What is a toll-free number?

In most countries around he world, a variation of the “08XX”, “8XX” or “18XX” prefix is used to donate a toll-phone number

In the United Kingdom, a toll-free number (also know as a ‘free phone’ number) begins with the four digits 0800 or 0808.

In France where toll-free numbers are also referred to as numéros verts (‘green numbers’) the 0800 or 0805 prefix is used.

In the USA, a toll-free number is a 10-digit phone number starting with an 8XX prefix, such as 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888. 

Examples of countries using the “1800” prefix include Australia, India, Ireland and Singapore

In Klaviyo, you can use toll-free numbers to send and receive text messages.

You can also send and receive text messages with a toll-free number, which is effective for SMS marketing campaigns, customer service communications, and transaction notifications.

You may have more than one toll-free number, but you’re prohibited from hoarding them or selling them to other organisations. This means you must be using every toll-free number that is registered to your business.

Use cases for toll-free numbers

  • Customer service and support messages for inquiries, feedback, and assistance
  • Transactional messages such as purchase confirmations, shipping notices, and delivery notifications
  • Marketing campaigns like promo codes, new product announcements, and limited-time offers
  • Surveys, polls, and feedback requests to gather valuable customer data

SMS best practices when using a toll-free number

  1. Choose a reliable marketing automation platform: Choose a platform that makes it easy for you to apply for your toll-free number and lets you design your SMS forms and campaigns while you’re waiting for verification.
  2. Verify your toll-free number: The verification process takes 7–10 days to complete.
  3. Get consent: Use keywords to collect consent from subscribers.
  4. Personalise your messages: Use segmentation to group subscribers based on their behaviour, demographics, or preferences and send targeted SMS and MMS messages. 
  5. Be concise: Keep your text messages short and sweet (under 155 characters) with a clear call to action (CTA). Use emojis to convey emotions and increase engagement.
  6. Track and analyse: Monitor performance through metrics like click rates, placed order rates, and ROI to optimise your future SMS campaigns.

Ready to create personalised, high-converting SMS campaigns and flows with toll-free numbers? Sign up for Klaviyo, a reliable marketing automation platform, to segment your target audience, compose SMS messages at scale with AI, and track your SMS marketing campaigns. 

Additional resources