Until recently, if you wanted to buy a log cabin you probably would have to drive great distances to the mountains or places where log cabins were sold.
Or if you wanted a fresh-cut Christmas tree, you might have to trek to the countryside.
Now, though, you can be the ultimate consumer with just the push of your phone buttons. And the best news is that the calls are free.
AT&T has collected most of the national toll-free 800 numbers for consumers into the AT&T Toll-free 800 Directory. The telephone book lists more than 66,000 toll-free numbers that can be called to buy everything from candy and cosmetics to luggage and log cabins.
”It`s a national phone book. It makes America a national marketplace no matter where you live,” said Allison Engel, an author and journalist serving as AT&T spokeswoman for the directory.
LOBSTERS AND BIKES
”It`s really possible to eat your way across the country using toll-free numbers,” Engel said. ”It expands the whole idea of what you can give as a gift. It`s not just candy and flowers. You can send champagne, a live lobster from Maine, a 6-foot Christmas tree, a bicycle-anything.”
Like a regular phone book, the directory is separated into white and yellow pages. The white pages, at the front of the book, have listings alphabetically, and the yellow pages place listings under 326 categories.
A number of the companies listed in the directory are small ”mom-and-pop” businesses that are able to offer their services or wares nationwide through the 800 numbers, Engel said. Plenty of unusual goods or services can be found.
Under the ”collectibles” listing, Paul C. Richards Autographs can furnish you with rare autographs of famous people. Under the ”china, crystal and glassware” listing are several china-matching services, if you need a piece for a pattern that is no longer made. There are two listings under the heading ”beekeepers` supplies.”
”This book is obviously good for homebound people, but it`s also good for people who have small children and those who work a lot and just don`t have time to shop,” Engel said. ”It opens up a whole world of
possibilities.”
The consumer directory, which is $9.95 plus shipping costs, can be ordered, of course, through an 800 number. Call (800) 426-8686. As with all 800 numbers, don`t forget to dial 1 first, Engel said.
A business directory that lists manufacturers and wholesalers is available for $14.95. –
