7 Things to Consider Before Getting a Free Business Phone Number

Make the right call

Phone technology has evolved alongside the internet—gone are the days of expensive contracts and time-consuming installation processes. Now, you can get a free business phone number as quickly as you can sign up for an email account.

Virtually any business can benefit from adding a phone line to its communications mix. However, there are critical differences between free and paid phone line accounts that every business needs to understand. Keep the following considerations in mind as you do your research.

7 considerations before you get a free business phone number

1. What type of phone number do you need?

Before you investigate how to get a free business phone number, you need to ask yourself what kind of number you’re looking for. Several options are available, and each one serves a specific purpose, but not all are available for free.

• Local business phone numbers: If you’re looking to get a business phone number for free, a local line is likely your best option. Local phone numbers are randomly generated so you don’t have much control over the number itself, but they tend to cost less than other options and could be available for free, depending on the service.

• Vanity numbers: If you want a phone number that spells out the name of your business or associated catchphrase, you’ll need a vanity number. These options are more memorable but harder to get (since the number needs to be available for use) and are rarely, if ever, free.

• Toll-free numbers: This option creates a phone number with a prefix such as 800 or 888, which signifies that this call is free for the customer. Toll-free numbers are perfect for businesses looking to expand beyond their local communities. They’re free for the customer, but not for your business.

2. What features do you need?

When you’re looking into how to get a free phone number for business, consider the features each service will provide. 

Many services with free accounts offer basics like call forwarding and voicemail transcripts. These free options may be limited to a single phone line, may not allow international calls or could limit the amount of time you have to make calls within a given month.

Paid options will offer more features, like compatibility with digital calendars or integration with desk phones and landlines. Be sure to evaluate your own needs before choosing—you might be able to get by just fine with the free version.

3. How will you make phone calls?

The device you use to make calls may open up the options for a free business number even further. 

For example, virtual phone lines provide access to your number through an application or directly from your web browser. Some even offer mobile apps that allow you to make calls on your virtual phone line from your smart device. 

These options are most likely to be low- or no-cost compared to physical landlines, so keep that in mind when looking into how to get a business phone number free.

4. Are there any hidden costs?

When you get a business phone number for free, it’s important to look into whether or not that phone line is actually free. 

Some options may come with hidden costs that aren’t obvious at first. For example, some free business lines offer a limited number of monthly call minutes. You may have to pay a fee to make additional calls if you exceed that amount. 

Be sure to thoroughly investigate the fine print before signing up for an account to avoid surprises.

5. Is an upgrade path available?

Once you get a free business phone number, you may realize your business uses the phone line more than expected. Seamlessly scaling up usage from a free to a paid account is crucial to avoid any downtime in communications. Look into whether your chosen provider has a plan that will allow you to upgrade without losing your current number or temporarily going without service.

6. How reliable is the connection?

Just because you want to get a business phone number for free doesn’t mean you should settle for subpar connections or call quality. Voices should sound clear and understandable, with minimal dropouts or disconnections. Read reviews to find out what others think of the connection quality before signing up.

7. Is communication secure?

Look for a free business line that values communication security. If you’re using a virtual or VoIP line, your provider should ensure that calls are encrypted, especially if communication is stored or processed in the cloud. 

Walmart Business+ knows tech

When it comes to tech, Walmart Business+ knows what you need to get the job done. We can hook you up with the latest computers and smartphones so you can get the most out of your new business line. We’ll even ship them to you for free with no order minimum¹. Plus, you’ll earn 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards on orders over $250 or more².

Ready to learn more? Sign up for an account today.

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

²Exclusions apply. See full terms for details.