Online Fax Services - do you use one? Any recommendations?

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

I have the world's oldest fax machine. Sending is not a problem but the ones I receive are almost illegible, especially if they contain handwritten notes. I could buy a new one but money is tight and I just don't wanna. Besides, I get like five faxes a year. Most people send attachments by email or upload big files to client servers.

But when someone does want to send me a fax, I hate asking them if they can scan and email instead. They're clients. I don't want to ask them to do anything except pay me.

I looked at one service that charges $10 a month. That's too much for the number of faxes I get. Do you know of any more efficient, low-cost way I can set up online access to faxes?

This isn't an earth-shaking problem but I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

[matt819]

1. Try your local UPS Store

I use JConnect to receive faxes via the computer, though I don't use them to send. I don't get tons of faxes, but it's still worth the $14.95 monthly not to have to get another phone line or tie up an existing phone line and to be certain that I'll get the faxes.

If you don't want to spend $15/month, why don't your see what your local UPS Store can do for you, or maybe your local office supply store. They will often have a fax number you can use and will charge a buck or two to receive a fax, and they'll call you when it arrives. So, if you're going to receive maybe 7-14 faxes a month, this is most cost effective. If you receive more, sign up for JConnect. There's also eFax, I think.

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

2. You know, I forgot about local stores

Years ago before I had a fax machine, I used to send and receive at a printing joint around the corner. I'll check it out and see what's in my neighborhood. I don't get enough faxes to justify a monthly fee, and I got rid of my second line a few years ago after realizing that almost everyone sends files electronically now.

Thanks!