http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for toll free number Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:39:03 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/toll+free+number http://www.artwoo.com/article/domain-names-and-toll-free-numbers-a-profitable-link http://www.artwoo.com/article/domain-names-and-toll-free-numbers-a-profitable-link#comments Wed, 08 Nov 2006 14:27:08 +0000 toll free numbervanity phone numbervanity numberfree vanityvanity numberstoll free numbersnational advertising campaign http://www.artwoo.com/article/domain-names-and-toll-free-numbers-a-profitable-link
The key is to find the vanity phone number first, Quimby says, and there are many more available toll-free numbers that spell out something related to your business than you would imagine. For instance, when he ran a search for toll-free numbers related to naming, he came up with 888-DR-NAMING (which I immediately reserved), 866-NOW-NAME, 877-PRO-NAMING, 888-WEB-NAMING, 877-TOP-NAMING and hundreds of other options.

Once you find a toll-free vanity number, the next step is to make sure the corresponding domain name is available for registration. 888DRNAMING.com was available, and I reserved that as well for future use. Then I was all set for a radio publicity campaign, a national advertising campaign or just rebranding.

Some points to keep in mind if this sort of naming strategy excites you:

* Although North American phones show letters on the keypad, telephones elsewhere in the world may not. Likewise, toll-free numbers in North America cannot be dialed from other continents. If you have a global business, branding only through a toll-free number that works only in one part of the world may not be a smart idea. However, it can still be a good way to attract North American customers, since you can forward the toll-free number for just pennies a minute almost anywhere else in the world.

* The cost of getting calls through a toll-free number can be as low as 2.85 cents a minute, with no monthly fee or monthly minimum charge. Aside from the one-time cost of getting a vanity toll-free number, it doesn't cost any more on an ongoing basis than a toll-free number that does not spell anything.

* Although numeric numbers are easier to dial, vanity numbers spelling out words get more calls than numbers comprised of random numbers. In a study done by Bellcore, print ads that had an 800 toll-free number attracted six times as many calls as regular, non-toll-free numbers. And contrary to what you might expect, this held true regardless of the socioeconomic status of the caller.

* Older telephones don't show the andquot;Qandquot; (which correlates with 7) or the andquot;Zandquot; (which correlates with 9), but most recent models do. Note also that you'll get more misdials if your vanity words include the letter andquot;O,andquot; which can be mistaken for the zero key. * The more you advertise on billboards, trucks, radio or TV, the more important it is to have a number that spells something. And if you are a small company, a vanity number makes you seem bigger and more established. When Bill Quimby tells people to call him at 1-800-MARKETER, few would guess he works out of his home. A toll-free number also emphasizes that the company wants to hear from customers.

* Whereas so many great domain names are already taken, many more of the 800YourName.com type of domain names are still available. Marcia Yudkin is andquot;Head Storkandquot; of the naming company Named At Last, which brainstorms new company names, new product names, tag lines and more for cost-conscious organizations, at http://www.NamedAtLast.com . Download a free ebook on obtaining vanity toll-free numbers at http://www.namedatlast.com/naming6.htm . ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/numbers-domains-and-your-brand http://www.artwoo.com/article/numbers-domains-and-your-brand#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2007 04:15:02 +0000 e mail addressmix upscard catalogstoll free numbersmarketing materialshyphensroman numerals http://www.artwoo.com/article/numbers-domains-and-your-brand
If you don't want to have your phone number as your domain name by itself, you could combine it with your company name. It is possible to have your toll free number as your domain name. Before you commit to a toll free number, check with a domain registrar to make sure the domain name is still available. Your phone company usually gives you 5 or more toll free numbers to chose from, so if the first number is not available ask for another one.

Including a number within your domain name may create problems, as when you tell your customer your web address, you will always have to tell them it's a number and not the word. For instance, if you have chosen a domain name such as bestonlinebusiness4everdotcom, if you were to tell someone your web address, they may try to type it as bestonlinebusinessforeverdotcom ' instead of bestonlinebusiness4everdotcom.' This kind of domain name would create mix-ups.

Both hyphens and numbers make it difficult to communicate your domain name verbally. In addition, they may be hard to remember. Avoid using spelled-out or roman numerals in domain names, as both can be the source of confusion. The same rules apply to domain name with numbers and hyphens as it is to domains without them.

Your Web address should be part of your overall marketing strategy. Make sure you add your Web address to all of your marketing materials. All of your marketing materials should feature your Web address and your e-mail address. When you print your business card, catalogs, brochures, letterheads, always have your domain name included. George Meszaros with Webene http://www.webene.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-an-800-number-for-your-business http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-an-800-number-for-your-business#comments Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:30:00 +0000 free via email800 numbertoll free numberbrick and mortar businesson the contrarycell phonephone book ads http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-an-800-number-for-your-business cell phones and digital media, many business owners =96 particularly small business owners =96 no longer consider an 800 number a necessity to running a successful business. After all, many cell phone plans offer free long distance; and in any case, many customers choose to get in touch for free via email.

Having an 800 number can still benefit a business immensely, however. Although a toll-free number is no longer a necessity for allowing customers to get in touch with you, it definitely makes your business appear more credible. A small business without a toll-free number gives an impression of being run out of someone's garage =96 whereas when customers see an 800 number, they imagine a brick-and-mortar business with a storefront, dedicated phone lines, and phone book ads.

Whether or not your business fits the latter example, it is obviously in your best interests to give your customers the impression that it does. Getting an 800 number can be a little intimidating, but it isn't as difficult as you might think. Here is what you need to know in order to get a toll-free number for your business.

How Does an 800 Number Work?

Years ago, the expense of setting up a toll-free number prevented many small and mid-size businesses from getting their own 800 numbers. Even today, most people think of a toll-free number as unattainable for most small businesses =96 which is probably why it impresses customers so much. On the contrary, though, an 800 number is relatively easy to acquire =96 in most cases, all you need is an existing phone, even a cell phone.

Toll-Free Forwarding Versus a Dedicated Line

For the typical small or mid-sized business, the toll-free service provider simply forwards calls to the designated number. Depending on your business setup, that could be your office phone, your home line, or even a cell phone. Some providers will even forward the call to multiple lines at once, allowing you to answer the call wherever you are at the time.

Businesses with higher volumes of incoming calls might want to consider a designated line instead. Basically, you will need to have a new phone line installed, which will be used solely for incoming toll-free calls. Although you will need to pay for the installation and setup, you will get a better per-minute rate on incoming calls, which will more than make up for the initial expense.

The Toll-Free Prefix

It used to be that an 800 number was the only kind of toll-free number. However, as these numbers became more popular for businesses, other prefixes were added in order to increase availability. The benefit is that if an 800 number you want =96 such as one that is similar to your local number, or one that spells something out =96 is already taken, you can get it using another toll-free prefix.

