Cut Costs, Not Quality: How to Find a Cheap Business Phone Number

Don't overpay for phone lines

If you’ve been putting off setting up a business phone line because of the potential costs, there’s good news: getting a cheap business phone line is easier than you think.

There are plenty of options out there, so here’s how to make it happen.

Why do you need a cheap phone number for your business?

With the decrease in personal landline phone numbers and the rise of services like email and text messaging, you might be wondering if you really need a business phone line. Having a dedicated business line is a good idea for a lot of reasons.

A dedicated line adds legitimacy to your business. It also gives customers, clients, vendors and employees a direct way to get in touch with the appropriate person. Emails can sit in inboxes ignored for hours or days, but phone calls are harder to miss.

Finally, using a phone line other than your cell keeps a healthy separation between your work and personal life.

Explore more tips on how to save money with Reducing Costs: Walmart Business Addresses the Business Landscape of 2024.

What’s the cheapest way to get a business phone number?

Generally speaking, the cheapest way to get a business phone number is to use voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP). VoIP services convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the internet, rather than an analog phone line.

Generally, VoIP phone numbers work similarly to traditional phone lines, allowing you to call or text local, long distance, mobile and international numbers. However, there may be some limitations depending on your provider or call volume—more on that later. Some VoIP providers offer free tiers, so it doesn’t get much cheaper than that.

If you serve customers or clients outside of your local area, having a toll-free number helps them get in touch with you without incurring any charges. These numbers, which usually start with 1-800, are also available from VoIP providers for a small monthly fee.

Check out 5 Small Business Budgeting Tools to Try for more resources that can help you manage your business expenses more effectively.

What should you look for in a cheap business phone number provider?

Whether you’re using VoIP or a traditional phone service provider, choosing the best cheap business phone line requires a little research. Here are the points to consider throughout your search:

• Cost: How much does it cost? Is there an upfront fee or a monthly charge? Are there any hidden costs you should know about, like overage charges? 

• Limitations: One trade-off for free VoIP numbers is that there might be limitations on how you use the service. If you can only call others on the same service or specific mobile operating systems—iOS only, for example—it may not be the best fit, even if the price is right.

• Number of lines: Depending on the size of your business, you might need different dedicated phone lines for different departments. The provider you choose should be able to accommodate your specific needs.

• Additional features: What about voicemail? Texting? If you’re comparing options that are similar in price, the extras might give you an advantage.

• Type of phone number: In addition to local and toll-free options, vanity phone numbers are another popular choice for businesses. Vanity numbers usually include a memorable word or phrase that makes them easier to remember. Consider all three options and how they would serve your bottom line.
  

Want to learn more about properly setting up your business for current and future success? Read Creating a Strong Brand Identity: 7 Tips for Small Business Owners.

Stay on budget with Walmart Business+

When you’ve settled on a cheap business phone line, it’s time to equip the rest of your workplace. Walmart Business+ helps small business owners find nearly everything they need for the office without blowing their budget.

And with a Walmart Business+ subscription, you can save even more with free shipping,¹ free store delivery on orders of $35 or more² and 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards on orders over $250.³ Click here to learn more.

¹Excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges.

²Restrictions apply. Additional fee applies for Express delivery.

³Exclusions apply. See full terms for details.