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eFax Blog

Walgreens Fax Service: Can You Fax From Walgreens?

Walgreens Fax Service
History & Miscellaneous

In the U.S., Walgreens is a key retailer, with nearly 9,000 locations across the United States. In fact, about 78% of Americans live within five miles of a Walgreens store.

If you need to send a fax and have a branch nearby, you might wonder if you can just pop in and take advantage of Walgreens’ fax service. Maybe it would be the most convenient option in your situation. Well, Walgreens does receive prescription-related communications via fax and offers photo printing at some locations. They also offer a wide range of health and wellness products. 

Despite this, Walgreens does not provide public fax services, even for medical-related communications. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Here, explore your choices beyond Walgreens and figure out the best option to fax in your situation.


Does Walgreens Offer Fax Service?

Because faxing is a secure way to send and receive medical documents, many pharmacies, including Walgreens, do fax prescription-related communications. However, Walgreens reserves faxing and its fax machines for internal use. 

Does Walgreens Have Fax Service?

While your local Walgreens probably does fax documents, at least receiving prescriptions from doctors, they do not allow public use of their fax machines. While you won’t be able to walk into a Walgreens location near you and send or receive a fax without being employed by the company, there’s surely another option nearby.   

You might also like: How to Fax From a Printer


Explore Fax Services Beyond Walgreens: What Are Your Options?

Since Walgreens does not provide fax services, you have several alternatives to handle your faxing needs. Here, browse alternative faxing options that may be available in your area. Note that prices are subject to change, so be sure to verify your estimated costs with the fax service provider that you opt for. 

Recommended: Where To Find a Fax Machine in the Digital Age 

1. Public Libraries

The most affordable option to send a fax in-person is to visit your local public library. Faxing at a public library can be budget-friendly or even free. When not provided as a free service, faxing from public libraries typically costs from 10 to 50 cents per page. 

Keep in mind, though, that most libraries restrict faxing to local or toll-free numbers and typically do not offer fax reception services. So, while you will likely be able to send a fax from the library, you may not be able to receive one. If you need to receive a fax, learn how to get a local fax number for free

2. Postal Services and Shipping Stores

You can also look to your local postal services, such as USPS, UPS and FedEx, or shipping stores in your neighborhood. When you opt to fax from somewhere like this, you can expect a minimum cost of $1 per page. Some providers may charge less for subsequent pages, but there are often increased charges for regional, out-of-state or international faxes.  

Depending on how far you need to send a fax, you may pay up to $3 per page. And, as with libraries, you won’t usually be able to receive a fax at a postal service location or at a shipping store. Fortunately, with today’s technology, you can receive faxes by email if you need to. 

3. Community-Based Organizations

If the fax you need to send or receive is employment or medical-related, you may be able to find a local community organization that will help you send a fax. For example, if you need to fax something to your health insurance provider, your county Health Department or another healthcare center might help you. 

Likewise, if you’re faxing a document to a potential employer or your fax is related to remote work, you might ask a nearby job placement organization if they can help. The cost to fax from a relevant organization is likely comparable with the fax costs of a local library. 

4. Business Centers

While these types of companies may only cater to members, facilities at various business centers usually offer fax services. 

You might look into fax services at: 

  • Virtual office providers
  • Co-working spaces
  • Executive suites

You might expect to pay anywhere upwards of 50 cents per page to $50 or more for a monthly membership. For business-related faxing, virtual fax options can save you money

5. Schools and Colleges

If you are a student or affiliated with a school or university, you should be able to fax from your institution. This is particularly true if the fax communication is related to your education. Many high school and college libraries, enrollment centers and financial aid offices usually have fax machines that you can take advantage of.

The cost to fax from a college library usually ranges from $0.10 to $1.00 per page. Some college libraries may offer flat fees for a set number of pages, provide physical fax services or offer secure cloud faxing for free to students and faculty. For the most accurate pricing and options, check with your school. 

6. Office Supply and Retail Stores

Several retail stores offer fax services, including: 

Retail and office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot offer faxing services. At these locations, you can generally expect to pay about $1.00 to $2.00 per page to send or receive faxes. Some stores may have flat fees for a certain number of pages or offer bulk discounts. For the most accurate pricing, it’s best to check with the specific store.