The prefixes for toll-free numbers are:

=95 800 =95 888 =95 877 =95 866

Finding a Toll-Free Service Provider

There are many toll-free service providers to choose from: the big, well-known providers such as ATandT and MCI, as well as many smaller providers. Contrary to common belief, large providers cannot offer you a greater choice of numbers. Although each provider typically has a pool of available numbers under their name, you can choose any toll-free number that is not already in use. Since the availability of numbers is the same for every provider, you are free to choose your provider according to the rates and features they can offer.

Finding the Best Rates

Rates can vary widely between toll-free service providers. Although many people believe that large service providers will be able to offer the best rates, in fact the opposite is often true. Your best bet is to shop around, comparing the rates and features offered by different providers.

There are two basic types of rates you will need to compare:

=95Monthly rates =96 Most toll-free service providers will charge you a base fee every month, regardless of whether you receive any incoming calls. Monthly fees may be as much as $20, or you may not need to pay any at all.

=95Per-minute rates =96 On top of the monthly fees, you will need to consider how much you are charged per minute for incoming calls. In general, these rates range from 7 cents to 30 cents per minute, although smaller businesses will pay more per minute than those that receive a higher volume of calls. You should also compare billing increments between plans =96 the smaller the increment, the better =96 and avoid plans that require you to meet a minimum number of minutes every month.

Deciding What Features You Want

There are a number of features available for toll-free numbers. You will need to decide which features you would like to have, and then compare the availability and price of these features between different providers.

Some of the features offered on 800 numbers include:

=95 Call blocking =96 Block callers who fall outside your coverage (and would therefore cost you more than other callers), such as calls originating from pay phones.

=95 Account codes =96 By requiring employees and/or customers to enter an access code, you can ensure that only authorized callers get through.

=95 ANI =96 Just like caller ID on your home line, ANI tells you who is calling. This feature can also be set up to display the caller's information on a computer.

=95 Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) =96 If you have more than one 800 number, DNIS lets you know which number was called. This is particularly useful if you are running multiple marketing campaigns, and would like to know which is the most successful.

Choosing a Toll-Free Number

As already noted, your choice of a toll-free service provider will not limit the variety of 800 numbers available to you. You can either choose a number from the provider's pool, or a "vanity number."

Choosing from the Provider's Pool

Service providers generally have a pool of toll-free numbers that have been set aside for them. Because these numbers are already in the provider's system, your 800 number can be set up much more quickly than if you choose a number from outside the provider's pool.

Selecting a Vanity Number

A toll-free number that you choose yourself, either because it is similar to your office number or because the corresponding letters spell out something memorable, is known as a vanity number. As long as the number is not being used by another business, you will be able to claim it. However, if it is not already in your provider's pool of numbers, you will need to wait about a week for the number to be transferred and your account to be activated. The good news is that once you have claimed an 800 number, it is yours: Even if you decide to change providers, you can take your number with you.

Using Your Toll-Free Number

Once you have selected an 800 number and a provider, you need only to wait for your account to be set up. Before you start giving your toll-free number out to customers, you should test it with the help of family and friends in various locations. After you have ensured that the number works and the sound quality is acceptable, you are ready to benefit from the added credibility an 800 number gives to your business! Jason Kay contributes to business related websites such as http://www.besttollfree800numbers.com. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/personal-800-numbers-provide-accessibility-on-the-move http://www.artwoo.com/article/personal-800-numbers-provide-accessibility-on-the-move#comments Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:50:26 +0000 best suit your needstelecommunication systems800 numbersauto topnotification emailscall routingpersonal telephone http://www.artwoo.com/article/personal-800-numbers-provide-accessibility-on-the-move 800 numbers makes staying in touch with family, friends and even clients hassle free. The types of personal 800 numbers you can sign up for include 800, 888, 877 and 866. However, you can also choose a vanity (1-800-Michelle) or customized number for your business such as 1-800-DECORATOR.

The reasons for taking up a personal 800 number vary, but sometimes include:

• If you move around a lot, contacts only need to retain one number

• Children living or studying away from home able to call their parents for free

• If you're travelling a lot with business, you can call home without running up bills on your company cell phone

• Military personnel can call home without having to schedule a call

• Employees can be contactable after hours without giving their personal telephone details out to clients

• Businesses use 800 numbers as a marketing tool to promote themselves above the competition

• Business owners can have one constant number for clients to call them on throughout the day

• People living overseas can obtain a personal 800 number for family and friends to call them anywhere in the world for free

• Toll free fax reception for customer orders

Telecommunication experts are predicting that the traditional home phone will be replaced within five years by portable telecommunication systems. Personal 800 numbers can provide one number directed to a cell phone rather than needing to pay both house (and/or office) and cell phone subscriptions.

Personal 800 numbers are available through various companies and plans, meaning that you need to choose the plan and costs that best suit your needs. Some of the options available in personal 800 plans are:

• Pre-paid and auto top up plans

• Online management of your 800 toll free number

• Scheduling of call routing depending on the time of the day. For example, to your office during the day and your cell phone after hours -- this can also be managed online.

• Built in voicemail and fax reception

• Caller ID/Call blocking

• Call notification emails with call details

• Conference calling features

• Multiple lines capacity

• Personal 800 numbers can be routed to landlines, cell phones and fax machines anywhere in the world

• Options available for the hearing impaired to route their personal 800 number to a videophone system

The Federal Communication Commission oversees the regulations and providers of personal 800 numbers. This means that the competition and quality of services have a government watchdog. The toll free numbers all come from a central database, which each personal 800 number provider accesses for each new subscription. The public can find toll free number providers at www.besttollfree800numbers.com.

Personal 800 numbers are transferable between providers, meaning that you can keep the same number even if you choose to change your subscription provider. All charges for the calls are paid for by the subscriber and not the caller and many providers allow subscribers to sign up online. Activation varies from immediate to 2-3 business days. Most personal 800 number providers have international call plans so that their customers can route the toll free number to a number anywhere in the world. You can also choose whether or not to include your personal 800 number in directory listings. If you are a business thinking of taking up the option of a toll free number, take into consideration that any overseas clients will not be able to dial a toll free number.

