800 Numbers

How many of you take advantage of 800 numbers? Did you know:

1) Save the price of a postage stamp or long-distance call: use toll-free 800 numbers whenever possible. Many businesses maintain these numbers to take orders and handle questions and complaints. A number of government agencies also have 800 “hot lines”.
2) If you don’t know a specific 800 number – or if you’re not sure the company or agency has one – dial 1-800-555-1212 and ask.
3) You can also go to the internet for 800 numbers. I go to Yahoo and in the search category type in: 800 phone number directory. There are all kinds of listings for 800 directories.
4) If you know what you want but don’t know the name of the company, refer to the classified section in an 800 directory (sold in both consumer and business edition). Not every 800 number is listed in the directory, however.
5) Why doesn’t someone pick up the phone? Because not all 800 lines are manned around the clock; consider time-zone differences when making the call.
6) When placing an order, have your credit card number and all product information at hand. Make a written record of the order, including the name of the person you talked to, the date, the amount, and the estimated delivery date.
7) Don’t confuse 800 and 900 numbers: 800 series numbers are free, whereas 900 numbers are not. Please don’t get the two confused.

Why pay for a long distance phone call when you can use an 800 phone number.