Though the spread of businesses is causing the need for virtual 800 numbers to expand there are still many who do not understand how this 800 number works. It is very essential to know this in order to get maximum benefit out of this service.

In its most basic form virtual 800 numbers are a very simple concept. A business has to sign up with an 800 number service provider. After this number is activated your customers cans get in touch with you via this number. When the number is dialed it is routed to the phone of the desired business choice. Many of these numbers can be used to direct calls to certain specific departments.

Generally speaking 800 numbers do not replace the local or long distance call facility of the company. One cannot use this number to make outgoing calls. Similarly incoming calls on the local number will also be carried by the present provider and not by the 800 numbers. A virtual 800 number doesn’t need any additional equipment for its working. Calls made on the 800 numbers will be routed to your cell phone but when calls are made to your cell phone they would still go to the cell phone.

Essentially the cell phone will now answer calls from two numbers. One is the cell phone number and the other is the 800 number. It is possible to direct calls to multiple phones also. An automated greeting has to be made after signing up for a toll free number. Also it is easy to identify if the call is coming from an 800 number. This is because there will be a series of automated options like answer call and send caller to voice-mail. These are enough to identify that the call is coming from a virtual 800 number.