What is a toll-free number?
A toll-free number is a phone number with a code such as 800 or 888 that people can dial from a landline without being charged for the call.
How toll-free numbers work
Toll-free numbers begin with one of seven three-digit codes: 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833. The codes are not interchangeable, so the same seven digits after 800 and after 888 reach different places. Calls are free for landline callers, but the FCC notes that wireless callers are charged for the airtime minutes used unless they have an unlimited calling plan. The FCC says it assigns most toll-free numbers on a first-come, first-served basis, and it requires that toll-free numbers be portable, so a subscriber can move a number when changing service providers.
Why it matters for sales teams
Toll-free numbers are built for inbound calls, such as customer service lines, where one nationwide number is useful. On an outbound sales call the prospect sees a number with no local area code, which gives them no sign that the caller is nearby.
Toll-free vs local number
A local number is tied to a region and looks nearby. A toll-free number is national. Some businesses use both: toll-free for inbound support and local numbers for outbound calling. A memorable toll-free number is often a vanity number.
This is a general definition, not legal advice.