Consider Online Services For Secure and Faster Faxing

Today, online fax services offer a convenient, secure and efficient alternative to traditional fax machines. With virtual faxing, you don’t need to leave your home. You can fax from anywhere with an internet connection from nearly any device. 

With online faxing, you can: 

  • Get your own dedicated local or toll-free fax number.
  • Send and receive faxes from any device.
  • Fax from your eFax dashboard or email inbox from anywhere.
  • Receive email confirmations when your fax is received.
  • Send sensitive documents securely. 
  • Transmit large documents at a fraction of the cost of traditional fax.

The best part may be that you don’t have to visit a store or wait in line. Everything can be managed directly from your computer or mobile device, saving you time and effort. Plus, online fax services can integrate with your email and other digital tools and help keep your documents organized.

Note that eFax is HIPAA compliant, meaning that you don’t have to worry about confidentiality when sending sensitive medical documents via fax. Public places like libraries and retail stores may not be able to protect your information. 

Cost Comparison: Online vs In-Store Fax Services

Compared to in-person, traditional faxing outside your home or office, eFax can save you a ton of money, especially when you need to send large documents

 1 Page5 Pages10 Pages25 Pages50 Pages100 Pages
Public Libraries$0.10 – $0.50$0.50 – $2.50$1.00 – $5.00$2.50 – $12.50$5.00 – $25.00$10.00 – $50.00
Postal Services/Shipping Stores$1.00 – $3.00$5.00 – $15.00$10.00 – $30.00$25.00 – $75.00$50.00 – $150.00$100.00 – $300.00
Community-Based Organizations$0.10 – $0.50$0.50 – $2.50$1.00 – $5.00$2.50 – $12.50$5.00 – $25.00$10.00 – $50.00
Business Centers$0.50 and up$2.50 and up$5.00 and up$12.50 and up$25.00 and up$50.00 and up
Schools and Colleges$0.10 – $1.00$0.50 – $5.00$1.00 – $10.00$5.00 – $25.00$5.00 – $50.00$10.00 – $100.00
Office Supply/Retail Stores$1.00 – $2.00$5.00 – $10.00$10.00 – $20.00$25.00 – $50.00$50.00 – $100.00$100.00 – $200.00
eFax (Plus)$5.00$5.00$5.00$5.00$5.00$5.00

eFax is the most cost-effective choice for high-volume or frequent faxing because you only pay a flat monthly fee. This reduces the cost per page for sending and receiving large numbers of faxes. It also provides the convenience of faxing from any location with internet access, making it ideal for regular business use.

For occasional or low-volume faxing, traditional options like public libraries or office supply stores may be less expensive. However, they don’t offer the convenience of faxing from anywhere. 

Recommended: How to Send and Receive Fax Without a Fax Machine 


Does Walgreens Offer Fax Services?

While Walgreens offers several services to the public, such as vaccinations and lab tests, it does not offer public fax services. If you’ve ever asked the question ‘Can you fax at Walgreens?’ or ‘Does Walgreens fax?’, the answer is no. Walgreens is a retail pharmacy that provides services like photo printing and medical prescription fulfillment and does use fax services in-house but there is no Walgreens fax service for you to send or receive personal faxes in-store at Walgreens. 

Do Walgreens stores have fax machines?

Walgreens uses fax machines to send and receive medical prescription-related documents, but the fax machines are reserved for employee use only. If you’re wondering if you can fax in-store at Walgreens as a member of the public, the answer is no. Walgreens stores generally do not have fax machines that the public can use. It’s always possible that your local store may offer some fax service, though, so you can call your local Walgreens to find out if they are a store that does offer faxing. 

Instead of going to Walgreens to fax, consider using an online fax service like eFax to send and receive faxes. You can also visit an Office Depot or FedEx Office location if you need to use a physical fax machine. Make sure you call ahead or visit the website of the store you plan to fax from to ensure they offer the fax service you need.


eFax: An Affordable Alternative to In-Store Fax Services

eFax is a cost-effective choice compared to in-store faxing for several reasons:

  • No transportation costs
  • Less time investment 
  • Lower fees in most cases
  • Increased convenience
  • Eliminated paper and ink costs

eFax eliminates the need to travel to a store, saving on transportation costs and time. In general, you’ll pay less for a month of service compared to paying per page to fax multiple pages. Moreover, you can send and receive faxes from anywhere with internet access. Finally, eFax removes the need to buy paper and ink, which can add up with in-store faxing.

