anyone here use online fax service?

[lordhutt]

I am thinking of getting an online fax service to save money on the cost of a dedicated phone line and also the ability to easily fax from my pc.
Anyone have any experience with these? Suggestions?

My needs are small...minimal faxing but still necessary sometimes. Sometimes I may be lucky to see 20 pages (in an out) a month.
I do have a dedicated phone line for a fax now...it would be cool if I could keep this same number. Not the end of the world if I can't though as most seem to provide a toll free number for free...my current number is not toll free. However I would have to notify many places as to a change in number if I cannot keep my current one. As well as it being listed on my invoices, business cards etc...come to think of it I would really like to keep my number!!

I did notice one...rapidfax.com I believe that required Outlook to be my primary email software. I use Thunderbird and don't really plan on changing...so looking for a service that I can use whatever I want if sending from email.

I was looking at onlinefax.com ...they had this comment about 'other services'
4. You have to log on to a website each time you want to send a fax.
I know that not all will be like that but that is something I do not want to have to do.

Anyway, comments, suggestions? TIA for any help!

[Supreme2k]

I know that this is not the solution for which you are looking, but is email not a viable option?

Do you have a scanner? (for docs only available in hard copy)

I have found that many of the newer fax machines (beyond 2001) can send to an email address. I run a couple of businesses and have never used a fax machine for them. It's usually a huge waste of paper, even for someone of low output like yourself.


As far as them wanting you to use Outlook: Most of the time when I see soa business or service requiring a special machine or software, it is because they know only that specific software, not knowing that a similar program can be set up exactly the same. I get that nonsense from ISPs all the time. They will connect you to their wireless router, but not to your own, even though every single setup option is exactly the same.

[lordsmurf]

The 2-3 times per year I have to send a fax, I go to the local mailing center or office store. I don't accept faxes, I make people either send e-mail, or stick it in an envelope and mail it (overnight is fine). Honestly, I don't feel the need to coddle clients who want to work with a business like it's 1989.

I've actually instructed folks over the phone how to scan an image, then attach as a JPEG.

[lordhutt]

I still need to send and receive faxes...no choice right now.

LS...as far as coddling clients that want to use old tech...right now I will get on my knees and coddle Dominion Products and Services that gives my an average of 75K of work a year


Anyway, back to the original...any suggestions on a provider? Most of the ones I have looked at seem pretty similar but was just looking for someone with exp. with one of them.