Most people find it difficult to differentiate between normal phone numbers and vanity numbers when it comes to phone numbers. This article explains all the differences you need to know.
What is a normal phone number?
A normal phone number (typically in the format of 123-456-7890) without any designations. A typical phone number has seven digits. The first three digits are the area code, the next three are the exchange, and the final digit is called a “subscriber number.”
What is a vanity number?
A “vanity” or “customer-friendly” number (also known as a memorable or easy-to-remember telephone number) is a phone number (typically in the format of 1-800-FLOWERS), which spells out, either phonetically or as an acronym, a company’s name.
Vanity numbers have been created to be easier for customers to remember. Vanity numbers typically have six or seven digits. Vanity numbers may be geographically associated with the user’s location; for example, they could spell out “1-800” and imply that the business is toll-free. The telephone number 1-800-FLOWERS itself is an example of a vanity number.
So, what’s the difference between these two types of numbers?
15 Key Differences Between the Normal phone number and Vanity number
- A normal phone number can be used for any service or product. In contrast, a vanity number is typically used by specific companies that accept their numbers and toll-free keywords and phrases that may be recognized across the country.
- A normal phone number is compatible with all devices, while a vanity number may not be unless it has been stored on the device in which it will be used. A vanity number does not store on the device unless it has already been programmed.
- A normal phone number can connect to anyone who uses the same service provider. In contrast, a vanity number will only connect with people who have that specific telephone number stored on their devices.
- A normal phone number has no restrictions on what you can do with it, while a vanity number may have specific rules about its use.
- Normal numbers are charged per minute or flat fee, while vanity numbers are typically not charged unless they are used for toll-free numbers or if company rules require that they pay each time the number is used.
- A normal phone number can be paused or stopped at any time, while a vanity number must be activated and deactivated through the company that offers it to you.
- A normal phone number can be transferred to another carrier, while a vanity number cannot unless the license is transferred with the carrier that currently holds its license.
- A normal phone number can be used under any service plan offered by the service provider it is assigned to, while a vanity number may not work if you aren’t using the right service provider and don’t have the correct type of smart device on which to store a vanity number.
- A normal phone number may have an expiration date, while a vanity number does not unless you break company rules regarding its use.
- A normal phone number is typically for local businesses, while a vanity number may not be, meaning it can reach across geographies and states.
- Normal phone numbers vary on the price plan options offered by each service provider it is compatible with, while a vanity number is typically free of charge.
- A normal phone number can be used for new or existing businesses, while a vanity number may only be used by companies that already have one (or more).
- A normal phone number can have an extension, while a vanity number cannot be extended because it must be spelled out.
- A normal phone number is typically for a business, while a vanity number can be used by businesses and individuals.
- A normal phone number is assigned to a specific person, which gives it meaning, whereas a vanity number may or may not have meaning but belongs to the company that uses the number in its name.
