How do I buy a new number?

In this article:

You know you need to purchase a new number to make your business stand out in the minds of potential customers, but how does buying a number actually work?

This guide will walk you through every step.

Step One: Find a Number that Sparkles

The following article will teach you how to use our powerful search tools to find the perfect number(s) for your business or personal line:

How to Find the Perfect Telephone Number

Step Two: Add to Cart

In NumberBarn's marketplace, each number will have some combination of the 4 different options:

• ADD TO CART: This orange button means you can add the number directly to your cart. Click the button and go to step three.
• START LICENSE: This blue button means you can add the number directly to your cart, but you won't own the number. You'll be licensing it. Check out this article for more about licensed numbers: How does licensing a phone number work? Then, go to step three.
• CONTACT AGENT: This orange button will prompt you to fill out a "Request to License" or "Request to Purchase" form. Fill it out, and one of our sales agents will give you a call to discuss your request.
• MAKE AN OFFER: This blue button is visible on marketplace numbers with negotiable pricing. Learn more: How does the "Make An Offer" button work?

Step Three: Check Out

Once your number is in your cart, click on the cart icon in the top right corner of the screen to check out. Even if you're planning to port your number out to a new provider right away, you'll need to choose a service plan to keep it active until it ports out. Click here to learn about our plans and pricing.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you're filling out your account and payment information:

• The credit card you enter at checkout will be kept on file and used to auto pay your monthly bill as long as your number is in your account.
• Depending on the number(s) you chose, it can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 business days to become active in your account. Please do not purchase marketing materials before the number becomes active in your account.

Step Four: Number Activation

How long is that going to take? In your NumberBarn or NumberGarage account, click on the Numbers tab. Then click on your number to see the activation timeframe. For more information on how activation works, click here.

Step Five: Make the Most of Your Number

• Configure Your Number - If you haven't already, set up your number's outgoing message, call forwarding, and text messaging to begin using it. This article will help you log in to your account.

• Place a Test Call - Call your number to verify it is working as you expected. If you are using call forwarding, be sure to call from a number other than the one we are forwarding calls to.

• Try Text Messaging - Text messages are sent to your account inbox. You can access them from the Messages tab in your online account or our mobile app. Note: text messaging can take an hour to activate.

• Porting Away? - Yes! We're happy to help you port your number to a new carrier. This article walks you through the port away process.