My advice is to first decide the type of plan you need for your personal 800 and then research providers for the most suitable plan and best pricing available. The reasons for taking up a personal 800 number are numerous and the options in the plans available are user-friendly and subscriber orientated. The most important benefit of all -- people can reach you no matter where you are on just one number.Jason Kay recommends reading 800 number service reviews at BestTollFree800Numbers.com.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-many-uses-of-prepaid-phone-cards http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-many-uses-of-prepaid-phone-cards#comments Fri, 21 Jul 2006 04:27:11 +0000 prepaid phone cardsprepaid calling cardswal mart storestracfonecellular phonestoll free numberinternational calls http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-many-uses-of-prepaid-phone-cards Prepaid phone cards are very popular among college students, frequent travelers or simply by anyone who wants to save on their long distance and international calls. Rechargeable prepaid phone cards are especially economic because the minutes that are added after purchasing the card are often less expensive. For instance, an AT and T prepaid phone cards can be purchased at most Wal-Mart stores at a cost of approximately $.08 per minute. When recharged, the minutes average $.05 each.

There are a number of reasons why prepaid phone cards are so popular, including the need to sometimes dial into a long distance telephone number for internet connections. Rather than paying the higher charges with the phone company, the user can have their modem dial using the calling card and then connecting to the internet.

While on vacation, hotels charge significant rates for long distance calls, but prepaid phone cards allow the user to dial into a toll-free number before dialing out to a long distance line. This will save big bucks as it will eliminate any long distance charges on the hotel bill.

Some cellular phones, such as Tracfone, operate on a prepaid basis. For each local call, one minute of talk time is equal to one unit (or minute) of prepaid service. International calls, on the other hand, may be significantly more expensive. In an effort to minimize the cost, some cell phone owners opt for programming prepaid calling cards into their phone and dialing out using the toll-free number. International rates will be higher with prepaid phone cards, but will likely be less than that of a cellular or regular phone service. This process will work on either cellular phones or a regular landline connection.

Along that same line, prepaid phone cards are also helpful in sending faxes. The same rules apply with long distance fax numbers, which can be costly through local telephone companies. The use of prepaid phone cards can often reduce these costs.

Toll-free numbers are free at payphones, so if you find yourself having car trouble or needing to get in touch with someone and the only phone nearby is a payphone, don't worry about having the right amount of coins or having to call collect. If you have a prepaid phone card with you, the call will be routed through the toll-free number at no additional cost to either you or the person whom you are calling.

In addition to the aforementioned advantages, prepaid phone cards are simple to use, easy to recharge from the store of original purchase, online through the prepaid phone cards customer service or via the toll-free number listed on the back of the card. To get more facts about prepaid phone cards, check out our website at http://www.phonecardguide.info for lots of free prepaid phone cards information and reviews. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/visa-gift-card-the-smart-credit-card-alternative http://www.artwoo.com/article/visa-gift-card-the-smart-credit-card-alternative#comments Tue, 18 Jul 2006 14:27:10 +0000 visa gift cardsvisa gift cardvisa cardsvisa cardinternational visaradio frequency identificationnumeric keypad http://www.artwoo.com/article/visa-gift-card-the-smart-credit-card-alternative visa gift card is similar to a debit card and represents money deposited with the issuer (Visa). This card can be used for purchases up to the limit on the card at all outlets where visa card is accepted. The difference between debit card and visa gift card is that debit card is usually issued in an individual's name where as visa gift card is issued without any name. Further there is a PIN in debit cards where as for visa gift cards there is no PIN. The amount varies from $25 to $2,500. There are two types of visa gift cards, domestic and international. Domestic can be used only within the US while international visa gift cards can be used internationally.

The visa gift card looks just like any debit card. It has a magnetic strip embedded in it on which the number is encoded. The remaining value in the card can be assessed by radio frequency identification. There are other ways, like entering the printed number on the card into a telephone or other numeric keypad. The simplest way to know the balance on your visa gift card is to call the toll free number on the card and give the card number.

The visa gift card can be given as a reward or gift on various occasions. Some visa cards are automatically activated whereas some have to be activated. The instructions for activation are written on the card. It is important to sign on the back of the card to prevent unauthorized people using your card. The purchase receipt has to be signed on every purchase.

The usage of the card is very simple and similar to using a credit card. The card has to be swiped through the keypad and the credit button has to be pressed. The amount spent on purchases is automatically deducted from the account. However unlike credit card the amount of purchase is limited to the amount in the card and no overdrawing is possible. If the amount of purchase is more than the amount in the card, the card is declined. Therefore it is necessary to know the balance amount in the visa gift card before hand. In case one wants to purchase an article of value more than the amount in the card, the difference amount can be paid by cash, check or credit card. If a card is lost or stolen, dial the toll free number given on the card or the number in the back of the card materials. To issue a fresh card the card provider will need the visa gift card number. Hence it is better to note the card number and the toll free number in a separate paper and keep it in safe place. When gifting the visa gift card the gift card materials should also be given with the visa gift card.

Visa gift cards are available quite easily and at many locations. To purchase a visa gift card online, or to know the locations where it is available, visit http://usa.visa.com. Tyson J Stevenson writes on a wide variety of every day subjects, always with valuable news and reviews. Expect to see his name often. Related resources are http://www.cheap-visagiftcards.info or http://www.hubbuh.info ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/internet-fax-vs-fax-software http://www.artwoo.com/article/internet-fax-vs-fax-software#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:37:06 +0000 internet fax servicefree fax numberfax modemtraditional faxglobal destinationslarge corporationspaper jam http://www.artwoo.com/article/internet-fax-vs-fax-software Internet fax service is an online service which allows you to send and receive faxes as email attachment via the internet. On the other hand, fax software requires a PC, a fax modem and a phone line to work. Both internet fax service and fax software have some advantages over the use of fax machine. Back then when internet access was not so popular, fax software was a useful tool to send and receive faxes using a PC. But nowadays, many home users, small businesses and large corporations are switching to internet fax service because it is not only more convenient and economical to use, it also looks professional to the customers.

Both internet fax service and fax software are easy to use and set up; and they do not require the investment of a fax machine. Faxes are sent, received and stored in your PC. There is no need for machine maintenance, no paper jam problem, no misplaced fax documents, and the paper and cartridge cost can also be reduced.

The main advantage of internet fax service over traditional fax software is its convenience and mobility. Internet fax service allows you to send and receive faxes from anywhere with internet access, even in your handheld device. You do not need to leave your fax modem and PC on in order to receive faxes. There is no need for an additional phone line. You will not get a busy signal and you will never miss a fax.

Another advantage of internet fax service is that it helps your company image by providing professional service to your customers. Unlike fax software and fax modem, which is often used by homes and small businesses, internet fax service is good for businesses of all sizes. You can get a free fax number or a toll free number at very low cost in more than 2000 cities around the world. Your clients can fax you for free and you are either charged with a very low rate or at no extra cost at all. Some internet fax companies even allow you to send faxes to global destinations for free. This versatility is extremely useful for small to medium or even large corporations. Even when your office is located in the U.S., you can set up a toll free or local number in Tokyo and your Japanese clients can fax you for free. The faxes are then routed to your email address. Similarly, you can also send them faxes as email attachments by simply typing their fax number in the TO: line of an email message.

