1 Comments:

• At Monday, March 09, 2009,  800marketer said…

  You shouldn't have to change your 800 number just to change to a different carrier. Well at least you wouldn't if you used a regular toll free carrier. When you mention a "flat rate" carrier it sends up a big red flag because the only companies that I know of pretending to offer any flat rate service are as real as a carnival game (no offense to carnival game operators).
  
  They often refuse to transfer numbers in or out for three reasons. First they won’t transfer anyone’s existing number because they don’t want any large advertisers to use their service. Because if they could transfer an existing number in then a large advertiser could run up a big bill before they have a chance to shut it off, which they do if you use more than you pay for.
  
  The second reason they won’t transfer numbers is because whenever you get a new number there is some ramp up time before you are able to build up the call volume so they will almost certainly make money charging you for the first couple months that you’re really not able to use fully. That gives them some more cushion.
  
  The third reason they don’t want to transfer toll free numbers is that if you can't transfer your number away because it’s ‘their’ number, when they shut you off you’ll have to pay almost any outrageous fee they want to reactivate it and you’ll have to continue paying them for the per minute plan that they switch you to.
  
  If you’re have any doubts about this, just look at the fine print of the plan and ask if they have the right to shut you off for any reason. Then ask if you own the number or if it’s THEIR number and they're just providing it as part of their service. Then ask if you’ll be able to transfer the number away if you have to leave (and get that in writing). I don’t think there will be any question about what I’m saying after you ask those questions.
  
  I don’t mean to go on so much about this because it was really just a small administrative post. But I thought it was worth pointing out before you make a mistake. I could guess the company name because there are only two or three companies that offer flat rate toll free service but I’m not trying to attack anyone in particular, just give you a word of caution.
  
  Here’s a page that goes into unlimited or flat rate toll free plans more thoroughly if you want it. http://www.TollFreeNumbers.com/unlimited Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything else related to toll free.
  
  Bill Quimby
  President of TollFreeNumbers.com

   

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