By: Jason Kay
Submitted: 2010-04-21 03:28:41 | Word Count: 529
As more and more small business continue to appear and expand, the need for a virtual 800 number becomes more prevalent. While this service is effective at making your business look more professional, many business still do not understand exactly how a virtual 800 number works. Here is a quick overview of how virtual 800 numbers work and answers to some common questions.
How a Virtual 800 Number Works
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In its most fundamental form, a virtual 800 number is a relatively simple concept. As business signs up with a virtual 800 company and receives their very own 800 number. This 800 can then be used by customers to call the business. When they dial the 800 number, it will be routed to the phone or phones of the businesses choice. This could include a home phone, cell phone, or any phone in the business. Many 800 numbers can even direct calls to specific departments.
Does a Virtual 800 Number Replace My Current Phone Service?
While there may be a few exceptions, a virtual 800 number does not replace your current local or long distance company. You will not be able to make outgoing calls with the 800 number, you will still use your current carrier for those outgoing calls. Additionally, incoming calls on your local number will also be carried through your current carrier.
Does a Virtual 800 Number Require Any Additional Equipment?
No. The way a virtual 800 works, the calls will simply be routed through your current phone line. Here is an example to help clarify. Let s say you sign up for an 800 number and it is going to send callers to your cell phone. When someone calls the 800 number, it will be routed to your cell phone. When someone calls your cell phone number, it will still go to your cell. Essentially, your cell phone will now answer to two different numbers: your cell phone number and the virtual 800 number.
Can You Direct Calls to Multiple Phones?
Absolutely. This is especially helpful for small businesses with multiple departments. When you sign up for a virtual 800 number, you will need to create an automated greeting. Within this greeting you can say “press 1 for accounting, press 2 for customer service, etc”. Then depending on what number the caller presses, they will be routed to their desired destination.
How Will You Know If the Call is Coming Through the Virtual 800 Number?
This question is increasingly important as more and more virtual 800 numbers actually go to cell phones. When you answer a call from a virtual 800, you will hear a series of automated options that often include: answer call, send caller to voice mail, and find out what the number of the caller is. While you will not be able to get your cell phone to have a different ring for a virtual 800 number, the automated options that will start once you answer your cell phone will tell you that the call is coming from your virtual 800 number.
In order to determine which virtual number service is the best, most affordable option for you, it is important to identify which features are worth paying for and which ones are not. After determining which features you need, the next most important factor is your monthly plan.
