[rtheodorow]

Originally Posted by HP1

Some online businesses do not need this option, others can't be without it. It also really depends on your prospective and existing customers. Are they comfortable with e-mail, a local number, etc? Are they use to dealing with sales reps and companies via an 800#? If they are use to dealing with companies that have an 800#, they might think that all companies that they do business with should have one.

I have an 800# and it has definitely helped me. I have been using freedom voice for about 3 years or so. They are very affordable and have some good features (general greeting, customized music on hold, mailboxes and your callers find you anywhere, etc.).

If you choose them, let me also share my two negative experiences.

The first...my monthly charges are automatically billed to my credit card and about a year ago my credit card expiration date was up and I forgot to forward them the new information. In the evening I received an e-mail stating that my credit card info was expired and in the morning I called them to provide the new info. Nevertheless, my services were terminated pretty much after I received the e-mail that night - which really pissed me off considering that I was never late with a payment! They apologized, gave me credit and blamed it on a technical error.

The second...I think it was November of last year, all of my per minute charges were multipled by 10. Instead of being charged .07 a minute for example, I was charged .70 a minute.

On the positive side, they did fix both problems immediately. But for some, these two isses would be enough to make them run. I have just found that overall they are ok. Hope this helps.

Thanks HP1....I think I'll hold off for now then. Most clients are local calling anyway.