What kind of phone # should I have on business cards? (800,866, 216 etc)
 

What kind of number do you guys suggest to have on my business cards?

An 800, 866 or perhaps a local area code to my city? (I ask this because I do have an extra number with AT&T that I'm not using)

This will be the main number for PunkRockPrincess.com

well heres the thing, with my AT&T number, its attached to my cell phone account, so minutes will be a concern unless I go to an unlimited plan.

But I also plan on having an office phone.

Could I set up an 800 # to my office phone & then just have the calls forwarded to my cell # when I'm not in the office?

That would still use cell minutes wouldnt it?

How much is an 800 # compared to say an 866? Is one better than the other & who is the best provider for this? Does anyone offer an online dashboard where I can easily make changes on things like voicemail & forward options etc?

I would say that any phone number that helps to reach you is ok.

ok so we'll go 800 #, any idea on a subscriber with fair rates & a good online dashboard to manage my account?

IMHO, some people might be reluctant to call an 800 number due to the simple fact that they might think they are phoning a call center, possibly with a staff of mostly (if not all) foreigners.

Please don't get me wrong, I have nothing against anyone who is foreign.

Another thing about an 800 number is that it might discourage people from calling because of what I just mentioned above (suspecting it to be a call center) and the fear of long waits on hold.

You want your customers to have some sort of personal relationship with you, and if they are calling an office and/or cell phone, they know they are most likely about to get your undivided attention.

Anyway, I wish you the best man; I just wanted to share my :2 cents:

you never know who might need to reach you from a different country, in which case an 800 number might not work at all, so always put your normal number on there too :2 cents:

it all depends. If you're trying to target people in your area, stick with your own area code. Otherwise, shoot for a 1-800

I'm not trying to target people from my area, but all over the US mostly. At some point I will do worldwide, but thats later for expansion.

This is now for setup, so I want an 800#.

Any suggetsions on providers with good prices & a online dashboard?

800# does have a nice sound for advertising.

1-800 numbers work ok from abroad, you only get a recording first, saying that "This number is not toll free, when dialed from outside the US. It will be charged at normal international rates. If you do not wish to be charged, please hang up now. Transferring, please wait" and then it rings through in 4-5 seconds.

I would go with the 1-800 number, it certainly has a nice style and touch to it. And EVERYBODY knows what it is.

As long as people can reach you you will be ok. Don't forget to also add the country code if you want to give out cards abroad.

USE A 1-900 NUMBER!!! that way your bill is paid every month and you get paid to talk on the phone! lol

I use VoiceNation, you can get a local number and 1-800 though them for $15 a month. They have an online dashboard showing caller ID history and your messages. You could also set it up to be your personal assistant. When you leave the office phone call the admin interface press a few buttons and calls will be routed to voicemail or your cell phone. Messages and faxes are also e-mailed to you.

hi you are from ne ohio? hit me up there is this local vm thing that works

or, just use your ICQ number. It's all anyone in the business seem to use anyway