Canfield
AwesomeAssistant.info
My Blog

Toll free save your clients money and that shows you have their interest in mind. Go with a toll-free number.

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Shannon

I agree with everyone else, I don't think a toll-free sounds impersonal at all, but rather gives your U.S. clients a great free way to get in touch with you no matter which area code they're calling from.

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