Overall, eFax offers a more affordable, quick and convenient solution to manage faxes.

How To Send an Online Fax With eFax?

Sending a fax with eFax is easy — just follow these steps:

  1. Create an eFax account and select a plan that suits your needs.
  2. Prepare your fax by typing your message or uploading the document you want to send. 
  3. Input the recipient’s fax number and include any necessary cover sheets. 
  4. Review your fax details and send it through the eFax platform. 
  5. Receive a confirmation email once the fax is delivered.
  6. Track your fax status and manage your documents from the eFax dashboard.

With eFax, you can send and receive faxes from your mobile device or PC. You can use your online dashboard, email address or download the mobile app. 


Final Thoughts on Walgreens Fax Service

While there is no public Walgreens fax service, you have several other options to fax affordably. In-person, you may be able to fax to a local or toll-free number from your local library, USPS or a community-based organization. To send a fax out of state, check out schools and universities, business centers and retail stores.

But if you need to send a large number of emails, you can’t beat the cost and convenience of secure online faxing with eFax. It can save you money and time while protecting even the most sensitive communications. Sign up for an eFax account today.   


FAQs Around Walgreens Fax

Yes, most Walgreens have a fax machine in the pharmacy department to receive prescription-related communications. But, if you’re asking, “Can I fax at Walgreens?” Walgreens does not provide fax machines for customer use.

No. Walgreens does not offer faxing services to the public.

You can fax documents at public libraries, educational institutions, business centers and retail stores like Staples, UPS, Walmart, FedEx and Office Depot. Moreover, you can use an online service like eFax to send and receive secure fax communications. 

Yes, many online fax services like eFax use encryption and other security measures to make sure your documents are protected. 

Through online fax services, you can send various documents, including contracts, forms, legal papers and personal correspondence. With eFax, you can attach files in JPEG, PDF, MS Office formats or any of nearly 200 other file types.

You can use an online fax service like eFax as an alternative to faxing at Walgreens. You can sign up for a free trial of eFax to try out the following features. Then, decide if eFax is right for you and choose one of the flexible subscription options. 

eFax offers these features:

  • Bring your fax number or get one for free from eFax.
  • Fax from anywhere using a mobile device or tablet connected to the internet.
  • Receive a fax confirmation via email or through the eFax app so you know your fax was delivered.
  • Security features like HIPAA compliance and encryption keep your sensitive documents safe.
  • Cloud storage makes it easy to upload your documents to eFax and add them to your outgoing faxes.
  • Use one of eFax’s cover page templates to quickly craft a professional cover page to include with your fax.

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How to Send & Receive Faxes Using Windows Fax and Scan?

How to Use Windows Fax and Scan
History & Miscellaneous

Faxing remains a vital communication tool for businesses, despite the rise of digital alternatives. Windows Fax and Scan streamlines the faxing process, making it easier, more efficient, and convenient.

Globally, over 17 billion faxes are sent each year, with traditional methods taking over 10 minutes per fax. Windows Fax and Scan can complete the task in seconds, saving both time and a reduction in costs. This guide will walk you through the features of Windows Fax and Scan and how it can provide a hassle-free experience.


What is Windows Fax and Scan?

Windows Fax and Scan is an in-built application in Microsoft Windows that allows users to send and receive faxes directly from their computer, eliminating the need for a separate fax machine. It seamlessly integrates with the Windows operating system and facilitates efficient handling of fax communications.

5 Key Features of Windows Fax and Scan:

Key features of Windows Fax and Scan
  • 1. Easy Setup: The setup is straightforward with an easy setup wizard that guides you through the entire process of configuring windows fax and scan.
  • 2. Send and Receive Faxes: Handle all your faxing tasks from your Windows computer, making it easy to send and receive documents without a physical fax machine.
  • 3. Scan Documents: Use your scanner or multifunction printer to digitize documents before faxing, further streamlining the process.
  • 4. Fax History: Keep track of sent and received faxes with a detailed history, making it easy to retrieve and review important documents.
  • 5. User-Friendly Interface: The application features a clear and straightforward interface, making it easy to use even if you’re not very tech-savvy.

