An 800-number for Just $10 a Month

Times have changed for small businesses. Previously, only big companies with large budgets could afford the tools to create a professional, established image. One of the most significant examples of this change is the offering of virtual phone systems with toll-free telephone numbers.

Until recently, getting a 1-800 number typically required the purchase of expensive phone system hardware along with the annual commitment to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on monthly long distance. But, today, small businesses can obtain a big business image and access to a toll-free number, starting at just $10 a month. Getting a virtual phone system, which includes a 1-800 number, a "press 1, press 2" main menu, and multiple extensions, takes as little as ten minutes to set up online from service providers such as PhonePeople.com, giving even the smallest businesses the big business image.  

"Your average small business can benefit greatly from both a toll-free number and a virtual phone system, and the combination of the two is awfully compelling at such a low price point," says Gordon Seay, president of Phone People, a company that specializes in providing toll-free numbers with virtual phone system features. He adds "often new businesses benefit the most from the credibility offered by a national phone number, never mind that a virtual phone system can transparently forward calls to home or mobile telephones."  

By processing all inbound calls from its equipment, Phone People is paving the way for businesses and entrepreneurs to have a custom 1-800 number with the advanced features of a "virtual office," simulating the phone systems of larger companies. Never mind the lower cost, the new world of the virtual phone system allows for custom vanity phone numbers, voicemail sent to e-mail, online call management, professional recordings, multiple extensions and "follow me" functionality.

Entrepreneurs and businesses can sign up for toll-free numbers online in minutes. Keep these questions in mind as you select a provider:

* What is the set up fee?
* What is the monthly fee?
* How many minutes are included?
* What is the length of the service agreement?
* Is the plan scalable? What is the cost for additional minutes?
* What is the availability of customer support?

Setting up a number is easy and service can be established entirely online, in a matter of minutes. Good providers offer customer service seven days per week, so there's help available should you have any questions or issues.

"The price-to-features ratio has become so attractive that consumers often try it on a whim, but then they appreciate the value and maintain a virtual phone system throughout their growth," continues Seay.

To find out if toll-free phone service will benefit your company, visit PhonePeople.com for a 7-day trial of a virtual phone system or to search for custom toll-free telephone numbers.

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