If you are like most heads of companies, you want a phone number that looks great on your letterhead and business cards. You want a 0800 freephone number. Numerous companies offer these numbers, often included in a variety of packages. Be sure that the package you choose suits your needs before you purchase one of them.

Here are some things you need to be aware of when applying for a freephone number. First realize that nothing in life is free. Here we are talking about telephones. And they are not free at all; in fact, the only "free" part of freephones is the connection.

Packages may contain free minutes but this varies depending upon the company from which you buy the package. Other freebies that come along with freephone numbers include free online live statistics, your choice of phone number before ordering, free voicemail services, and of course, those free minutes mentioned above. For customers, calling a freephone number is absolutely free.

In the landscape of freephone numbers, 0808 numbers are a recent development. These are freephone numbers that are similar to 0800 numbers. This new range of freephone numbers has been introduced because Ofcom is slowly running out of 0800 numbers. 0808 numbers are quickly becoming popular with many major corporations such as SKY TV and Granada who are using them on the air.

Why use freephone numbers? The many reasons are many. But primarily, customers view a freephone number as a good indication that a company is interested in getting their business. As an incentive, the company has absorbed the cost of communication.

A survey conducted by Henley research center indicates that 60% of customers feel that the company cares about them when they offer a freephone number. As part of your business record keeping, you can track your advertisement response from a freephone number. It is more economical for you to receive the call if you offer a free number to your customer than from a mobile number. By providing an 0800 number you encourage your customers to call you.

Usually the minimum contractual time for a freephone number is 6 months. Bear in mind that you will not have to install new lines in order to receive calls made to a freephone number. These calls will be directed to an existing land line or to a mobile phone -- your choice. If you require installation of a new phone to be connected to your present number, they can do this. Freephone numbers - new ways to push your business to a higher level. Simply choose the package that suits your needs and proceed forward.