Internet or online fax service providers are gradually replacing the old traditional fax machine in the office, so it's in your best interest to gather as much information about these services as you can obtain. Especially, if you're in the market and have been considering using one of these online fax services to do all your faxing. Here's a quick list of some points and factors you should know before you buy...

What is online fax?

Online fax is simply using your email system and your web connection to do all your faxing. This is a simple form of "cloud computing" where these services are hosted on and operated from a third party site or provider. Your faxes are sent as email attachments (usually a Tiff or Pdf file) and all handling/processing is done by your online provider for a small monthly fee.

How does it work exactly?

Once you sign up for an online service, you're given a local or toll-free number which you can use as you would any fax number. Your faxes can be sent and/or received through this number via the online provider and your email system. You can fax directly from your desktop or you can simply log in to your online fax account and do it there. Since this is a web based service it is completely portable and you can do your faxing anywhere, anytime.

Can I have my faxes sent to different email addresses?

Your fax number and account will be connected to an email address of your choice. Many providers will allow you to have more than one email address associated with your account. Some will even allow you to have 5 to 10 different email addresses so check with your provider if this factor is important to you or your company.

What are the benefits of using online fax?

As mentioned above, one of the greatest benefits besides ease-of-use, is the complete mobility using these online fax services gives you or your company. This can be of great benefit, especially if you need to contact clients/customers regardless of where they or you happen to be located. Plus, these services are available around the clock, which means your business is actually open 24/7/365.

Why is online fax the best innovation since sliced bread?

Well, not really, but given our increasingly mobile lifestyles many would argue that having a portable faxing system is essential in today's business environment. Keep in mind, with online fax, any mobile device such as a cell phone, laptop, ipad or netbook... can be your virtual fax machine.

Who uses online fax? What professions or industries use it?

Online fax can be used by anyone who wants a completely portable faxing system. Users of these services include: real estate agents, construction workers, engineers, salespersons, employees working at home, small business owners... and the list goes on.

What is fax broadcasting?

Just as the term suggests, you can easily import large contact lists into these services and broadcast a message to these groups with one click of the mouse. This can save you both time and money.

What are the differences between getting a local or a toll-free fax number?

Many fax services will offer you the choice of having a local or toll-free number - but you must check with your chosen fax provider since not all of them have local numbers in your area. Some providers will also charge you slightly more for a Toll-free number so you must check this before you buy.

Are there any corporate fax plans?

Most fax service providers will offer many different plans and rates to satisfy all the requirements of their different customers. Most will have simple basic plans or even cheap "pay-as-you-go" services... all the way up to robust corporate fax plans. These corporate plans, in many cases, can be custom designed to meet all your company's specific faxing needs. They can also be quickly scaled up or down, depending on your company's progress.

What are the costs for using an online fax service?

While you can get some cheaper plans for around $3 or $4 a month, these plans can be somewhat limited. Most providers offer basic plans for on average around $8 to $12, which will give you around 300 to 500 faxes (incoming and outgoing) per month. Most providers will charge you an overage fee if you should go over that number - around 3 to 10 cents per fax.

Why is online fax cheaper than conventional faxing?

Many reasons: you don't need to install an extra fax phone line; you don't need to buy any papers, inks and toners; plus, your startup costs are next to nil because you don't have to buy a fax machine or purchase any other equipment.

What are some of the major providers?

There are numerous providers to choose from if you're looking for one, some of the major online fax providers are eFax, MyFax, RapidFax, TrustFax, Send2Fax, RingCentral, Nextiva Fax, Faxage, MetroFax and Popfax. Click here to find out more info on these Internet Fax Providers.

Is online fax services secure to use?

Yes, most of your faxes can be encrypted for greater security. Plus, with your online account, only you can use your username and password to access your faxes. This can also offer greater security than with a regular fax machine where anyone passing by can potentially view your faxes.

Can I port my current fax number over to these online services?

Yes, many providers will let you port or use your old fax number, but there is usually a small charge or fee for having this done. Just check with your chosen fax provider to see if this is possible.

Can I get a Free Fax Trial?

Thankfully, most online services offer a free 30 Day Free Trial where you can check out the quality of their service before you buy. Since this will usually be a long term business expense, you must thoroughly check out these services before you sign on the dotted line.

Related Online Fax Sites and Resources:

Internet Fax Service Providers

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Please Note In gathering information and facts about the different Internet Fax Services, some online sites proved very beneficial. Mainly sites that rated the different Fax Services - nothing beats an opinion poll of actual users.

Internet Fax Service Guide