subject: 1 800 Numbers [print this page] 1 800 Numbers Project a Corporate Image 1 800 Numbers Project a Corporate Image
Any business, regardless of its size, can project a more corporate image with 1 800 numbers. This is because these numbers help consumers feel as if the business itself is established and professional, regardless of where the business is located or how long it has been in operation.
Local vs. Toll Free
When a small business first opens its doors, many owners choose to use a local telephone number to make the business acceptable by its intended patrons. However, if the business deals in any sort of ecommerce, consumers from outside the local area may feel a bit hesitant about calling this number. When a business chooses 1 800 numbers instead, consumers are instantly drawn to them and are more likely to call for products or services. As an example, a carpet cleaning service in a suburb of Los Angeles may lose business if they choose to use a local telephone number instead of a toll free number; consumers will feel drawn to the toll free number as it touts professionalism and expertise.
No Cost to Callers
1 800 numbers help project a corporate image to consumers because they show the businesss willingness to incur the charges for their customers. This not only saves consumers money on telephone calls, but means that potential clients and customers will be more likely to call in the first place. In fact, businesses with toll free numbers receive twice as many calls as those that choose local numbers and their customers report a higher level of overall satisfaction, as well. Toll free numbers are not as expensive as business owners think and can be paid for on a monthly or annual basis.
Customer Retention
Once customers purchased products or services from a business, that business must then provide adequate customer service in order to retain their clientele. Failure to do so results in the loss of professionalism and may deter consumers from returning to a business to purchase products and services in the future. By providing 1 800 numbers to the general public, businesses are doing much to improve their corporate images; they are providing their clients with an avenue to receive free customer service in the event of a question or issue.
Marketing Efforts
In order to bring in new clientele, businesses of all sizes must take part in marketing efforts that will make their presence known. The types of marketing chosen can have a significant impact on a companys overall image, and regardless of the type of marketing chosen, 1 800 numbers are always a welcome addition. Consumers who can easily find the companys toll-free number via billboards, websites and even the Yellow Pages are more likely to feel confident about the abilities of the business and contact them once the products and services offered are in demand.
Any business owner should be concerned with projecting a corporate image and portraying a level of establishment, regardless of the size or age of the business. By adequately utilizing 1 800 numbers, consumers in local areas and beyond will feel confident in the abilities of the business.