Price and package are the prime concerns when shopping for internet fax service. Do the companies provide free local fax number? How much does a toll free number cost? How many pages of free incoming and outgoing faxes are included in the monthly fee? Do they provide free wireless access? Do they have enough coverage and provide a local fax number in your area of interest? What about the reputation of the companies? Do they provide free trial?

In summary, internet fax service is a useful tool for homes and businesses of all sizes. If you would like to have the convenience of sending and receiving faxes anytime anywhere, consider the internet fax service. You will see how internet fax works much better than fax software or a fax machine.Kwan H Lo owns an online review site promoting the best antivirus software, internet fax service and other utility software.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-0800-a-good-choice-for-your-business http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-0800-a-good-choice-for-your-business#comments Sun, 13 Jan 2008 03:25:02 +0000 paper advertisement0800 numberprospective customersnew businessesgood chancemanpowercall center http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-0800-a-good-choice-for-your-business new businesses can communicate with their customers and prospective customers is through an 0800 number, where customers can call you toll free. If you are interested in this valuable resource, there are a few things to consider to see if it is right for you.

First, think about whether you can handle the volume of the calls. Studies show that when a company posts their 0800 number, whether it is online or in a paper advertisement, you'll find that the calls increase, but their quality decreases. While you will be handling calls from people who have a strong interest in who you are and what you do, you'll also find that the amount of calls that don't do anything for your business will increase as well. The question to ask yourself is whether you have the manpower to keep up. While some businesses have a dedicated call center, others are staffed more sparsely. Especially if you are just getting started, you'll feel the pinch and you need to think about whether the people answering the phones will be able to cope with the volume of calls.

What is your demographic like, and are they able to comfortably call you if you simply have a normal line? With a toll free offer like an 0800 number, more people will be able to call, but keep in mind that there is a good chance that most people would call anyway.

Think of how the use of an 0800 number affects your customer's service as well as your own. Remember that while an 0800 number is comparatively inexpensive to set up, there are some fees included in with the maintenance and the reality of running it, in money, if you are hiring other people to man the phones, in time if you are answering them yourself.

Another thing that you need to keep in mind is whether an 0800 number will really mix well with your business. How many customers do you expect to contact you? Is the business you pull in from having an 0800 number comparable to the amount of money that you would spend on the line itself. What methods have you been using up until now? Some people prefer to use the internet to interact with their customers, but the important thing to remember is that although the internet is a powerful tool, it is not nearly as pervasive as you might think. An 0800 number can help you saturate your demographic with your information.

Essentially, it is important to think about what 0800 means to you, in terms of payoffs and investment. At the end of the day, it is a resource like any other, and you'll find that with a little bit of thought, pre-planning and budgeting, you'll be able to find out if it is right for you. Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For telephone services, he recommends Telecoms World, one of the UK's leading suppliers of 0800 numbers: http://www.telecomsworldplc.co.uk/0800-numbers.asp ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-take-advantage-of-a-free-conference-call http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-take-advantage-of-a-free-conference-call#comments Sat, 07 Oct 2006 12:27:03 +0000 chargesservice conferencefree servicetoll free dialfree web conferencetoll free numbertelephone bill http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-take-advantage-of-a-free-conference-call service conference call. With the entry of too many of them in the market today, the competition is getting tighter by the minute. The companies who choose to conduct free conference calling may be offering it as a lure for possible customers with the aim to make them become regular customers instead.

Take advantage of a good free web conference calling promotion. This can be a good move, especially if you are not familiar with how conference calls work. Using a free conference call can give you the opportunity to learn how everything works and how you can benefit from, without the associated charges.

A good free conference call should have the following features: 1. Allowance for a large number of callers. One free conference call provider can accommodate up to a hundred callers at the same time. This is a very large number of callers. Especially if the people you intend to talk to are prospective buyers. For a typical company meeting, a provider offering 20 to 25 participants should be sufficient.

2. Availability for the call length you want. Estimate how long your conference call would take. If less than an hour will do for you, then a free service should be adequate. However, if you expect the meeting to last a couple of hours, you should look for a free service that can cover you for a three hours time span. This allows for time for questions and feedback in addition to the main content of the call.

3. A toll-free dial-in number. Some free services are generous enough to allow you to use their toll-free number for your conference participants to use. Else, they might be giving you a local number where long-distance telephone charges apply. Check out what the free conference call number is. They might be adding other charges to the participant's telephone bill without you knowing about it.

4. The availability of access codes. The provider may indicate that you can have a hundred participants, but provide less conference pass codes than that. Read the fine print--you should be able to identify this in the planning stages.

You might wonder if there is a catch with a conference call that is being given away free? The truth is that there could really be one. Therefore, it is up to you, the customer, to find out what the catches are. While some provide truly free service, some free services have numerous conditions that must be met in order to obtain the free service. Be wary of those.

For those companies that claim to give out their service free, may only be doing so for a limited time. If you are really on the lookout for a free service, you should evaluate first the level of service you will obtain, as well as continued availability of the service. You do not want your business impacted by poor choices of free conference service provider.

The bottom line here is that audio conference calls are offered free. It is just a matter of finding and choosing the best provider with which to host your call. You want to ensure that your conference call will go as intended. Remember that if your call is important enough, you may want to go with a paid service, as the level of service and features may be more in line with your needs. Robert Workman is the technology editor for http://ConferenceCalling.2byt.com, where you'll find information about internet, web and audio conference calls. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/auto-donation-the-most-convenient-car-disposal http://www.artwoo.com/article/auto-donation-the-most-convenient-car-disposal#comments Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:22:20 +0000 federal tax legislationhelping cancer patientscharity causetoll free numbersdonation servicesauto donationcharitable institutions http://www.artwoo.com/article/auto-donation-the-most-convenient-car-disposal auto donation.

Auto donation is when you donate your old car to charity, which is usually channeled through intermediaries called auto donation services. This non-profit organization takes care of selling or assigning your car and all the paperwork. When you call them up on their toll-free numbers, the auto donation service picks up your car and gives you a receipt in return. Auto donation simply spells convenience in getting rid of an old car.

Where the Auto Donation Goes

Auto donation services may handle your car in two ways. The car may either be sold at an auction or used by a charitable institution for their operations. But either way, you will be assured that your auto donation proceeds go to a charity.

These charitable institutions may be involved in a number of causes. Some causes involve helping cancer patients, homeless families and even assistance to various other countries. If you have an inclination to a certain charity cause, you may always search for anauto donation services that supports your cause or if not request that the proceeds be used for your chosen charity cause. But wherever your auto donation proceeds go, it is definitely a good feeling to help those in need.

