4.8 stars from 200+ reviews on Google
FAQ
Every question, answered.
Straight answers from the people who run GBPN. The same ones you’d get if you called us at (844) 822-2255.
80 answers in 12 topics
The first question
Who is GBPN for?
Small business owners who answer their own phone: on a job, under a sink, or with a client when it rings. Most of our customers run their business alone, and many add a teammate or two as they grow. If you use your personal cell for business today, it’s built for you.
Customers include
- House cleaning
- Handyman
- Plumbing
- Landscaping & lawn care
- Auto & appliance repair
- Locksmiths
- Construction
- Photography
- Real estate
- Consulting & coaching
- Counseling
- Makers & small shops
- Churches & nonprofits
- and many more
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4.8 stars
from 200+ Google reviews
-
Since 2017
Family owned, no investors
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Real people
answer the phone and chat
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30 days
money-back guarantee
The basics
What GBPN is, who it’s for, and what you need to get started.
Who is GBPN for?
GBPN is for small business owners who answer their own phone: tradespeople, cleaners, consultants, photographers, real estate agents, and many others who are on a job or with a client when it rings. Most of our customers run their business alone, and many add a teammate or two as they grow. If you use your personal cell for business today, GBPN is built for you.
What exactly is GBPN?
A business phone number for calls and texts that rings the phone you already carry. Customers call and text your business number, you answer on your own cell, and your personal number stays private. We set it up for you, including a professional greeting.
Why not just keep using my personal cell?
Because then work never stops. With a business number, calls ring only during the hours you choose, you know it’s business before you answer, customers hear your business greeting instead of your personal voicemail, and your private number never ends up on flyers, trucks, or Google.
Do I need a new phone?
No. Your business number rings the phone already in your pocket. No new device, no second SIM, no desk phone.
Do I have to install an app?
No. Calls ring your cell without any app. The free iPhone and Android app is there when you want to text from your business number, call out as your business, or see everything in one inbox.
Does it work with my phone?
Yes. Calls can ring any phone that can receive calls, on any carrier. The GBPN app works on iPhone and Android, and the web app works in any browser.
Is this going to be complicated to set up?
It’s the most common worry, and one customer put it best: “I thought it would be too complicated… but it was just the opposite.” You pick a number and it works right away. Then a real person helps you set up the rest, free.
How fast can I start?
Right away. Your number works the moment you pick it. Calling works immediately. Texting from a local number needs a one-time carrier registration that usually takes one to two weeks (why).
Who sets everything up?
We do, with you. A real person helps you set up your greeting, business hours, phone menu, and where calls ring, free. You can change anything yourself later in plain English.
“Very easy to setup. Excellent staff that walked me through everything to make sure that I did not miss anything. System is user-friendly. Wish I had this sooner but better late than never. Thanks for such highly professional service.”
Veronica Brooks LLC · Google review Your number
Picking a number, keeping the one you have, and adding more.
Can I get a local number?
Yes. Pick a number in your own area code from 350+ area codes, so local customers recognize it and pick up. We don't offer Alaska or Hawaii numbers. Carrier costs there are too high to fit inside our $30/mo plan.
Can I get a toll-free number?
Yes. Choose a toll-free number if you want to sound national. You can also have a local and a toll-free number side by side.
Can I keep my existing business number?
Yes. We move it over for you, free, and handle the carrier paperwork. It usually takes 7 to 10 business days, and you keep taking calls the whole time. All we need is your number, a recent bill from your current carrier, and its account PIN for local numbers. Keeping your number
Can I have more than one number?
Yes. Add a number for a second location, a department, or an ad campaign. Each number gets its own inbox, name, picture, and call setup. Extra numbers are added to your plan, and you see the exact price before you confirm.
Can I change my number later?
Yes. Swap to a different number without rebuilding your greeting, hours, or call setup, and your history stays. The old number is released right away and can’t be brought back, so be sure first.
