Local or toll-free, which one should you go for?
There are several things to keep in mind when making the choice. We'll break them down here.
First, what's a toll-free number?
A toll-free number is a number with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, or 888 area code that can be dialed without incurring long distance charges. We offer North American toll-free numbers. This means that callers from the US and Canada won't incur any long distance charges when calling the toll-free number.
Why pick a local number:
Local numbers are great for establishing a presence in the area you serve. This is the best choice for service-based businesses with the majority of customers in a specific state or province.
Local numbers are better suited for outgoing calls. When you make a lot of outgoing calls, local numbers are perceived as more trustworthy compared to toll-free numbers due to the increased number of spam calls — so most people are more likely to answer.
Why pick a toll-free number:
Toll-free numbers ensure your callers from across the US and Canada never pay long-distance charges. This is especially important if your main use case is customer support.
Businesses with toll-free numbers can be perceived as larger and more established.
Toll-free numbers establish a nationwide presence, appealing more to customers across Canada and the US.
Want to learn more about picking a local vs a toll-free number? Check out this full guide on our blog. Local vs. Toll-Free: What Phone Number Should I Get for My Business?
Hard choice? Good news, you can have both!
How to add a second number to your OpenPhone account
Get a local and a toll-free number in your OpenPhone app and never look back 😄