Flexibility and Mobility Through Online Fax Services
If you have ever wondered what makes smart phones so popular, just think about the type of individual who uses such a device. And then imagine the freedom these smart phones allow. For the type of clients we typically see, mobility is a welcome commodity. But with reams of paperwork moving from one person to another, what benefit is mobility when you need to be close to the office?
While the fax machine was popularized in the mid- to late-80's and allowed companies to reduce couriers costs and eliminate some of the opportunity losses associated with delivery delays, it has become something of an archaic tool. See, the traditional fax needs a phone line, which comes with a physical office location. So unless you or someone else sits next to the machine, important documents can sit unnoticed for unknown periods of time while you are cultivating business relationship, resulting opportunity losses... and isn't that what the fax machine aimed to get rid of in the first place?
This is where online fax services can offer assistance, particularly to the small business clients that we work with. Now that most folks enjoy high-speed internet and low hardware costs, the ability to move and store tremendous quantities of information means you can outsource your fax requirements for as low as $10 USD per month.
On the surface, online fax services might not seem like such a big deal. Why outsource faxing for $120 per year when a fax machine goes for less than $30 and you can do it yourself? Well, $120 includes the phone line (how much does a dedicated fax line run you now?) More importantly for the small business owner, it also includes forwarding your faxes by e-mail (yes, this includes your web-enabled smart-phone!). This allows you to receive faxes anywhere you can connect to the net.
Surprisingly, you are not limited by the type of fax you send. The leading online fax services company allows you to send more than 150 different file types like JPG and MS Word documents. This means online fax services are just as flexible as traditional machines.
Since subscribers can operate from anywhere, questions arise as to the need for high-expense items like office leases, reception, telephone lines, etc. And since all faxes are imaged (both incoming and outgoing), even physical storage expenses can be reduced.
The most impressive service we reviewed was offered through myFax, whose lowest cost of $10 offered plenty of freebies. This entry level package allows 200 incoming and 100 outgoing faxes as well as a free toll-free or local fax number at no extra charge. They do not force you to sign a contract, so if their service doesn't work for you, you can bail without charge. Their priciest plan, at $40/month, simply allows for more incoming and outgoing faxes. All plans allow faxes to be saved for one full year as well as limitless access to their easily navigated website -- this is important when you are unable to access your inbox through your handheld or PC.
For small business owners and entrepreneurs seeking true mobility, fax services may have just been the last frontier. Through myFax, you can realize your freedom and start seeing savings immediately.
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