If I leave, can I take my number with me?
Yes. Your number is yours. Moving it to another carrier is free while your account is in good standing, and it usually takes 5 to 7 business days. If you cancel, start the move within 30 days.
Are numbers available outside the US?
GBPN numbers are US numbers, local or toll-free, built for calling and texting customers in the US. Need to reach another country? Talk to us first.
“Kaitlin has done an amazing job. She has created great greeting and voicemail recordings. She set up the destination phones. She has submitted and followed up on porting our number. Couldn't be more happier!”
Calls
How calls reach you, how you call customers, and where calls go.
How do calls reach me?
Customers call your business number. It plays your greeting, then rings your cell, a teammate, the GBPN app, or several phones at once, depending on how you set it up. If nobody answers, the call goes to voicemail. How business calling works
How will I know a call is for my business?
Business calls ask you to press 1 before they connect, so you know it’s business and can answer with your business name. You can also get a text on your cell saying who’s calling.
What do customers see when I call them?
Your business number, never your personal cell. We also register your business name for caller ID, so many customers see your name too. About caller ID
Can I call customers from my business number?
Yes, three ways: from the GBPN app on your phone, from your computer’s web browser, or by calling your business number from your own cell and pressing 1 to dial out. Customers see your business number every time.
Do calls use my cell minutes?
Calls that ring your cell arrive like any other call. In the GBPN app, you choose: Internet calling uses Wi-Fi or data, and Carrier calling uses your regular cell service, which helps when Wi-Fi is weak.
Can calls ring more than one person?
Yes. Ring a teammate in the app or on their cell, ring a group of phones at the same time, or ring an outside number. If nobody answers, the call moves on to the next step you choose. Teams
Can I set business hours and holidays?
Yes. Calls ring you during your hours and go to voicemail, or anywhere you choose, when you’re closed. Add holidays with their own greeting. Greetings, hours, and menus
Are calls recorded?
Recording is on by default, because it powers transcripts and AI summaries. You can turn it off for any number, or delete all recordings for a number. Some states require telling callers a call is recorded; you can add a short notice to your greeting.
Can I call 911 from GBPN?
Always dial 911 from your regular phone. GBPN is a business line, not a replacement for emergency calling.
Can I send or receive faxes?
No. GBPN handles calls, texts, and voicemail, not faxes.
Can I make and answer calls on my computer?
Yes. Use your computer’s microphone and speakers or a headset in the web app, with a full keypad.
“New customer, setup is very easy and painless and logging in a breeze. Calls come in very quickly. All for now.”
Texting
Texting customers from your business number, and the rules carriers require.
Can I text customers from my business number?
Yes. Send and receive texts from your business number on your phone or computer. Each customer’s texts sit next to their calls and voicemails. Business texting
Can I send and receive pictures?
Yes. Photos, videos, audio, PDFs, contact cards, and calendar invites, up to 10 files per message.
Why do I need to register before texting?
US phone carriers require every business to register before it texts from a local number, to cut down on spam texts. GBPN walks you through a short form, and AI can write the description from your website. Approval usually takes one to two weeks. Calling works the whole time.
Can customers text me first?
Yes. Customers can text your business number, and you can reply right away.
What happens if a customer replies STOP?
GBPN marks them as opted out and stops texts to that number automatically. If they reply START, they can get texts again. You never have to keep a list.
Can I schedule a text for later?
Yes. Schedule it in the customer’s own time zone. If they reply first, the scheduled text is held back. GBPN also warns you before you text someone late at night their time.
Can I send group texts?
Not yet. Each conversation is between your business and one customer.
“Fantastic phone and text service with an easy to use interface/portal both desktop and mobile. Great customer service as well. Highly recommend them and their services. Well done!”
Voicemail and missed calls
What happens when you can’t pick up.
What happens to calls I can’t answer?
Your professional voicemail greeting answers and takes a message. The message is written out and emailed to you with the recording attached. Voicemail
Can I read my voicemails?
