Simply put, the answer is yes. Your business can get toll-free numbers for different countries across the globe.
Since these numbers help increase your company’s reachability, you can use them to improve communication throughout your business network. This is why international toll-free numbers are a great solution for those supporting a worldwide customer base or managing a global supply chain.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the basics of international toll-free numbers. This way, you can see how it can benefit your business and decide if it’s right for you. Let’s get started!
Fundamentals of International Toll-Free Numbers
Toll-free numbers remain in high demand as they encourage business contacts and consumers to call your company through a free communication channel. This way, customers seeking support and suppliers calling with updates don’t have to worry about paying long-distance calling rates when contacting your business.
And now, this solution extends to helping your business reach customers and vendors beyond its immediate location.
This is possible through a cloud phone service provider that offers international toll-free numbers (ITFN) for different countries. These phone numbers are internet-based and can also be dialed for free. So, you can get toll-free numbers for your target countries, irrespective of where your business is located. This allows you to connect your global supply network and engage with a wider target audience cost-effectively.
For example: If your US company has suppliers in the UK and Japan, you can get a UK toll-free number and a Japan toll-free number. Then, your supply chain contacts in these countries can call your company’s ITFN free of charge. And using a call forwarding service, your business can route these incoming calls to your US headquarters.
Benefits of International Toll-free Numbers
Toll-free numbers for international countries are supported by an international toll-free service (ITFS). Businesses can take advantage of ITFS to expand their reachability and connect with contacts in markets around the world.
Furthermore, since these numbers use voice over IP technology to route calls, you can forward incoming calls to virtually anywhere in the world. This makes it possible to reduce long-distance calling rates.
Additionally, with ITFNs, your business can:
- Expand your customer base to include more demographics and regions
- Extend services and supply chain demands to neighboring countries
- Receive calls from interested customers and business contacts
- Increase networking opportunities and efforts
- Establish global business network and connect distributed teams
- Improve overall revenue and business growth
Why Get Toll-Free Numbers for Supply Chain Management?
It’s no secret that communication affects every aspect of business operations. And this especially applies to global supply chain management, as it involves many working parts and requires thorough coordination.
A lack of communication throughout your international supply chain ultimately leads to disruptions like missed deadlines, late deliveries, shortages, and so on. These disruptions not only negatively impact the customer’s experience, but also your business’ overhead costs, revenue, and reputation.
On the other hand, effective communication helps optimize your supply chain at every level. When everyone — from your stakeholders to suppliers — is on the same page, you can minimize the risk of disruptions while boosting the efficiency of your supply chain.
So, how do you establish effective communication throughout your supply chain?
First, you need the right communication tools for the job. And this is where international toll-free numbers come in.
Using ITFNs, you can link your manufacturers, distributors, stakeholders, and more located across multiple locations while keeping your overhead costs down. And with an internet-based service, you don’t have to relocate your office to build this global business network.
Additionally, toll-free numbers provide your suppliers and distributors with a straightforward way to contact your business, at no cost to them. So, you can empower your supply chain to proactively communicate updates, concerns, and so on, using international toll-free numbers.
How Do I Get Toll-Free Numbers for Different Countries?
1. Determine your target countries
Before selecting a provider, determine which countries you need toll-free numbers for. Consider where your suppliers, distributors, stakeholders, manufacturers, and, of course, your customers are located. And conduct thorough market research to gain insights into which market may be the next natural step for your business, if you’re interested in expanding.
2. Research service providers
Next, research various providers to see whether they provide ITFNs for the countries you are interested in. Also, pay attention to activation times, service reliability, equipment requirements, and customer support offerings. And don’t forget to check out each provider’s other available services and features, as you might take advantage of those too.
3. Consider communication features
Most virtual phone service providers offer users access to advanced communication features. These often include:
- Call forwarding
- Advanced routing
- Call recording
- IVR systems
- Outbound calling
- Caller ID management
- Softphones and web dialers
- In-network calling and more.
Consider what features your communication system may need to support fluctuating call volumes and connect distributed teams.
4. Review pricing
Finally, review and compare pricing plans and make a decision based on your specific requirements and budget. Look for any hidden fees, such as installation, setup, or cancellation fees. Choose a provider that does not require long-term contracts but offers scalability so you can expand your communication system as you grow.
It’s also good to look at customer reviews and testimonials to better understand how other businesses have used this service.
5. Sign up
After you’ve selected your provider, sign up for their service and start using your new toll-free number!
Support Your Global Business Network with Toll-Free Numbers
Managing a global business comes with many challenges, but communication doesn’t have to be one of them. Using international toll-free numbers, you can easily optimize international business communication and take on new customers.
Whether you’re looking for a way to connect your global supply chain or provide customer support to international customers, ITFNs can help you reach your goals. These numbers are easy to purchase and set up, so start looking for the right provider today!
Author
Kim Sayers has been a content creator for over 4 years – writing for small businesses, specifically focusing on marketing, sales, and communication. She works with telecom experts at Global Call Forwarding to gain insights into how businesses can use communication tools to effectively run their business.