Fast question for USA based people...toll free number matter much?
 

If you are looking online at a mainstream product and have a question, does the fact it has a toll free number make that much of a difference to you?

Since everyone has cell phones that usually don't charge for long distance I am wondering of people even care about toll free numbers as much anymore or could I get by with a local number.

It matters to the consumer specially if the number works in both Canada and United States.

A company that doesn't have a 1-800 number is telling me that they would prefer that I e-mail them. example: Godaddy.com

It matters to consumers but not B2B.

Generally you want to make it as easy a possible for potential and existing customers to contact you. A toll free number removes a barrier of cost to them.

probably doesn't make a huge difference, but it makes your business appear more professional, so will probably increase your conversion rates by a few %....

Thanks for the responses.

Please answer about your decision to buy, not what you feel others may think.

We sometimes get stuck in boxes as to what we think about others without really knowing.

These are for "ticket" sales in the US to known entities like Disney, Sea World or a 6 Flags theme park. Entire process can (and is) being done online. Some people are too lazy to type in name, address etc and want to call instead.

Obviously a toll free number will get more sales but the margin is VERY slim. Free blowjobs with a big mac will sell more big macs, but it there enough left to to pay the blower?

Canadians are too small a part of this market to even consider them.

I also have online chat built into the site.

A/B test it? it's not like it takes massive $$ to setup a 1-800 number...

Toll free to an AI order taker

''Sorry I didn't understand that -- would you like to fill out the online form?''

The other approach is to say:

To keep our ticket prices as low as possible you can simply fill out and submit our secure order form. If you wish a person to assist you there will be a $6.00 service fee added to your ticket purchase.

For me I would do look for web support/info first before even considering calling.
That covers the vast majority of incidents.
If I have to call, 800 is preferred.

The other approach is to have an 800 number ONLY for questions about a pending or past placed order.

For customer support issues only.

Setting up any 800 number is a huge deal (not just the money aspect) for this venture. Don't try to figure that part out.

Right now there is an 800 number that is skimming all the sales, if I change the system (huge battle ahead) I just need to know if a regular VS 800 number would make an enormous difference.

As for charging more, they are coming to me because I am $2 - $3 less a seat. If I charge more they would buy direct.

Do you call on a cell phone? Do you pay long distance on the phone you use?

Most nutra companies do not use 800 numbers anymore for billing/support. A lot of cell phone companies have free Canada <-> US calling now as well.