212 Numbers
Unleashing true potential requires making some significant life changes. It cannot be measured or observed in a way that could be captured on paper.
Two hundred and twelve numbers are synonymous with Manhattan and convey a sense of prestige that can attract new business. Here are some reasons you should consider getting one:
It’s a Unique Number
If your business aims to project an image of prestige, a 212 number is essential. But getting one can be done without moving to New York or even a landline phone. You can get a 212 number on your cell phone by porting it from your old phone or purchasing one from a broker who sells unused numbers.
The coveted area code ran out about 15 years ago, but the numbers keep popping up on the market when customers cancel their lines. Some people are willing to pay thousands of dollars for a 212 number because they see it as a status symbol.
For example, Bronx-born and Raised Sedina Osmanaj owns a furniture store called Lumber Liquidators on the Lower East Side. She says that having a 212 number makes her feel like a true New Yorker and conveys an image of class, sophistication, and authenticity. She compares it to having a pair of Yankee pinstripes. The digits symbolize the city and remind her of its past. Seeing them on a cell phone brings her back to a simpler time when the town was still romantic and glamorous.
It’s a Way to Attract New Customers
A 212 number is more than just a phone number. It is a status symbol that conveys your business as a premium brand and signifies the elite reputation that New York City is known for. A 212 number can also boost your sales by increasing the likelihood that potential customers will pick up the phone and contact you.
Moreover, using a 212 number, you can keep your personal phone number private and only share your business phone number with clients and customers. This way, you can maintain privacy while establishing a local presence in New York.
As technology has evolved, the popularity of 212 numbers has declined due to the widespread availability of cell phones in the city. However, despite their decline in popularity, 212 numbers are still available for businesses looking to establish a strong presence in New York. Luckily, with VoIP services such as RingBoost, you can use a 212 number from anywhere in the world.
It’s a Credibility Enhancer
212 is one of the oldest area codes in North America. It is also one of the most prestigious. Many businesses use a 212 number as a status symbol because it implies the company is rooted in Manhattan’s wealthy environment. In addition, a 212 number can make your customers feel more confident when calling your customer service team, as they can quickly build rapport with the representative.
This is why a 212 number is a must for any NYC-based business. However, as demand for 212 numbers increases, they may run out soon. According to a New York Times article, NYC will burn through its supply of 212 phone numbers this year.
Fortunately, there are still ways to secure a 212 phone number for your business. A reliable website that sells 212 phone numbers can help you find the perfect one for your needs. Moreover, a cloud-based call management system can help you effortlessly manage multiple 212 numbers from a single dashboard. It can also enable seamless collaboration between your sales and customer support teams.
It’s a Marketing Tool
The number on your business phone isn’t just a contact information tool; it’s a subtle cue contributing to customers’ overall impression of your company. As New York City’s original area code, 212 projects strength and longevity. It also identifies you as a local business, an essential factor when customers research services.
While the Federal Communications Commission doesn’t allow individuals to own their area codes, 212 numbers still sell for thousands of dollars on websites. Many businesses purchase the right to use these numbers from phone companies serving Manhattan or global cloud-based carriers.
When you have a team of sales reps, customer service representatives, and other support staff, it’s essential that they can collaborate seamlessly and answer calls promptly. Fortunately, modern VoIP software allows businesses to manage their 212 phone numbers from a single dashboard, so no one gets left behind. You can assign a team member to each call to ensure your customer has the best possible experience.
It’s a Strategic Investment
In a city where being a “New Yorker” is an enduring status symbol, a 212 number projects a sense of permanence and stability. It can level up your reputation as a New York business, signaling you have a strong foothold in the city’s robust economy.
The prestige of a 212 phone number is so well-known that it even has its euphemism in slang. In a 1998 episode of “Seinfeld,” Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character, Elaine, hatched a plan to steal a 212 number from a neighbor.
Even though it’s been over a decade since the 212 area code was reassigned to Manhattan, this unique phone number is still considered an exclusive commodity in the New York City metro area. As a result, many businesses seek to obtain these numbers to boost their credibility and prestige.
However, this exclusivity might soon change as the Federal Communications Commission recently gave voice-over-Internet-protocol providers direct access to 212 area codes. This could ultimately devalue the 212 number’s cachet. Regardless, some services still offer 212 numbers. These virtual numbers can be ported to a mobile phone or even routed to a different location outside the US.
