difference between toll and toll free

A 0800 number is free to the caller because the owner of the number sponsors the call. Callers of toll numbers (also known as premium rate) pay the cost. Exactly how much such a call costs is determined by the number owner.

The above explanation briefly explains the difference between a toll-free number and a premium rate number. In this article we will go deeper into the differentiating factors. This text is mainly intended for organizations that want to register a toll free number themselves. In other words: for future number owners.

Free or paid information number?

A 0800 number is free of charge for the caller, because you as number holder pay the call charges. A premium rate number is paid for by the caller. But how much a call to a premium rate number costs depends on the owner, who sets the rate. So it depends on you, whether you choose this service number.

A premium rate number can have a rate per minute or per call. Charge the caller a low local rate, choose a cost-recovery rate per minute or set a rate that allows you to make a profit per call. You can change the call rate without limit in the interim.

Which toll free number is best for you?

Now that you know the main differences between 0800 numbers and premium rate numbers, the question is which number is best for your company. If you want to attract as many callers as possible, then an 0800 number is the most accessible choice. In practice, these numbers are often used for general information, advertising campaigns or emergency numbers.

With a premium rate number you determine the call rate yourself. But that is not the only advantage: you can change this rate whenever you want. Because premium rate numbers cost callers money, you attract customers who are seriously interested. And that's a good thing if you want to reach your sales targets.

Alternative numbers

Both toll and freephone numbers are well known. Depending on the service number, the number holder or the caller pays for the call. If you want a number with a national appeal and a friendly rate for both your caller and you, then a local or national number is a good alternative. For this, the caller pays the local landline rate of his or her telephone provider.

National phone numbers have become increasingly popular for business use. They are not tied to a city or region, and are therefore ideal for organizations that offer products or services across the country.

Why buy a national phone number from Belfabriek?

Belfabriek has a wide range of national phone numbers ready to be registered and activated. You can register an easy-to-remember phone number today, and tomorrow it can already be available to your customers.

Can't find a desired number in our webshop? Then please contact our customer service team, free of charge and without obligation. They speak English, German, Spanish and Dutch. They can help you buy your favorite number combination (if it is still available).

What does a national number cost at Belfabriek?

We offer a clear and transparent package. It's simple: for 45 Euro per month you have your own national number. This includes all the features that help professionalize your telephony. Think of the possibility to record calls. Or setting up a call queue or selection menu. And many more features. You can use these without limit.

In addition, the call charges are included under fair use policies.

What do we mean by 'fair use'?

Most customers who deploy a national phone number will enjoy free calls. To determine what is fair use, we divide the total incoming call traffic we handle by the number of customers. This monthly average is the standard for us. If you stay below this average, call traffic is free. Even if you are one or a few months above, there is no problem. If it happens (much) more often, we will contact you by phone to see what is reasonable.

How does that work out in practice?

If you process an average of up to 20 calls per day, that's included. This is regardless of whether you have callers dialing out on landlines or your mobile numbers. Organizations that process customer contacts with 1-4 people almost always fall under the fair use policy. Are you a large organization requesting a number and expecting a lot of call traffic? Please consult with us as well. Thanks!