This boost in image credibility will help the business get approved for more credit and higher limits on the approved credit. A business must also have a dedicated business phone number that is listed with 411 to appear credible to most merchants and lenders. The listing should be in directory assistance under the exact business name. Lenders, vendors, creditors, and even insurance providers will verify that the business is listed with 411. A toll-free number will give the business credibility, but the business must have a LOCAL business number for the listing with 411 directory assistance. Lenders perceive 800 Number or toll-free phone numbers as a sign of business credibility. Even if the business owner is a single owner with a home-based business, a toll-free number provides the perception that the business is an even bigger company. It is incredibly easy and inexpensive to set-up a virtual local phone number or a toll-free 800 number for any business. No business owner should ever use a cell or home phone number as their main business line. This can get that business “flagged” with the business credit reporting agencies as an un-established business that is too high a risk. Lenders perceive a credible business as one with a fax number. Every business owner will need a fax number to receive important documents and to fax in credit applications to lenders and merchants. With e-faxes, which can be set up very affordably, you can have faxes be received and sent to you through email. And there are even some companies who can set up a company to send faxes over the internet from email. Credit providers will research the company applying for credit on the Internet. It is best if they learned everything directly from that company’s website. Not having a company website will severely hurt the chances of that business obtaining business credit. There are many places online that offer affordable business websites, so a business can have an Internet presence that displays an overview of the company’s services and contact information.