Saving Money on Faxes

Answer 1

Fax machines can be one of the most expensive communication tools in an office. However, any reputable business is expected to have at least a fax number, even if the fax machine is barely used. And for their trouble, faxes are often the quickest way to send and receive correspondence.

Where many people and businesses run into problems with faxes is the hardware maintenance, cost of expensive materials such as ink and toner, and the inconvenience of having to coordinate such events as making sure the phone line is free, the other person's fax machine is on, the number was typed in correctly, and the connection is actually thorough.

Fortunately, there is a solution which combines the best of both worlds, with interest, actually: The speed and convenience of faxing (when it works) combined with the low maintenance of email and electronic correspondence. There is an entire industry dedicated to the e-fax, or electronic fax.

There are many advantages to the electronic fax, including:

Cost effectiveness -- no more money spent on toner, ink, or hardware maintenance. Convenience -- electronic faxes can be sent from and to mobile devices and as email attachments. Administration -- electronic faxes are automatically saved by the hosting company and able to be retrieved at will. Efficiency -- you do not have to wait by your computer to send or receive a fax. If your computer is off, the electronic fax goes straight to your inbox. If your recipient's computer is off, the same will happen. No more uncertainty. Support -- all of the companies that host electronic faxing web sites host discussion forums and faqs on the subject. Going green -- sending electronic faxes saves paper, power, bandwidth, and ink. Professional Image -- your company is seen as cutting edge for implementing relatively new technology

Top companies in the electronic fax industry include eFax, RapidFax, and MyFax. Each provide monthly and annual service contracts, usually with discounts for extended service. Electronic fax services are mostly hosted services, which require no hardware maintenance or software installation. The services require only a sign up from the web site, and are plug and play operations.