Tax Deduction

Another good thing that comes with your auto donation is the tax deduction benefit. According to the 2005 revision of the federal tax legislation governing auto donation, the gross sales amount from the sale of the car is an allowable tax break or deduction.

The legislation also further states that a claimed market value of more than $500 from the auto donation is allowable under certain conditions. If the auto donation services do not sell the car and use it on their daily transactions for their causes or assigns it to a needy individual or family, then the fair market value may be used as a tax deduction. The fair market value of the car being the value agreed upon by you and the auto donation services.

Under this condition however, certain paper works are necessary. But don't worry; auto donation is as convenient as earlier said. All the necessary paper works will be handled by the auto donation services or the charitable institution. This paper work is simply a written acknowledgment which also contains your tax and vehicle identification numbers.

Getting Started

If you want to get started on ditching your old car through auto donation, the first thing you should do is look for an auto donation services. This will not be a daunting task since there are already numerous available online. However, don't dial that toll-free number just yet. Check for the auto donation services' accreditation; make sure that they are a classified 501(c) (3) charity organization. This accreditation will assure you that they are recognized by IRS and your auto donation proceeds will go to charity. The last thing you may want to check is their availability in your locality. After dialing that toll-free number, the auto donation services will usually pick up your car in 24 to 48 hours. After that, donating your car is already a done deal.Car and auto donations are eligible for fair market value tax deductions under the new tax laws when donated to programs such as that offered by United Society. Donate car to charity at vehicle donations program now!]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/directory-of-moving-companies-in-california http://www.artwoo.com/article/directory-of-moving-companies-in-california#comments Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:57:27 +0000 advanced transportation technologylocal long distanceart mastermaster piecessouth san franciscointernational movesair 1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/directory-of-moving-companies-in-california advanced transportation technology, private packing benefits and even long distance relocations.

This is a list of moving companies, arranged according to their location:

1)Super Movers
Telephone number: 650-873-7942
Toll free: 877-849-4087
This company was established in 1996 in South San Francisco. They made this in an effort to help a company in Boston do local moves throughout San Francisco. They currently have four offices nationwide, including Los Angeles.

2)Express Relocation Van Lines
Telephone number 818-763-6060
Toll free 877-236-3794
The mission of this company is to move your things in a professional manner by noting your needs in detail and carrying them out just as you want it.

3)Camel Moving
Toll free 888-228-7670
This company started since the year 1991. They formed this company in order to meet the significant consumer demand for high quality and reasonable price of moving services.

Arcadia, CA:
1)VIP Relocation

Toll Free 888-460-0626

This company caters to local, cross-country and international moves. They proudly offer their customers a personal service, ensuring that their luggage will come on time and properly taken cared of.

2)North Star Moving Corporation

Toll Free 877-280-7439

This business originated in the year 1994. They also have a Los Angeles based corporation. They devoted their full services in moving and storage. They do local, long distance and international moves, either residential or commercial. They can also include your antiques, pianos and art master pieces in their trucks.

3)Back to Back Moving and Storage
Toll free 877-693-6683
This company was envisions to make a unique moving process that can meet the customers' specific needs.

Berkeley and Beverly Hills

1)Air 1 Moving and Storage
Toll Free 888-307-7167
This company offers great moving experiences and can help you with the packing as well.

Fontana

1)Xpress Movers and Storage
Telephone number 818-364-5575
Toll Free 877-468-9969
This company is bases their services on the principles of integrity and remarkable customer service. They offer free one on one consultation with experienced professional movers, assuring you the highest standards.

Glendale

1)Stevens Worldwide Van Lines
Telephone number 818-906-2082
Toll Free 877-475-2048
This company is rated A by the Better Business Bureau. They provide local or long distance relocations.

Lancaster

1)American Best Moving
For twelve years, they have been noted as amongst the Los Angeles' highest rated movers.

Long Beach

1)Oz Moving and Storage
This company is located in Los Angeles. They can provide you quality moving services at affordable, reasonable rates.
2)All American Moving and Storage Inc.
They are renowned for their professionalism and sophisticated transportation technology.

North Hollywood

1)Millenium Moving and Storage
They are a full service company which does local and long distance transports.

2)Relo Moving
They work with their customers in planning out their move. They will also help you pack or send you packing materials privately.

Santa Barbara
1)Excalibur Van Lines
They are recognized for their excellence and commitment.

2)ABC Moving Systems
They are rated A by the Better Business Bureau. They were established since the year 1193. Up to now, they continuously provide families and businesses of Southern California the help they needed.

Stockton

1)Two Mena and A Truck
They offer their service for residential transfers, be it an apartment, condominium, small home or mansion, they can meet your demands and expectations.

Moving from one place to another involves the difficult task of gathering and organizing all your things just to be able to relocate. If you are going cross country or just moving across town, before making a deal with any moving office, make sure they are legitimate, have a license and do not have any bad record with regards to clients concerns. These companies are the ones you should avoid.

Moving into California is much easier if you will be able to get a good mover. California, considered as one of the largest and richest places, is also the most populous state in the Union. Its capital is Sacramento.

Other interesting facts about California:

•San Bernardino County is noted as the largest county in America, having approximately three million acres of land
•The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles is the largest outdoor Amphitheatre in the world.
•The official state animal of California is the California Grizzly which was last seen in the year 1922.
•Scientists have detected up to half a million earthquakes in California during a single year, but the majority of these are too small for people to feel.For more information on mover directory please visit our website.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/domain-names-the-remembrance-factor http://www.artwoo.com/article/domain-names-the-remembrance-factor#comments Sun, 04 Feb 2007 06:27:02 +0000 domain namechoose a namepersonal contactinvariablytoll free numberbusiness namepresence http://www.artwoo.com/article/domain-names-the-remembrance-factor domain name, it is tempting to choose a name based on convenience or to accept a suggestion from the domain provider. Which approach is right?

Maybe neither proposal is entirely appropriate.

The more pristine your domain name the easier it will be for potential customers to find you. If, for instance, your business were named Ed's Grommet Shop, you would likely do best to acquire a domain that is very simply named www.edsgrommetshop.com . The use of hyphens or underscores is confusing for visitors.

Some netrepreneurs will also try to find a domain name that accentuates a 'cute' factor. They might look at a name like www.grommetsrus.com or www.yeswehavegrommetstoday.com. The result is a cute name that is easily forgotten.

You might even try abbreviating the name such as www.edgromshp.com Invariably your abbreviation will be different than the way others might shorten it. In the end your potential customers remain confused.