Yes. Every voicemail is turned into text by AI. Read it in your email, in a push alert, or in the app.
Who records my greeting?
We help you set up a professional greeting with your business name. Want to change it yourself? Record your own voice in the browser, upload a file, or type the words and pick one of six AI voices.
Can missed callers get a text automatically?
Yes. When you can’t answer, the caller can get a text from your business number right away, in your own words, like “Sorry we missed you, we’ll call you back shortly.” Ask, and we set it up for you. Missed-call text back
How will I know about new calls, texts, and voicemails?
Choose for each number: app alerts, push notifications, a text to your cell, or email. The app’s badge shows how many conversations need you.
“I love it a lot especially that fact that i can call back by going on the site. I can check voicemail, and I can call back . This means that I monitor who the callers are if I miss a phone call.”
La Tonya Laird · Google review Inbox and contacts
Keeping track of customers so nobody waits on you.
How do I keep track of who I need to call back?
Every call, text, and voicemail that needs a reply lands in Needs. Once you reply, it moves to Waiting until the customer answers. Nothing slips, even on a busy day. Never forget a follow-up
What do Needs, Waiting, Snoozed, and Done mean?
Needs means you have the next move. Waiting means the customer does. Snoozed is out of the way until a time you pick. Done is finished. How the inbox works
Can I set a reminder to follow up later?
Yes. Snooze a conversation with a note, like “Ask if her landlord said yes.” At the time you pick, it comes back to Needs with your note.
Are my business contacts separate from my personal ones?
Yes. Business contacts live in GBPN with each customer’s calls, texts, voicemails, notes, and tags, plus their local time. Your phone’s address book stays personal. Business contacts
Can I search old calls and texts?
Yes. Search customers, conversations, and tags from anywhere. On a computer, press ⌘K.
“Great company! Great customer support! GBPN helps us streamline our phone lines and allow us to keep good records of each phone conversation. Highly recommended!”
Vera Likhonin · Google review Apps and computers
Where you can use GBPN.
Is there a mobile app?
Yes. The GBPN app for iPhone and Android is free with every line. It’s optional, since your number rings any phone, but most people use it to text customers and keep everything in one inbox.
Can I use GBPN on my computer?
Yes. Open the web app in any browser to text, call, and work through your inbox on a big screen. Nothing to install.
Does the app cost extra?
No. The app and web app are included in your $30 a month.
How do I sign in?
With your email and a sign-in link or a 6-digit code we send you, so there’s no password to remember. You can also use a password if you prefer.
Do the phone app and computer stay in sync?
Yes. They show the same conversations, contacts, and calls, so you can start on your phone and finish at your desk.
“I am really enjoying this app! It has allowed the freedom to respond when it's convenient for me and not waste time with unwanted calls.”
AllToGether Lovely Beauty Bar · Google review Teams
Working with an assistant, a partner, or a crew.
Can my team use GBPN too?
Yes. Add teammates, ring the right person, and share one inbox, so customers always get one clear answer. GBPN for teams
Do teammates cost extra?
No. Your price is based on your business numbers, not on how many people use them.
Can I control what each person can do?
Yes. Make someone an admin who can change settings, or a member who just answers calls and texts, and choose which numbers each person can use.
How do we avoid answering the same customer twice?
You can see when a teammate is viewing or typing in a conversation, who sent each message, and who marked it done.
Can I see how many calls we get and miss?
Yes. Call reports show calls, missed calls, talk time, busy hours, and results for each teammate. Export your call history to a spreadsheet anytime.
Can I run more than one business?
Yes. Run several businesses from one login and switch between them in a tap. Each business has its own numbers and billing.
“Byrd's Concierge really enjoys the use of GBPN as our virtual phone service. We have many features that help us connect easily with our clients. 5 stars to the office staff alone as they are extremely helpful & makes sure the service runs smoothly.”