With these features, Windows Fax and Scan provide a practical solution for all your faxing needs.


Prerequisites For Using Windows Fax and Scan

4 Prerequisites For Using Windows Fax and Scan

Before you start using Windows Fax and Scan, make sure you have a computer that meets these minimum requirements:

  1. Check Your Windows Operating System: Windows Fax and Scan is available on Windows Vista and later versions including Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11. Make sure your computer is running a compatible version of Windows.
  2. Set Up Your Fax Modem or Internet Connection: To send and receive faxes, you will need a fax modem or an internet connection. If using a fax modem, you will require a phone cord to connect the modem to your telephone line.
  3. Equip Yourself with Scanner or Multifunction Printer (Optional): If you want to scan documents before faxing them, you’ll need a scanner or a multifunction printer. This equipment should be compatible with your computer and Windows Fax and Scan.
  4. Connect a Phone Line (For Fax Modem Users): If you’re using a fax modem, a working phone line connected to the modem is required for sending and receiving faxes.

5 Easy Steps To Set Up Windows Fax and Scan

5 Easy steps to set up windows fax and scan

Setting up Windows Fax and Scan is a simple process. Follow these steps to set it up and running on your computer:

1. Install Windows Fax and Scan

  1. Open Settings on your computer
  2. Go to Apps, then click on Optional features.
  3. Click on Add a feature (Windows 10) or View features (Windows 11)
  4. Search for Windows Fax and Scan and select it, then click Install.

2. Configure Fax Settings

  1. Open Windows Fax and Scan by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Click on Tools in the menu bar and select Fax Settings.
  3. Follow the setup wizard to configure your fax modem or online fax service. 

For a fax modem, you’ll need to select Add a fax modem and follow the prompts to connect it via the phone line.

3. Set Up Your Fax Account (For Online Services)

  1. If you are using an online fax service, go to the service provider’s website and sign in or create an account.
  2. Follow the provider’s instructions to link your account with Windows Fax and Scan.

4. Configure Scanner Settings (Optional)

  1. If you wish to use a scanner with Windows Fax and Scan, connect your scanner or multifunction printer to your computer.
  2. Open Windows Fax and Scan, and click on New Scan in the menu.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your scanner.

5. Test the Fax Setup

  1. Click on New Fax in Windows Fax and Scan.
  2. Enter a test fax number or use your number if you have a phone line connected.
  3. Send a test fax to verify that everything is working correctly.

How to Send a Fax with Windows Fax and Scan?

7 steps to send a fax with Windows Fax and Scan

Once you have everything set up, you are ready to send faxes. Here’s a step-by-step guide for sending a fax with Windows Fax and Scan:

1. Open Windows Fax and Scan

Click on the Start menu and type Windows Fax and Scan in the search bar. Open the Windows Fax and Scan application.

2. Prepare Your Document

Make sure the document is ready on your computer and is in a compatible format.

If you need to scan a document, click on New Scan in the toolbar, follow the prompts to scan your document, and save it.

3. Create a New Fax

In Windows Fax and Scan, click on the New Fax button in the toolbar. 

If this is your first time sending a fax, the Fax Setup Wizard may appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

4. Enter Fax Details

In the New Fax window, fill in the required information.

5. Attach Your Document

Click on the Attach button (paperclip icon) to attach the document you want to fax.

6. Send the Fax

Review the information to confirm everything is correct and click on the Send button to send your fax.

7. Confirm Fax Status

After sending, you can monitor the status of your fax in the Outbox and Sent Items folders within Windows Fax and Scan.


How To Receive Faxes with Windows Fax and Scan

How To Receive Faxes with Windows Fax and Scan

Follow these step-by-step instructions to receive faxes using Windows fax and scan on your computer:

1. Open Windows Fax and Scan

Click on the Start menu and type Windows Fax and Scan in the search bar. Open the Windows Fax and Scan application.

2. Set Up to Receive Faxes

In Windows Fax and Scan, click on the Tools menu and select Fax Settings.