If you are still working on the development of your online business it might make sense to investigate several business names and discover which names might be available as a domain name.

By simultaneous branding your business name with your domain name you will find it much easier for clients and potential customers to locate your site.

It is possible to choose a name other than your business name, but you may have to work extensively to market the new domain name. Some existing businesses have used their toll-free number as a means of identifying their online presence. There is a well-known flower distributor that lists their online presence with their 800 number and work hard to brand that domain name along with the toll free number for contact. In essence they kill two marketing birds with one domain name -- website and personal contact.

Some businesses may also make the mistake of selecting a free online hosting site with a domain name that has little to do with you or your business. The belief is that this no-cost solution is a help to the development of your online company. Most of these sub-domains are largely ignored by online users and may not rank well in search engines.

If you haven't had the opportunity to launch your ecommerce site yet, take some time to research not only your business, but a name that can be easy for customers to remember if for no other reason than it is your actual business name. Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with HighPowerSites at: http://www.highpowersites.com. Start your own ebook business with BooksWealth at: http://www.bookswealth.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-the-right-web-hosting-company-for-your http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-the-right-web-hosting-company-for-your#comments Tue, 27 Jun 2006 09:32:19 +0000 free web hostingweb hosting companyweb hosting servicesfree web hosting servicesaffordable web hosting servicesbandwidth limitmail http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-the-right-web-hosting-company-for-your
When shopping for web hosting, it is important to consider your primary use of a website. Will it be for business or personal use? How many visitors do you anticipate having each month? Each web hosting company provides a variety of packages, each of which has a bandwidth limit. This is the number of visitors that can access your website on a monthly basis and the price of your web hosting will be largely determined by this and other factors.

Many companies offer free web hosting services in exchange for them placing banner advertisements on the website owner's page. The majority of free web hosting services, however, are designed for personal or small business use. The reason is because they offer a small amount of megabyte availability for website storage and do not provide a URL that is easy to remember.

Affordable web hosting services are ideal for new startup businesses due to the fact that they offer a modest bandwidth and megabyte availability for the website, along with FTP access and customized e-mail addresses. Most paid web hosting packages start at $20.00 per month and go up from there depending on the owner's wishes.

An organization who plans to advertise their website and generate increasing amounts of traffic may want to go ahead and purchase a web hosting package that will fit their needs during the first few months of service. Once a website reaches it's bandwidth, the web hosting company may suspend visitor access to the site until the owner upgrades to a more expensive package to accommodate the customers. It is always best to select a web hosting company that offers various packages so that, if you are pleased with their service, your website can grow with them.

As a final thought to choosing a web hosting company, it is best to deal with a business that offers a toll-free customer service number with extended hours. It is important to know that your web hosting company will be there incase of interrupted service or delays, advice and general questions. At the same time, it is important that your web hosting company have a toll-free number so that you aren't spending your dime in the event that you are placed on hold while calling customer service. For more information about web hosting, click the link to visit our website at http://www.online-web-hosting-guide.info . We have some great free articles and resources about web hosting. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/different-telephone-number-options-in-uk http://www.artwoo.com/article/different-telephone-number-options-in-uk#comments Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:20:01 +0000 premium rate numbers0808 numberstelephone service companycharge callersregional numbersresidential numbers0845 number http://www.artwoo.com/article/different-telephone-number-options-in-uk residential numbers (the notable exceptions being toll calls and 1-800 toll free calls). In the UK, business owners can choose a phone number type based on their individual needs.

The type of phone numbers to choose from are the 0800 and 0808 numbers, the 0844 Rate 5ppm numbers, 0845 numbers, 0870 numbers, 0871 Rate 10ppm numbers, UK Regional numbers and Premium rate numbers.

Many Businesses take advantage of these phone numbers as they can be very cost effective, which is every businesses main priority.

0800 and 0808 numbers are also known as free phone numbers. This means that the person who calls the number will not be charged for the time spent on the phone. Depending on what calling company you choose to go with, this can be available both with and without various services.

0844 Rate 5ppm numbers are numbers that charge callers 5ppm. This rate can change depending on the telephone service company that the caller uses. The owner of the phone number gets paid for each call to this type of phone number. Like the 0800 and 0808 numbers, depending on the service provider, this revenue can be gained with services as well as without services.

0845 numbers are "faux" numbers. The caller calls the 0845 number and then that call gets rerouted to any number the owner chooses. The person who calls the 0845 number only gets charged for a local call and the business owner can be pretty much anywhere in the nation and still stay in touch with his/her clients.

0870 numbers are phone numbers that charge the caller the standard fee for the national rate calls (which varies, but is typically 7 1/2 ppm during the peak times, 3 1/2 ppm during the off peak times and 1 1/2 ppm on the weekends). The phone number's owner will receive payment for each call that he/she receives, and will receive this payment both with and without services.

0871 Rate 10ppm numbers are numbers that charge the caller 10 ppm all the time, no matter what time the caller dials the number or the caller is calling from. The owner of the number gets a share of the revenue earned by this fee and they get this portion both with as well as without services.

UK Regional numbers are simply standard UK phone numbers. These phone numbers can be received and sent to any UK telephone number, mobile phone and sometimes even to international numbers. UK regional numbers are only available with services.

Premium rate numbers charge the people who call them between 10p and =A31.50 per minute. The owner of the phone number receives the money earned for each minute spent on the phone with the caller, but these numbers are only available with services.

The type of phone number you choose will largely depend on the type of business you plan to run and how much money your company wants to spend on the monthly telephone bill. Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For telephone services, he recommends Telecoms World, one of the UK's leading suppliers business telephone services: http://www.telecomsworldplc.co.uk ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/7-cheap-and-easy-ways-to-market-on-a-budget http://www.artwoo.com/article/7-cheap-and-easy-ways-to-market-on-a-budget#comments Sat, 26 Aug 2006 20:27:07 +0000 marketing materialseasy marketingmarketing solutiontargetadstelevision cabletoll free number http://www.artwoo.com/article/7-cheap-and-easy-ways-to-market-on-a-budget marketing solution is often to simply throw money at a problem. But that is rarely the most effective. When Businesses are forced to use creativity and ingenuity to market on a budget, that is when some of the best results happen.

There are always going to be rough times in any business. But those who throw money at their marketing problems instead of finding alternative means will find themselves in a tough financial situation.

Here are a few cheap and easy marketing methods that won't drain your bank account:

1. Learn to barter. Not every price is fixed. For instance, TV and radio time that goes unsold is wasted forever, so stations will usually accept offers below their normal rates.

2. Create your own marketing materials with desktop publishing programs. These programs are easy to learn and use, so after a few hours of study, you'll know your way around well enough to create simple marketing materials. If you aren't confident in your design skills, find a sample piece to model yours after. In the marketing world, looking over someone else's shoulder for the right answer is permissible.

