New toll free numbers are coming out next month, and services offer to pre-register them much like new top level domain names.
New TLDs are coming, but not as soon as new 844 toll free numbers. The new numbers will be released next month.
Much like with new TLDs, companies are happy to help you secure the new toll free numbers. I received an email today from a group that offers a pre-registration service similar to what some domain name registrars are offering for new TLDs. Here’s how they describe it:
– No upfront charge to request any 844 # until November 30th
– You set the priority and offer any amount you want from $99 to $999
– You only pay IF we get you the number you requested
– Multiple companies requesting for you giving you the highest odds and most info possible
Sound familiar?
Kassey says
Why 844? Where is the need?
David says
A business should always get an 800 number before considering alternatives. It’s similar to .com as the public thinks of .com and 800 numbers first. Like .com, it offers more prestige and is easier to remember vs the alternatives which in effect tells the public you are happy with second best. I believe the monthly cost of an 800 number is about the same as any other toll-free number. .
We had our 800 number (also in-part a vanity number) for roughly 10-years and it’s only about $10-month. A second-tier toll-free number may result in losing a percentage of calls to the 800 number like you lose a percentage of site visitors to .com when you have .net or other lesser known domain extensions.
Phil says
844 has a nice ring to it.
DR.DOMAIN says
Thing is your “800 number ” is best remembered when the prefix is either 1-800 or 1-888.
JB says
Agree with Dr.Domain. 1-800 is the .com of toll-free. 1-888 is the .net. And all else (1-877, 1-866, 1-855, and the new 1-844) are sort of like the .org, .co, .us, .info, .biz, .mobi, .tv, etc…in no particular order. They have value, but nowhere near the value of the coveted 1-888 or the super-coveted 1-800. Just like with domains, the better/best are all taken, and/or are all rather expensive. However unlike domains, there is no organized market for their buying/selling/auctioning/listing, etc. FCC gets in the way of that…some say good, some say bad.
Megan A. says
While I agree that 1-800 is definitely the premium of all toll-free prefixes, there is a lot more awareness and acceptance for the other toll-free prefixes vs. other domain extensions. Everyone is used to seeing their local area codes, so when seeing a number that starts with 8, and has repeating digits, there’s an inherent understanding that it’s a toll-free line. Couple that recognition with a vanity toll free number like 1-888-888-Roof, and there’s no missing it! I also agree that 844 has a nice ring to it!
As marketing manager for Customtollfree.com, I am a bit biased, but also well informed. 😉