Sending a PDF to a Fax #

[Kevin W. Lundy]

I just got an e-mail from steady client today saying that "starting next week, we have to send reports to an "800" fax number"... meaning I'll have to print out an entire hard copy each and every time in order to submit. Frankly, I think it's a step in the wrong direction, certainly not in the spirit of being "green" creating excessive toner and paper use. . But, I'm going to have to comply. Anybody have any recomendations on the most reasonable software to send a pdf to a fax #(ie; RightFax; eFax, TrustFax etc) ..... thanks.

 

[Head Surfer]

Since it's an 800 fax number it won't cost you anything. Just use your fax modem built into your computer. Display the document on your screen and click "file", then "print". Then select your your fax printer driver and it will take over from there. If you do not have fax software installed you will need to do so. If you have Win XP Pro or Vista Ultimate it should already be already installed.

I don't use fax any more but I am sure a little research for fax software will turn up something reasonable. The last I used was Win Fax Pro, however I think they stopped making it.

Perhaps someone who faxes from their computer can chime in and recommend low cost fax software. Since you will be faxing to a 800 number you do not need one of those email to fax services because they charge you either monthly or per document. That is unless you need it for other customers.

 

[Head Surfer]

Update:
Here's fax software you can download and try free for 30 days. If it meets your needs it is only $39.95 to buy.

http://www.nicocuppen.com/pit/editor/page_detail.php?id=10102

Looks easy enough to use, and it supports Vista, including 64bit.

 

[LuckyLucy48]

I have a couple of clients who will no longer accept a report in PDF.
We're back to full originals and Fed Ex/PriorityMmail.
The chance of fraud - changing values is much less, I guess.
T

 

[Marla Dehdashti]

Take a look at www.myfax.com I costs our office about $120 per year. I compose a regular email with a pdf attachment. In the To: address of the email I type in 1800blahblah@myfax.com and it automatically sends a fax of my report to that fax #. Take a look. It is super easy.

 

[VegasWayne]

If you have an old modem it will work as a fax/modem. Just open your pdf document and print it to the fax/modem. Myfax and efax are also easy solutions.

 

[Riick]

I have a couple of clients who will no longer accept a report in PDF.
We're back to full originals and Fed Ex/PriorityMmail.
The chance of fraud - changing values is much less, I guess.
T

Just curious, given (a) time needed to print (b) cost of paper & ink (ink especially not cheap), (c) time to package up & drive reports over to FedEx -or Cost of FedEx pickup- and (d) Cost to send hard copy via FedEx....
How much extra are you charging over a PDF file??

 

[Restrain]

Wife went to EFax. 30 day free trial from their site. Use an MPF scanner/printer ($199 at any store), print PDF, send from your computer. Much cheaper than other means, don't have to print out orders you receive, etc.

 

[Head Surfer]

There's no point in printing out a PDF to hard copy if you are going to fax it. Simply select your fax printer driver and fax it directly from your computer via your fax modem. Every computer I have purchased in the past 15 years has a built in fax modem.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I have never tried to fax directly from the computer, but I sent myself a fax just to see. You do have to have a fax line hooked from the modem to a telephone.