Does our service include the extra enhanced voicemail features?
People sometimes ask if our service comes with a separate voicemail or menu or any of the extra features of the enhanced voicemail services. The answer is yes and no.
Yes, any number you find with us can be used with any service that offers these features. We have a list of dozens of enhanced voicemail services in the enhanced voicemail services section of the provider list, and you can transfer any number you find with our service to any of these companies.
The answer is also NO though, because we don’t actually provide these features in the free temporary service we give you for the first first 30 days or 100 minutes. The free temporary service is regular toll free service which just forwards the calls to the local number you specify and everything works the same as if the caller had dialed the local number directly. (See the difference between regular toll free service and enhanced voicemail services aka milk vs milkshakes)
Why it’s especially important to get independent proof of ownership if you want to use any of the enhanced voicemail services.
Services that offer the extra voicemail features and menus etc tend to be smaller than regular phone companies and most of them tend to play games with the ownership of numbers. They are smaller so they can get away with a lot more and your ability to transfer the number is what keeps them honest and they often like to try to get around that.
So if you’re getting a number and want these extra features make sure you get it independently and transfer it to the enhanced voicemail service you want rather than getting it directly from them. That way they can’t say that they own the number and just used it provide a service for you. Because after you put it in all your advertising and marketing if your needs change or something better comes along you shouldn’t be forced to stay or get rid of your toll free number. Also make sure you check out the reviews of dozens of enhanced voicemail services in our provider section.
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Mason Preddy says:
October 24, 2010 at 8:49 pm
I appreciate your hard work on my behalf. I too am a small biz owner.
Can I ask for some advice?? Currently I am getting ready to launch some
new teeth whitening products. I am trying to figure out a low cost
option for maybe an order taking company??
Do you all know anyone that is reliable, cost effective, etc.? Maybe a
firm that would be willing to be paid more on a “commission” basis? I
would be willing to pay a nice commission on a per sale basis. In the
beginning I am not expecting that many calls, but I do expect it to
build up. Maybe I am underestimating the power of the “toll free”
number. I certainly want to make sure I am prepared for all situations.
The businesses will be coming in through Facebook & our new website.
I thought about not listing a number at all until I do get larger, so
many seem to be doing that but I would rather offer better service than
that.
Just in case you know anyone. These days with the ability to forward
calls, etc. it would be great to just have individuals “manning’ the
phones but I need for it to be worry free & not wonder if they are
working or having their phone switched off! lol
Thanks again! I am grateful for your help.
Take care,
Mason
Bill Quimby (678 comments.) says:
October 24, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Mason,
Why don’t you start with one of the enhanced voicemail services that will allow you to work with people you know and set up to take orders. They can work from their own home on their regular phone and computer. They just answer questions and take orders by entering them into your website shopping cart which you can set up easily enough. Start with a couple of your own people because in the beginning you won’t get that many calls. It’s easy to start this way and these people are cheaper and better at it than having any other big company to do it for you.
Take a look at some of the enhanced voicemail services like FreedomVoice.com, VirtualPBX.com, or Kall8.com. You probably have a niece that wants to stay home with her kids, a parent or friend that’s out of work or someone that would like to work with you on a flexible basis from their home. You’re gonna have to set up to take orders on your website anyway. Use a virtual office service to tie it all together. You can start very easily that way and expand as necessary once you’re under way and figure out what you need at that point. You can add an answering service or call center for spikes in traffic if necessary, but you’d be surprised how many calls a couple people can handle and how much better having your own people do it rather than taking what you think would be easier, having someone else do it. Unfortunately though that isn’t as much easier than you might think, it’s just more expensive, gives you less feedback, and less direct control.
Bill Quimby