How to get a vanity phone number

 

Vanity phone numbers are toll-free numbers that spell out a word or phrase on a phone's keypad. Numbers correspond to letters A through Z, and most phones have both numbers and letters on their dial pad. Vanity numbers are used primarily by businesses, but anyone can get one from a toll free number service. Like all toll free numbers, when a customer calls your vanity number, the call is redirected to a local number without your caller knowing.

Explanation

 

Decide on a vanity number that reflects your business or philosophy. Remember that you only have seven letters to work with. It's best to come up with several possibilities, and don't get hung up on getting a specific number, as the number may not be available.

Check if the numbers you have in mind are available. It is possible that the number is already in use. If it's already taken, choose something different. Try calling the number to see if it's active.

Contact a provider toll free number. Get vanity numbers through your local phone company, or search for a provider online. There are many companies that offer this service.

Compare the prices and services offered by different providers of free phone numbers. Toll-free numbers are free for customers to call, but the provider will charge per minute for calls to toll-free numbers. Some offer packages of minutes, while others charge based on volume using a sliding scale.

Contact the toll-free provider you've decided on and ask about signing up.

Tips and Warnings

• Even if a number is not active when you call it, it may still be in use. Your toll-free provider may provide a number lookup tool on their website, or you can contact the provider and ask.