800 number advice needed

[WildCard]

I talked to AT&T about getting an 800 number for my small little business and they gave me the following rates:

6.9 cents per intrastate minute
9.0 cents per intrastate minute

$10.00 monthly routing fee, waived for the first 3 months

$14.95 monthly fee for all months that have less than $25 worth of activity. When I asked her what would happen if I had $24 worth of activity, she said that I would get charged the whole $14.95. Weird rule..

Anyways, anyone have a better suggestion for 800 service?

Thanks!
-WC-

 

[Anthony Ng]

I have been using j2.com (formerly JFax.com) for more than a couple of years now. Their rates are more competitive (not THE MOST competitive thogh), but they are for fax and voicemail only.

 

[WildCard]

I was thinking more along the lines of where someone could call my 800 number and I could have that routed to my office or cell number depending on my status.

j2.com is nice, but more for a different purpose. Thanks though.

-WC-

 

[doughhead]

Have a look at

KALL8.com

or Angel.com

 

[WildCard]

Wow, awesome Doughhead!

I checked out Kall8.com and this is a quote from their webpage:

Affordable
Standard Kall8 numbers are only $2 to set up and $2 per month for account maintenance, and just 6.9 ¢ a minute.

Freakin' amazing! I am signing up now!
-WC-

 

[GiantDomains]

Kall8 is ok.

Go here, and click on toll free numbers. These are all the big competitors in the budget 800 market.

http://www.calldeals.com

 

[WildCard]

excellent, thanks GD!

-WC-

 

[GiantDomains]

edit

 

[GiantDomains]

I will send you a PM too.

 

[adoptabledomains]

Almost all long distance providers can supply 800 (888,877,866,etc.) toll-free numbers. Some charge a monthly fee, others don't depending on your total business volume. My company does close to a thousand dollars a month, but pays a $5 monthly access fee except the 5.2 cents per minute corporate rate with Easton Long Distance.

Other things to look for...

6 second vs. one minute billing.

You will also be billed for numbers that call you from pay phones at usually .25 - .40 each call.

Most 800 numbers were all taken at some point, but like .coms are seen as somewhat better than .net and .org; 888, 877, or 866 numbers are less popular. The downside is if you get a number that someone else dropped, but is still published or used recently, YOU will be paying for all the wrong numbers and personnel to answer them.

Most 800 numbers are not dedicated lines, but like domains can be pointed at another real number including phone hunt groups (aka roll-over lines).

8XX numbers are now portable, so you can keep the number and change providers, provided you aren't locked into a contract. Usually you don't want to contract and if you do, not for more than a year.

Some charge for detailed billing to see who called you. (Caller's phone numbers can't be blocked since you are paying for the calls.)

 

[DNQuest.com]

I use Close Call America for long distance and 800 (866) number. only 1.95 recurring charge for Federal tax. they have several plans with different rates, but I get 5.9 and billed at 6 second increaments. I was able to cut my long distance by 70% b switching to them.

 

[gariben]

does anybody know if similar deals are offered in Japan, HK, or London. (ie. a toll free number in those local areas)

thanks,

 

[doughhead]

Tried KALL8.com but fine print added 20 cents per minute to calls from Canada.

Have now been using Angel.com for a few months and am quite happy with their service.