A toll free number prefix has not been released since 2000, when 866 numbers joined the ranks of business toll free. But recent trending has shown a spike in toll free number usage as droves of small businesses emerge in the wake of the recent recession. This boom has lead many to speculate (with cautious optimisim) that the clock is again running as to when the next toll free number prefix, 855, will be released.
And 855 is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
First, A Little History
Toll free numbers have been around for a long time in the United States – since 1967. Back then they were expensive, controlled exclusively by AT&T, and came in just one flavor – the well-known 800 number prefix. They were reserved for big nationwide businesses that could afford the hefty per-minute rates. But in the past two decades, competitive providers with affordable rates have caused these numbers to explode in popularity among small businesses. Rapid consumption led to the FCC releasing the 888 prefix in 1996, 877 in 1998, and 866 in 2000. After that, the available pool of recycled or unused toll free numbers was enough to keep up with demand – until now.
Why Is 855 So Special?
A new prefix means new vanity number possibilities. Phonewords that haven’t been available in over a decade are going to be up-for-grabs overnight when the new 855 prefix lands. You can be sure businesses that have been built on a toll free number, like 1-800-CONTACTS or 1-800-FLOWERS, are going to act quickly to snatch up their 855 counterpart to protect their brand. But countless other hyper-popular phonewords are going to be available for any takers, such as realtors looking for numbers ending in HOMES.
The value of these premium numbers is huge. A vanity number can immediately boost your return on direct response advertising by making the number easy to remember and by creating a strong, professional impression. The release of 855 is the perfect opportunity for your small business to seize an attractive toll free number that you can use as the cornerstone of your business communications.
What Should You Do?
With the wide range of possibilities for vanity toll free numbers, you’re bound to have a dozen or so phonewords that describe your brand or business the best. If you had your pick, what would it be? Brainstorm, even create a wishlist. Go beyond phonewords – think about special patterns like 1234 or 5555. Be sure to check the national database using our free vanity search tool to make sure the numbers aren’t available right now in 866, 877, or 888.
If you’re really devious, find numbers that your competition might like and grab them to use yourself. Just remember, unlike domain names, you can’t lock up toll free numbers and not use them just to stop other people from having them or to sell to someone that really wants them. That’s hoarding, and is prohibited by the FCC. You also can’t advertise a number with a competitor’s trademarked or copyrighted terms spelled out.
In the meantime, be sure to check back with us on the status of 855 – we’ll keep you updated on any developments and how you can get an 855 number of your own when they’re available.
Buyer Beware – 855 Number Scams
One important note about 855 numbers is the fact that nobody outside the FCC can say for sure when the prefix will be released, and no toll free number provider can place guaranteed reservations for certain numbers ahead of time. Any company that’s looking to charge you money now with some promise of getting you your desired 855 number in the future is nothing short of a scam.