Go to the General tab and make sure your fax modem is configured. If you’re using an online fax service, confirm your account is set up properly

Click on the Receive tab and select the option to Automatically answer incoming calls. For automatic answering, specify the number of rings before the fax is picked up.

3. Monitor Incoming Faxes

With Windows Fax and Scan open, click on the Inbox in the left-hand pane. Here the received faxes will be stored.

If you have set up automatic answering, Windows Fax and Scan will receive incoming faxes and save them to your Inbox. For manual answering, you will have to click on the Receive a Fax Now button when you receive an incoming fax call.

4. View Received Faxes

Go to the Inbox folder within Windows Fax and Scan to view your received faxes. Double-click on a fax to open and read it. You can print, save, or forward the fax as required.


eFax: A Smart Alternative to Windows Fax and Scan for Modern Faxing Needs

Windows Fax and Scan is a very slow and complex process. 

Want to speed up the faxing process? 

Looking for a simple and secure method for faxing? 

Here are 4 key reasons why eFax is the perfect faxing solution for you. 

1. Speed

eFax enables a much easier and smoother method for faxing. eFax doesn’t require any physical devices or phone lines. You can directly scan documents from your smartphone or tablet, upload them to the app, and then fax them. It is an entirely paperless and eco-friendly solution for your faxing requirements.

In the Windows fax & scan method, your PC needs a fax modem. With the eFax app, you can fax more than 200+ types of files directly from your phone like images, text files, or artwork.

Another advantage is that you can easily integrate eFax with applications like Gmail, Outlook, Google Drive, or Dropbox. It allows you to simultaneously share up to 3 GB of files to 20 people at once.

2. Cost-Effective and Convenient

With an eFax account, you get unlimited cloud storage for your files, saving you the cost of physical storage solutions. This can save you precious time, effort, and money.

3. Additional Features

Some of the other eFax features include:

4. Security and Compliance

The best thing about eFax is its security features. eFax is HIPAA +BAA, PCI, GLBA, FERPA, HITRUST, and SOX compliant. HIPAA compliance ensures that all your documents are handled with the highest confidentiality. So, you don’t have to worry about your confidential data getting stolen or leaked.


FAQ’s Around Windows Fax and Scan

Windows Fax and Scan is pre-installed in all Windows versions, starting from Windows 7.

If it is not installed on your PC then you can perform the following steps- 

  • Open Control Panel
  • Access Programs and Features
  • Turn Windows Features On or Off
  • Enable Fax and Scan:
  • Restart Your Computer

Yes, you can fax multiple documents using Windows Fax & Scan. To fax more than one page, you must add multiple files to the attachment section.

You can scan various documents using Windows Fax and Scan, including text documents, images, ID cards, survey or application forms, artworks, birth and marriage certificates, and any printed documents.

Unfortunately, no direct feature exists for creating a “cover page” in Windows Fax and Scan. To make a cover page, you must use a dedicated document creation tool such as Google Docs or MS Word. 

Yes, you can use Windows Fax and Scan to scan a document and save it as a PDF. Simply load the document you want to save using your scanner or multi-function printer/scanner/fax device, then use Microsoft Print to PDF to save the document as a PDF. 

You can still download Windows Fax and Scan for Windows 10 and 11. Simply go to Windows Settings > Apps > Optional Features to download and install the app. You can open this tool by typing “Optional Features” in the Windows search box on the taskbar. From there, choose Windows Fax and Scan to download the app. 

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How Much Does It Cost to Fax at the Library?

Cost to Fax at the Library
History & Miscellaneous

Do you occasionally send or receive faxes? If so, purchasing a personal fax machine might not be cost-effective, as fax machines can be an expensive investment 

A more economical alternate solution is to use publicly available fax services near your location offered by places like libraries. 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about faxing documents from a library,  including how-to guides, cost comparisons, and much more.


Can You Fax Documents From a Library?

Yes, you can fax documents conveniently from a nearby library, as most libraries have fax machines available for their official use. It’s a practical option for sending and receiving faxes especially if you do it frequently. However, some libraries may not offer public fax services.

It’s important to call your local library or check their website to confirm if they offer faxing services and to inquire about the associated costs. This will provide you with all the necessary information before using the service.


How To Fax From The Library?

