Vanity Numbers:
Thus a vanity number is a form of toll-free number
with the beginning part same as that of toll-free number codes (such
as 1 800, 1 888) but the end part consisting of words, an acronym
or a domain name denoting either the company name or the product/service
that it deals with. Vanity-numbers are known by different names
across the countries throughout the world. In U.S. and Canada such
alphanumeric numbers are known commonly referred to as Vanity-number while in Australia and Newzeland they are called Word
numbers. In some other countries they are known as alphanumeric
or word/vanity-numbers.
The key pad of the telephone instrument has both
alphabets and numbers imprinted on contiguous blocks. This facilitates
dialing a vanity number as any other ordinary telephone numbers.
As in case of a toll-free number, it is not the caller but the company
subscribing to the vanity number which pays for the calls. Companies
desirous of obtaining the vanity numbers can contact toll-free service
providers.
It is difficult to remember a telephone number consisting of only the digits. But a combination of digits and words is easy to remember since words invariably signify the purpose ascribed to the specified number. Since vanity numbers carry words, acronyms and domain names that are descriptive, consumers can easily remember and recall. For companies, a good vanity number is not only an effective marketing tool but is also an inexpensive means compared to repeatedly advertising in print and electronic media. Numerous studies have confirmed this fact.
It is essential for companies to choose an appropriate vanity numbers that serves multiple purposes. The words in the number should be concise and easy to pronounce. In vanity numbers the first part is the numeric code which is same for almost all the numbers. Hence, for promotional purposes, the word used in the second part of the number should be unique, catchy and most importantly different from that used by the competitors. This will help in carving a niche in the competitive market. The word chosen should appropriately symbolize the mission of the business and increase the probability of customer responses than before. There are many instances where, correctly chosen vanity numbers have proven their capability by turning loss making business ventures into profitable cash cows due to increased customer responses.
According to the laws of Federal Communications Commission, U.S., a plain toll-free number or a vanity numbers cannot be reserved without there being a subscriber for that number. Subscribers are not allowed to possess more toll-free numbers than those required for their purpose.