Free Fax Trials - Are They Worth Trying?
Internet or online fax seems to be all the rage at the moment
with both companies and individuals switching over to this more
modern way of faxing. A major part of this change is all the
free fax trials many online service providers are offering to get
you to switch. But is a free fax trial worth taking or is this
just another slick marketing/selling gimmick?
Before we can tackle this issue, you should first know a little
something about Internet faxing in order to fully discuss your
options. Online fax is simply using your email system and your
Internet connection to send and receive your faxes. Your faxes
are sent in an email, as an attachment, usually in TIFF or PDF
formats - although there are countless different formats you
can use.
In order to start online faxing, you have to sign-up to
an Internet fax service provider who will give you your own
toll-free or local fax number. You also get an online account
or interface where you can store your faxes and you can also
send your faxes from there. Your fax provider acts as your
intermediary to handle all your faxes. Keep in mind, you can
still send and receive your faxes thru the old traditional
fax machine.
Why are people switching to online faxing?
One of the main reasons is accessibility, you can get your
faxes anywhere you have Internet access and these days that’s
just about everywhere on the planet. It is truly portable since you
can send and receive your faxes from laptops, PDAs, netbooks,
cell phones… you are no longer tied down to only receiving
your faxes at the office.
It is also paperless, inkless, more secure and much more
cost-effective than the traditional fax machine and since
everything is handled with computers and the web, there is no
need for an extra fax phone line which can mean major savings for
companies just starting up. Another major advantage, online
fax is completely scalable for businesses, you can quickly
add lines/accounts when you need them.
Free Fax Trial - Should You Try One?
Now most of the major online fax service providers offer
you a free 30 Day Trial so you can check out their service.
This is not exactly a bad idea because it is always wise
to “Try before you Buy”. You can test out the quality of
the service before you sign on the dotted line.
However, since this will usually be a long-term business
service, doing your homework now can save you major expenses
over the long haul. Compare and shop around before you sign
up for any given fax service - even if they’re offering
a free trial. One major catch, once you have your new fax
number circulating with all your contacts, it might be hard
to change it. Many companies will let you “port” your fax
number but some don’t or you have to pay a fee.
So thoroughly check out any fax service you’re thinking
of signing up for. Most monthly charges run around $10
but there are cheaper options out there so shop around
if you’re on a tight budget. Also find out the cost of
extra pages - most companies offer 300 (incoming/outgoing)
free faxes a month. Some companies charge by the pages,
while others charge by the minute.
Overall, taking a free fax trial may just be your best
option since you can check out the service before finally
going with it; any issues with faxing, support or the
service will generally be evident in that time frame.
If the service is not up to your standards, just drop
the service and try another, either way you can’t lose!
…
To compare prices and services of the different Internet Fax Services
just use this handy online Comparison Guide: free fax trials
Or if you want more detailed information on Internet Faxing
try here: free fax trial.
Titus Hoskins Copyright © 2009. This article may be freely
distributed if this resource box stays attached.