3. Get a toll-free number. Although long distance rates are more affordable than ever, most people will still hesitate to call a long distance number. If you have a toll free number, there is nothing standing between you and your potential customers.

4. Buy smaller print ads and run them consistently. In the end, the repetitive printing of your ads will elicit more results than running a few large, impressive ads.

5. Buy cable TV ads. Now anyone, no matter how tight their budget, can advertise on television. Cable rates are incredibly cheap and you can even target your commercials to specific parts of the city.

6. Get the cell phone package with the most minutes and give your number to everyone. When customers can get a hold of you anytime of the day or night, you can connect to more person-to-person sales.

7. Don't sacrifice your image by accepting shoddy production or design. A shoddy advertisement gives you a shoddy image. Continue to hire professionals to design your ads, but shop around for the best prices. Hire a professional designer to create a visual format, then hire a lower-cost designer to do your follow-up ads with the original as a guide. Mohamed Rabea - Build Your Own Adsense Empire For Free. http://www.webempirelive.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-cheap-conference-calls-beneficial http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-cheap-conference-calls-beneficial#comments Thu, 09 Nov 2006 04:27:17 +0000 toll free numberextra equipmentlimited servicesoperator assistancefinal decisionbusiness purposestelephone system http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-cheap-conference-calls-beneficial final decision to choose the best fitting service provider.

The service of cheap conference calls is provided to the customers by giving a toll free number along with a dial-in number for the participants. The host is simply required to call on that toll-free number and can conduct the conference thereafter. Usually cheap conference calls are reservation-less type of conference calling, which means that there is no requirement of a reservation for the conference call and one can make a conference call anytime.

Cheap conference calls do not mean that the service providers will provide limited services to its users. There is nothing like this and service providers provide conference call management systems to ensure higher performance. However, such conference calls have an automated system, because it needs minimization of the cost factor; yet one can ask for operator assistance, if the requirement arises.

A cheap conference call can be the best option for business purposes, training institutions, and anyone interested in making a conference call. With such a conference call, one can be connected with two, three, or up to two hundred people, in general, at the same time for conversation. Also there is no need of any extra equipment to be installed except the telephone system, which is sufficient to enable the host to make a conference call.

Small businesses and other types of organizations who have just started their ventures look to cheap conference calls as beneficial, for, their budget arrangements and costs are not as big as for settled companies. To automate the system of communication, and still to avoid the cost of heavy equipments, travel, and space, conference calling facilities are best options. So, we can say that overall, cheap conference calls are beneficial, as they are nothing short in the technical aspects, but at the same time provide economical options for the users. For more information on http://www.call-conference-services.com, please visit http://www.call-conference-services.com. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/cruise-ship-phone-cards-for-calling-station-ports http://www.artwoo.com/article/cruise-ship-phone-cards-for-calling-station-ports#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2007 09:09:59 +0000 cruise shipcruise travelersfree cruisephone cardsport cardscell phone ratescell phone number http://www.artwoo.com/article/cruise-ship-phone-cards-for-calling-station-ports port cards. Because you will be on a boat, there are times when you may need to call home. Perhaps you need to check up on your family or friends, or you need to call the office to find out how things are going. Perhaps you may even found yourself in an emergency. Regardless of your situation, having a cruise ship phone cards is a great way to insure that you have a tool for communication during your trip. It should be noted that these phone cards are not only good for cruise travelers, but they are also useful for the cruise ship staff as well.

One of the best places to purchase these phone cards is over the Internet. While you may be able to get a card faster by simply visiting a physical store near your home, the Internet has a much larger selection. In addition to this, you will often find that you can find better deals on the web. However, there are some general guidelines that you will want to follow when you begin shopping for a phone card to take on your cruise. First, the card that has the lowest rate is not necessarily the best card. When you find a card online that you're interested in, it is very important to read the description before purchasing it.

If you only plan on using the cruise ship phone cards for a short time, it is best to get the card with the lowest rate. Some of these cards may have a weekly fee for maintenance. If you plan on buying a card for long term use, you will want to purchase a card that either doesn't have a maintenance fee, or a fee that is exceptionally low. If you're going to be making calls from a cell phone number (which is highly likely if you're on a cruise ship), you will want to take the time to review the cell phone rates. You will also want to find out whether or not the card has a local access number or a toll free access number. The rates will generally be higher if you use an access number that is toll free.

Cruise ship communication is extremely important, both for the passengers and the staff. In an emergency, you need a reliable tool that will allow you to call for help. If you want to call home to check up on things, you will also need a cruise ship communication tool that is reliable. At the same time, you shouldn't be forced to pay excessive amounts of money. Purchasing a phone card is the best way to reduce your expenses while maintaining active communication lines at the same time. This is very important.

If you are buying the card for the first time, you should contact the company when its customer service department is open. This will allow you to ask questions and clear up any concerns you may have. The good thing about these cruise calling cards is that you can use them to call multiple countries simultaneously. Once you pick the country you want to call, the cards may be ranked in terms of the best rates they offer. This can help you make a better decision, and get the best value for your money so that you can enjoy your cruise. Jose Hernandez is a freelance writer and cruise ship enthusiast that reviews cruise ship prepaid calling cards such as Pingo (http://www.pingo.com) that provides affordable International calling cards to cruise ship staff and passengers. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/identity-theft-and-credit-cards http://www.artwoo.com/article/identity-theft-and-credit-cards#comments Thu, 26 Oct 2006 14:27:12 +0000 free credit reportsfree credit reportmajor credit bureausthree major credit bureausannual credit reportannualcreditreportidentity theft protection http://www.artwoo.com/article/identity-theft-and-credit-cards Identity Theft Protection as one of their services. Should you become a victim and someone steals your name or social security number here are some steps you can take to keep the situation under control.

The first thing you should do is contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus. Equifax has a toll free number (1-800-525-6285). Experian is another credit bureau and they can be reached at 1-888-397-3742. TransUnion is also one of the big three reporting bureaus and they can be reached at 1-800-680-7289. You want them to flag your file with a fraud alert. Also have the credit bureaus contact you in the future whenever a new account is opened and ask them them for copies of your credit reports.

Next, start calling your creditors, a creditor is the company you have credit card with, not the (credit bureau) and speak with the security or fraud department. Then file a report with the police. You can file it with your local police. Finally, report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC can be reached at their toll free number: 1-877-438-4338. You can also ask them for a free publication that talks about identity theft.

