Internet Fax is known by many different names such as email fax, online fax, electronic fax, electronic fax, or even digital fax. Whatever you call it, Internet Fax simply means using your Internet and email system to send and receive your faxes via email attachments, usually in PDF or TIFF format.

It has an online interface (site) where you can not only store your faxes, but also where you send and receive your faxes. Also, many providers will allow you to send faxes through a desktop application or directly through your email program.

Internet faxing has become very popular mainly because it is relatively inexpensive and allows you to send and receive your faxes anywhere and anytime. It’s more secure than the old fax machine, and since it’s web-based, you can basically send a fax anywhere you have internet access, and it’s pretty much everywhere these days.

If you are looking to purchase an Internet Fax service, you will probably consider some of the more popular brand name online fax providers such as MyFax, eFax, RingCentral, RapidFax, TrustFax, Send2Fax, MetroFax, and Faxage.

However, choosing an Internet fax service requires some consideration, especially since it is generally a “long-term service” and even a small difference in price can add up quickly in the long run. Here are some common features and qualities to look for before buying or signing up for any fax service.

1. General quality of the fax service

It is very important to consider the overall quality of the chosen fax service. You want reliable service with a minimum of hassle. Your online faxing should be smooth and hassle-free; with any issues responded or resolved quickly. Going through customer reviews and ratings will give you an idea of ​​the quality of different fax service providers. Testing a service will give you a better view.

2. Good reliable customer support 24/7

You want good customer support that is available 24/7. Again, if you have problems, you need to fix them in a timely manner. Check support hours — most companies have

24/7 service but not all.

3. Competitive prices

There are countless fax plans and services, so it pays to shop around for the best price. But then again, look for quality service first instead of just going for the cheapest rate. Consider the number of pages (incoming and outgoing) you will receive with the monthly fee. Check what is being

charged for excess or additional pages. Also remember that shopping with an annual plan can save you up to 25% or more.

4. Free 30-day trial

Most Internet Fax providers offer a 30-day free trial, so take advantage of this offer to test a service. Try before you buy. Some companies also offer a free month, but you only get this on your second month on the plan.

5. $10 monthly fee

The average monthly fee is around $10. Some plans offer a small annual fee of around $20, which should be considered if your faxing needs are minimal. There are also some services where you pay around $4 per month with no free pages, you buy faxes when you need them.

6. No setup fee

Most, but not all, Internet fax services do not have setup fees. Check your service plan before signing up. Keep in mind that it might be worth paying an upfront fee if the service you’re getting is worth it.

7. No hidden fees

Most fax services don’t have hidden fees, but you should ask or check before you buy. Make sure all your faxing costs are up-front and you can check these costs at any time. Some companies will notify you when there are additional charges above your regular limit.

8. Around 300 pages combined (incoming and outgoing)

There are different amounts, but most businesses have around 300 combined fax pages included in their plans, this includes incoming and outgoing faxes. If you send a lot of faxes, it’s worth looking for the best service with the most faxes each month.

9. 10 cents per minute for additional pages

The average for additional pages is around 10 cents per minute, but again it’s worth shopping around. Also

Please note that some companies quote rates in pages while others quote in minutes… pages are supposed to take 1 minute or less to transmit your fax, however large faxes may take longer.

10. Local and toll-free numbers

Check what type of fax number you will receive, local or toll free. Check if there is any extra charge for the Toll-Free number.

11. Online interface and storage capabilities

Most companies have an online interface (site) where you can send and receive your faxes. But each will have different amounts of storage and different lengths of time that you can keep your faxes online. This is important if you plan to keep your faxes for a long time, or if you want to store large numbers of faxes online.

12. Scalable business and corporate plans

Most fax providers offer corporate fax plans that are fully scalable to meet the needs of your growing business. Also check out special rates if you’re doing a high-volume fax transmission or if you’re operating a large number of fax numbers within your company.

All of the above features should be considered when purchasing your Internet Fax service. Some of these will vary based on your own faxing needs or requirements; but always keep in mind that you are looking for a good, reliable service that offers quality faxing at a competitive price. Do a little homework now and it can pay big dividends down the road.