Most vendors offering cheap conference calls don't require reservations. Their conference calling is a fully automated solution. You receive a permanent toll-free call-in number and entry code to give to your participants. You only pay for the minutes used and everything is detailed in an easy-to-read bill at the end of the month. Some vendors will even waive the setup fees and won't require minimum usage.

With cheap conference calls, you can take advantage of buying minutes in bulk. Vendors will provide volume discounts - the more monthly minutes you purchase in a month, the cheaper per minute rate. Discount conferencing doesn't require equipment other than your telephone system and you can arrange conferences for two or 200 people.

Cheap conference calls may be affordable but they don't necessarily lack options. Most vendors will provide always-on conferencing, call management over the Internet, and instant activation for free.

Why can vendors offer cheap conference calls?
Most vendors maintain their own conference call bridges and phone infrastructure. This allows them to offer cheap conference calls to customers without having to markup prices to cover overhead.