Virtual phone numbers are an advantage to business and are an affordable way to capture callers from other cities, no matter where you are located in the world, or even if you have a physical office. By selecting an area for the virtual number, businesses can tap a new market. The calls to a virtual phone number can be redirected to a cell phone or to an office phone. Businesses may appear to be in the area, when in reality they can be anywhere in the world. Private users can benefit as well. This is possible because a virtual phone number travels through the internet instead of a dedicated phone line. Via computer, all forms of communication can be achieved. A company can significantly speed their operation via this type of phone service.
In a sense, this type of phone number works as a virtual call center. You can redirect your calls to a specific person, department, multiple departments, or even to a mailbox. You can select a toll free number style or a local area code style number. Different settings for different times of day can be customized as well. It helps small businesses and private users establish a more polished and professional image.
Benefits of a Virtual Phone Number
One of the benefits for businesses is the opportunity to test new markets without the need of setting up business in the location. In addition, a company can offer a local customer service and support number, and capture a new market as well. This saves money on having to invest in physical location and staff to reach a particular market area. A business may appear larger and will have a regional presence in each area of their choice.
Another benefit to businesses and private users is that this service is relatively inexpensive and easy to set up and use. There is no interruption to the actual phone service. All calls to the virtual number are directed to the phone number of the person's choice.
The benefits for private users relates to privacy. Many times, people do not wish to give out their private number to everyone they meet, therefore a virtual number is a great tool to be able to communicate with everyone, no matter where you are (if redirected to your cell phone), and still maintain the privacy of your phone number.
Other Applications of a Virtual Phone Number
A virtual phone number can be redirected to your pc as well. It can also be used to receive and send faxes. Business owners can use this number to route any calls to a key employee, no matter where he/she happens to be, and callers can have a full customer service experience. Connecting employees and customers have never been so easy.
Other features offered under this type of number include conference calling, call announcing, call screening, music on hold, professional greetings, and 24-hour online account management. In addition, multiple virtual departments can be set up fast and easy - a feature that benefits small business that cannot afford to hire many personnel, which can be very costly.
The most precious feature of this type of service is the ability for companies to capture new markets. Many times, consumers are reluctant to call foreign numbers. With a virtual number, your company can go international by appearing local to consumers. Consumers feel more at ease when calling a local number - this adds a level of trust to your company, and of reliability as well. The flexibility that virtual phone numbers offer to businesses and private users is well worth it.
Author Resource:
The author is a contributor and researcher of small business tools and options on topics for http://www.pbxcompare.com/virtual-phone-numbers. Please visit http://www.pbxcompare.com/virtual-phone-numbers for more information on virtual phone service.