A toll-free telephone number is a cloud-based solution that offers free calling services for customers. A business can get a toll-free number that opens up different prospects for growth and expansion. It is also called a free phone number as the cost of inbound calls is taken care of by the business itself. The toll-free telephone number uses geography-specific prefix codes, in India 1800 is generally used. A business can get any of the three types of toll-free numbers: Domestic toll-free number, Universal International Freephone Number (UIFN) and International Toll-free Number.
The features of toll-free telephone numbers are:
1. IVR:
A toll-free telephone number with an IVR menu can answer the queries of every customer using the multi-level menu. It ensures immediate interaction with the customer. IVR menu offers a self-service solution that reduces call traffic, enables handling large call volumes and answers queries immediately. IVR menu can be customized as per the needs or demands of the business and the customers. IVR menu can be easily upgraded with time and does not require any external as well as manual intervention. It enhances customer engagement rate as well as customer satisfaction ratio. IVR also enables a business to offer 24×7 support to their customers.
2. Automated routing:
A customer can request for call transfer if they need support beyond the IVR menu or want to talk to any live agents. A business can provide the confidence to the customers to offer expert service by automatically routing calls when requested. Automated routing helps a business to offer more productive time to their agents. It reduces the call wait time for the customers and also reduces the boredom of navigation.
3. Automated recording:
With an automated recording feature a business can easily record all inbound and outbound calls. A business can use this data for multiple purposes. This data is stored in the cloud and thus there is no concern of privacy or confidentiality. Automated recorded data sets can be used to identify patterns of customer as well as agent’s behaviour. It can identify key components of interactions and engagement. Automated recording enhances data for the business that can be used for better decision-making, marketization, training purposes etc.
Functions of toll-free telephone number:
1. Generate leads:
As the communication is free of charge it attracts customers to contact the business without having to worry about the cost of calling. With free communication, a customer can as many times as they want. It offers customer friendly interaction that allows a business to increase customer engagement rate. It increases rapport in the market and boosts a business.
2. One-number solution:
Toll-free numbers can be used by a business for multiple locations, both nationally and internationally. A business with multi-location should never worry about connecting with the customers. A business can be functional, and offer exclusive service delivery and seamless communication with just one number. It is strongly associated with the marketing image that helps to establish branding value as the number is identified with the business. It is effective, efficient and economical.
3. Marketing tool:
A toll-free number can be used as a marketing tool that is cloud-based and of higher technology. It is very efficient for small size businesses, start-ups and enterprises. A toll-free number allows the creating of multiple extensions that can easily take different marketing campaigns simultaneously. It helps to identify patterns in service utilization, customer communication and issues in the business. It helps to analyse thee recorded calls in gaining insights that can help to improve the campaigns.
4. Cloud advantage:
Cloud storage plays an important role for businesses with multi-location businesses and their customers. A business can store all data and call records of all inbound calls and outbound calls here. A business does not need to spend anything extra for storage. A business with multiple location offices can easily track and record every data in one place. Cloud storage helps a business to protect the data and reduces the risk of data loss or manhandling. Every data is automatically recorded and stored in the cloud which keeps it safe without disclosing anything. It offers privacy to the customer’s information and huge data can be easily stored.
The toll-free number is used by different businesses and industries. It is used in healthcare, education, entertainment, banking etc. A toll-free telephone number with an IVR menu can answer the queries of every customer using the multi-level menu. It ensures immediate interaction with the customer. IVR menu offers a self-service solution that reduces call traffic, enables handling large call volumes and answers queries immediately. IVR menu can be customized as per the needs or demands of the business and the customers. IVR menu can be easily upgraded with time and does not require any external as well as manual intervention.