AI
Where AI helps, and where it stays out of the way.
What does GBPN use AI for?
Writing down what every recorded call was about, turning voicemails into text, setting up your call routing in plain English, drafting your texting registration, and making greetings in seconds. How GBPN uses AI
What is an AI call summary?
A few short points under each recorded call: what the customer wanted, what you agreed, and what happens next, plus the full transcript. AI call summaries
Will AI talk to or text my customers?
No. GBPN’s AI writes notes, transcripts, and drafts for you. You and your team do the talking and texting.
Does AI cost extra?
No. Every AI feature is included in your $30 a month.
Spam, privacy, and trust
Keeping robocalls out, and your information private.
Will GBPN stop spam calls?
It can screen every caller against a national spam database and send known spam away before it rings you. Ask, and we turn it on for you. Spam call blocking
Can I block someone?
Yes, in two taps, with a reason. Blocked callers don’t ring through, and their texts don’t notify anyone. Unblock anytime.
Will my calls show up as “Spam Likely”?
We set up your number as a real business line with the phone carriers to help keep spam labels off your calls. If one ever shows up, call us and we’ll work on it with you.
Will customers ever see my personal number?
No. Calls and texts from GBPN always show your business number.
Do you sell my data?
Never. We’re self-funded, so there are no investors pushing us to monetize you. You pay $30, you get a phone line, and that’s the whole business model.
“I love the service allows me to run my business without sharing my personal number”
Pricing and billing
What it costs, and what happens if it isn’t for you.
How much does GBPN cost?
$30 a month, including taxes and fees. That covers your number, unlimited calls and texts, the apps, AI, and setup help. Pricing
Is there a contract or any hidden fees?
No contracts, no setup fees, no per-minute charges. It’s $30 a month flat, and you can cancel online anytime.
What if it isn’t right for me?
You have a 30-day money-back guarantee. If GBPN isn’t right for you, call or email us within 30 days for a full refund, no interrogation.
Can I pay yearly?
Yes. Yearly is $300, which works out to $25 a month, two months free. You can switch from monthly to yearly anytime in your billing settings.
Is there a free trial?
There’s something better: you can browse numbers without a card, and every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try the real thing, and if it isn’t right, get a full refund.
How do I pay?
With a credit or debit card. You can download your invoices anytime in your billing settings.
How do I cancel?
From Billing in your settings, or give us a call. There’s no contract and no cancellation fee. Want to keep your number? We can move it to your next provider, free.
What does an extra phone number cost?
Extra numbers are added to your plan, and you see the exact price before you confirm. Teammates are free; only numbers affect your bill.
Can I look at numbers before I pay?
Yes. You can browse available numbers in your area without entering a card.
Can I earn credit for referring someone?
Yes. Share your referral link, and earn $30 in credit when someone you refer becomes a customer and completes their first paid renewal. Refer a friend
“Very simple set up and amazing features at no additional cost. Excellent customer service. The pricing structure is affordable especially for a new business, set costs can be pricey and GBPN keeps it sensible. Thank you”
Iron Gall Signings · Google review Support and company
Who you’re dealing with, and how to reach us.
Do real humans actually answer?
Yes. Call (844) 822-2255 and a person picks up. Live chat is staffed by real people too. Our reviews name our support people more often than any feature.
When can I reach support?
Phone support is Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 9 PM Pacific, at (844) 822-2255. Live chat is open anytime on our website.
How do I close my account?
Cancel your plan from Billing, or call or email us and we’ll close it for you. If you want to keep your number, ask us to move it to your new provider first.
Who is behind GBPN?
GBPN is family owned and operated by Eric and Kaitlin Turner, husband and wife, since 2017. No investors and no offshore call center. About us
“Kaitlin is awesome she went above and beyond to make sure you understand everything. Plus I have her beautiful voice on my recording”
Still wondering something?
Ask a human. We are the support team, so the answer is firsthand.
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