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Who doesn’t hate fax machines? I have yet to find anyone that doesn’t feel like I do about fax machines.

Personally, I have wanted to heave more than one fax machine out the window in my lifetime.

I think that while fax machines are a major pain, they are necessary.

Or are they?

I mean really. You pay for the machine, then you have to pay for the ink, and the paper. Oh, and if you have an older machine and switch your phone service to digital, then you have to buy a machine that is compatible with a digital phone line.

The irritations are endless, but there are some ways that you can get the most out of sending and receiving faxes without so many of the aggravations.

Here are some ways to get the most out of faxing…

#1  Get rid of your fax machine.

Instead, pay a monthly fee for a fax service that you can use online, such as e-Fax for example. This has a number of advantages. You will free up the space where you had your fax machine for something else. You won’t have to purchase paper or ink. And finally, you can file the faxes on your computer rather than having papers that have to be manually filed. Oh, and it’s a great way to go green!

#2  Purchase software that allows you to send and receive faxes from your computer.

Like the option above, this is another great way to go green. However, there are some potential problems with this one — like having to find software that is compatible with your operating system. Plus, some fax software doesn’t allow you to send faxes using cable Internet — which could mean additional costs if you choose this option.

#3  Purchase an all-in-one printer.

There are printers available that not only scan and print, but will also fax as well. This can save you a huge amount of money on ink and paper, because you won’t have to buy separate ink cartridges or paper for your fax machine. It also saves on space, because you only need the space for one item instead of two or three (compared to having a separate printer, scanner, and fax machine).

#4  Send and receive faxes for free.

This isn’t really an online fax service, but rather a way to share files online. However, it can easily be used as an online fax service. The service is called Dropio, and I can see where it can really save you money on faxing, as well as help you to go green. This nifty little service allows you to upload files, set a password so that only those you want to have access to the files can do so, and set up an administrator password for added protection. Then, it gives you an e-mail you can use to add files to what you already have in your drop. It has a voicemail number that you can use to add messages that will be saved in MP3 format in the drop with all the other files. Dropio also provides you with a conference call number, and the ability to fax any of the files in the drop, as well as have others fax files to the drop. All of this can be done for FREE. I plan on using this service because I work with many people as a freelance writer, and the ability to share files is crucial. Dropio offers several ways to do this all in one place.

Utilizing any of these new and wonderful ways to send and receive faxes will not only help you to go green, but will save you a ton of money, as well as help you get the most out of your faxing.

More Money-Saving Fax Tips

• Ring Central: A Great Fax & Toll-free Phone Option
• How To Receive Faxes Online
• Video: How To Send Faxes Using Microsoft Office
• Fun Fax Cover Sheets

photo credit: angrykeyboarder