Since we are on the topic of credit reports here is a side note you may wish to keep in mind. You can order an annual credit report at annualcreditreport.com" >http://www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. Congress created the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act in 2003. Consumers are now entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureau companies every 12 months, the year runs from September 1st to the end of August. To get the best advantage from this Act, request a credit report from just one of the bureaus at a time every four months. There are many other websites that claim to give free credit reports but usually require a fee. Unless you really need to know your credit score keep to the free reports directly from the reporting bureaus. The annual credit report website is the only website that is authorized to give you a free credit report. If you receive an email that claims to be from http://www.annualcreditreport.com you should report it to spam@uce.gov.

Most of us receive a lot of credit card advertisements in the mail. They usually say that you are "pre-screened" or "pre-approved". For the most part these mailings are safe. There is no need to be concerned with identity theft from these companies. If you are responding to one of those mailings, take the letter to the post office personally and have it sent off officially. There is also no need to worry about your credit report being affected by these mailings. There will be no "inquiry" or negative effect on your record. If you are still suspicious of credit or identity theft, contact the opt out organization through the Internet, visit http://www.optout.presreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPTOUT. You can chose to stop receiving mailings anywhere between months and years. But make a mental note that the "pre-screened" offers are not usually open to the public and they are sometimes only offered through the mail. "Your" Money Matters By Carl Hampton From the Author of "From Credit Despair To Credit Millionaire" http://www.CarlHampton.com http://www.fcdtcm.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-buy-free-conference-calling-services http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-buy-free-conference-calling-services#comments Sat, 16 Jun 2007 04:35:01 +0000 priceless momentsebayfree conferenceconference callingcruise to the bahamasfree lunchesavail http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-buy-free-conference-calling-services
There is much truth to this statement. If you buy a used watch on Ebay for $10, consider yourself lucky if it comes with a wristband- or hands. If you buy a jalopy for a hundred bucks from a used car salesman named Guido, cross your fingers before you turn that key. And how about that 6-day, 5-night getaway cruise to the Bahamas, for $200? It is probably nothing more than a ferry boat ride and a tour of roach motels. In one sense, you do get what you pay for. But there is also truth in the statement that "the best things in life are free." Watching a sunset, receiving a compliment, or seeing your firstborn child take her first step are all priceless moments. Free conference calling services can be one of life's priceless moments, too.





How It Works After singing up for free conference calling services, you get your own conference number. You can use this number for any conference calls within the United States, and sometimes around the world as well. Companies can afford to offer free conference calling services because they charge for other services. Nationwide long distance carriers cover the fees. Sometimes, however, extra charges are required to avail of special services, such as downloading files or adding more conference participants, the number of which exceeds the maximum presently allowed.



No Free Lunches These extra charges prove that nothing in life is really free, including "free" lunches. Someone pays for them. Likewise, free conference calling services are not totally free, and in the long term, traditional conferencing services could save your company more money. In fact, participants can avail of free conference calling services by paying the local or long distance charge to access the company's service computer. The exception is only when the conference organizer pays a small fee per minute per caller, to provide truly toll-free calling service to the caller.



To Free Or Not to Free - That Is the Question! When choosing a conference calling service, find one that best meets your business' needs. Factor in such considerations as budget, scope, and size. To begin with, determine if free conference calling services is what you really need. A "Fortune 500" company that needs audio and web conferencing should go with a non-free conference call service provider. However, free conference calling services are generally ideal for small to medium-size businesses that can live without the extra services and features that full conference calling companies provide. Furthermore, if your company realizes that free conference services do not include toll-free calls and if they only need audio conferencing, then "free is key."



Benefits, Benefits, Benefits When considering free conference calling services, it is wise to look at the features that may be included.

* No waiting and no reservations * Digital fiber-optic lines * Support for Voiceover Internet Protocol, or VOIP, services * Use of your conference number at any time and for an unlimited time * Participant capacity ranging from 100 to more * MP3 recording for archiving, sharing, and playback * Support of any calling device, such as a cellular phone, broadband phone, traditional phone, desktop softphone, and many others * Unlimited international conference calls using traditional calling tools, or VoIP * Computers are unnecessary for audio conferencing

Free conference calling services are not perfect for every company. Neither do they come completely for free. They have their uses, however, and when utilized well, they can prove to be the best deal of the year. Are free conference calling services ( http://www.Audio-Conferencing-Guide.com/free-conference-calling-services.ht= m ) truly for free? Visit http://www.audio-conferencing-guide.com now and learn more about audio conferencing services ( http://www.Audio-Conferencing-Guide.com/index.htm ) and flat rate conference calls ( http://www.Audio-Conferencing-Guide.com/flat-rate-conference-call.htm ). ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-tourists-guide-to-car-rental-booking-in-puerto-rico http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-tourists-guide-to-car-rental-booking-in-puerto-rico#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:10:04 +0000 car rental companyrental carspuerto ricohertzavispolice carsaccosted http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-tourists-guide-to-car-rental-booking-in-puerto-rico Puerto Rico as a tourist. Touring by car is by far the best way for you to see the sights of this popular tourist attraction. Otherwise, you risk missing the prime spots that seem to be accessible only by automobile.

Not surprisingly, car rental is big business in Puerto Rico. Local car rental companies such as Dorado Car Rental in Dorado and Pier Car Rental in San Juan operate side by side with multinational counterparts Avis and Hertz, both located in San Juan. Reservations for these firms' rental cars fill out quickly at the height of the tourist season, so it only makes sense to canvass and book ahead of time.

Their prices are generally competitive, with only a few dollars' difference between car rental providers in some vehicle categories. You can choose to vacation during the quieter, off-peak months, when rental charges are cheaper and when last-minute or on-the-spot reservations are possible.

There are a few things to keep in mind when driving around Puerto Rico, whose main roads consist of expressways, highways and freeways. Be aware that the road signs are in Spanish, but you should be able to figure out most of them since the symbols and shapes used are identical or similar to those found in the U.S.

In addition, there are toll roads, numbering three in all. They are marked by brown signs and are actually meant for tourists. The rental car company whose services you are hiring can advise you if the route you plan to take will include a toll road. Their automobiles generally don't have a toll pass, so have some cash ready. Be prepared to shell out from 70 cents to $1.50 in toll fees.

Driving in your rented car can become costly if you are accosted for over-speeding. You are fined a minimum of $50, more if the car rental company you have contracted happens to be one that charges their own fees for traffic violations, on top of the fine. You can easily spot police cars by the lighted blue bars sitting on their tops.

Renting a car to drive during your vacation in Puerto Rico is the way to go. Equipping yourself with the right information will allow you to find your way around and enjoy your stay there at the same time. Have a happy trip, and remember to drive carefully! Read 'Puerto Rico Travel and Tourism Guide' at http://www.digitalexcellent.com/puertorico ]]>