Although email is widely used in business communications today, faxing is still a go-to method for transmitting critical documents. In fact, it’s still the primary way to execute contracts when signatories are in different locations and remains part of the typical workflow of most offices and organizations worldwide.
Since remote and hybrid models of work have grown in popularity, the concept of faxing has evolved beyond the traditional fax machine and landline setup. While fax machines are still most commonly used, here are three options for faxing you might not realize are available.
1. Office Supply Stores
If you’ve ever passed by an office supply store while traveling, you’ve likely noticed signs on the window that advertise their faxing services. These types of stores provide fax machine access, along with other business-related services such as notarizing and mailing packages.
While costs will vary depending on where you go, most retailers charge between $1 and $3 per page, with additional fees added if you are faxing internationally. Many of these stores also allow you to submit an order via smartphone for pickup at a later date.
2. Online Faxing Via Email
Online faxing via email is the best way to transmit important documents and the like; all that’s required is your smartphone or computer and an online email faxing service. With many low-cost subscriptions available, your business can take advantage of convenient fax solutions that will save you time and money.
With online faxing, all you do is upload the document onto your smartphone or computer and send the fax through the app. It goes straight to the fax machine of the recipient without any paper or ink being used on your end, making it both convenient and great for the planet.
Sending your faxes online is also the best way to fax in a hurry or on the go. Indeed, there’s no longer a need to search online for “fax near me” or to stop and spend time waiting for access to a traditional fax machine—it can all be done on your smartphone. With so many employees changing locations or working remotely, online faxing allows them to streamline their workflows despite not being in an office.
3. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) allows you to send or receive calls via the internet, including faxed documents. It’s a little more complicated than using a traditional fax machine or even faxing online but is still a viable way to send and receive a fax if other options aren’t available.
When you transmit a fax over an IP network instead of a telephone network, you’ll save money on long-distance charges. However, you’ll need to use a VoIP gateway to convert the analog fax machine signal to one that is internet-friendly and can be read on the other end.
Faxing is Here to Stay
The convenience of faxing via the cloud is one of the most innovative business solutions available and will change the way you fax documents going forward. If you aren’t taking advantage of the digitization of faxing, try it the next time you need to send out a fax. As soon as you see how easy and cost-effective it is for your business, you’ll never want to fax the old way again.
