How important is a 1-800 number??

How important is a 1-800 number to a business?? Are you more likely to trust a vendor with a 1-800 number than one with only email contact?

Your input would be very much appreciated.

I always have a better trust in the companies that also have some sort of phone or physical address for contact. Doesn't have to be 1800, can also be a local number (I don't mind paying for calls). I feel that that way, when a problem arises or I have some questions about the service or the product I can contact them.

Honestly to me that doesn't matter. Im not likely to call one anyway. Im not a fan of phones, and I work weird hours, so when its convenient for me to call most places are not open.
Well and even if they were open, I'd probably still not call.
I'd just much rather contact online, especially if its a company that has an online presence. The times that I have had questions from a site I have just used the email contact, even thought the 1-800 number was right there.

Thanks, I really do appreciate that. You made a great point.

they are proven way to enhance credibility of an online business...they are almost irrelevant as no one pay for long distant call any more but they add credibility

If its a national company I would think an 800 number would be a little more professional, but a company with only an email I would avoid. Especially if it's a free email, like gmail or yahoo address.

Wow, all very good points. Thank ya'll. Every input is very much appreciated. I especially agree that when you visit a site that is selling items and then has a free email like yahoo, hotmail, etc. really does make it look more like a hobby site and not a business site. Thanks.