Step-by-step guide of faxing at library

Here are six steps to fax from the library:

Step 1: Gather and Organize Documents

Once you’ve chosen a library based on its availability and cost, gather all the documents you need to fax. Don’t forget to keep the recipient’s fax number handy.

Tip: Keep your documents organized for a smooth and efficient faxing process.

Step 2: Visit the Library during Operating Hours

Visit the library during its open hours. Check the operating hours on the library’s website or call them to confirm. Upon arrival, ask the library staff or librarian where the fax machine is located.

Step 3: Load Documents Correctly in Fax Machine

While loading your documents into the fax machine, place them in the document feeder according to the machine’s instructions, usually face-up or face-down. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the library staff for help.

Step 4: Enter the Fax Number Correctly

After loading your documents, dial the recipient’s fax number using the keypad on the fax machine. If you need assistance, library staff are usually available to help.

Step 5: Send the Fax

Libraries have instruction manuals for using their fax machines. Follow the guide and press the “Send” or “Start” button to begin the faxing process. Wait for the machine to confirm that the fax has been successfully sent.

Step 6: Collect Confirmation and Pay

Keep the confirmation receipt as proof of successful faxing. Afterward, pay any required fees at the circulation desk or another designated location. 

And that’s it—your fax is sent!


Cost to Fax at the Library: An Estimation

The cost of faxing can vary widely, ranging from as low as $0.10 per page to as high as $5 per page. Our research from various reliable sources confirms that library faxing costs are not fixed and can differ from one library to another. The cost depends on factors such as the number of pages and the destination, whether local, long-distance, or international.

In most libraries, the average cost of faxing falls between $0.25 per page and $1 per page. On average, faxing a single page costs around $0.50. Understanding these costs can help you plan your faxing needs more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.

For instance, faxing 50 pages at the library could cost approximately $25. In contrast, using an online fax service might allow you to fax these pages at a significantly lower cost.


Cost comparison : Library vs Online Fax Services

Cost and convenience play a notable role in determining whether to fax documents from a library or via an online fax service. Here’s a cost comparison table to assist you in making a well-informed choice.

Type of FaxLibrary CostOnline (Cost per Page)
Local Fax$0.25 to $1 (Per Page)$5 (For 170 Pages)
Monthly Subscription (For 1st Month)N/A1) For Individuals: $5/Month (170 Pages)

2) For Small Business: $10/Month (275 Pages)

3) For Regulated Industries: $15/Month (500 Pages)

While library fax services are easily available for occasional use, they can be expensive. Online fax services are convenient and cost-effective for whether used occasionally or regularly.


Why eFax is a Better Option than Faxing from the Library

eFax is a Better Choice than Faxing from the Library

eFax is a superior alternative to library faxing, offering unparalleled cost-effectiveness and convenience. Its unique features make it the preferred choice for faxing. Let’s explore these distinctive features:

Flexibility: eFax allows you to send and receive faxes anytime, from any location. All that is needed is a stable internet connection and your mobile phone.

Affordability: eFax’s subscription plans are designed to fit your usage needs, making it a cost-effective option compared to traditional library faxing.

Security: eFax services are HIPAA compliant, ensuring a secure method for transmitting sensitive and confidential information.

Digital Capabilities: With eFax, you can digitally sign documents and utilize cloud storage for easy organization and access. eFax supports various file formats, enhancing its versatility.

In summary, eFax, the global leader in online faxing, offers a multitude of benefits. Its user-friendly interface allows you to send and receive faxes directly from your mobile phone within minutes.


FAQs Around Faxing From Library

Yes, some local libraries have fax machines available for public use. These machines are primarily for official purposes, but they can also be used for occasional personal faxing. Using the fax machine at a library can be very affordable — if not free.

Yes, many libraries offer fax services to the public, providing a flexible option for your faxing needs. It’s advisable to check with your local library to confirm their fax service availability and associated costs, ensuring you have all the necessary information.

Yes, libraries charge for the usage of their fax services. The charges may vary depending on the number of pages and the destination (local, long-distance, or international).

The limit to the number of faxes that can be transmitted can vary from library to library. Some libraries may restrict the number of pages you can fax at one time. It’s best to inquire about any limits by calling or visiting the library.

Before expecting to receive a fax at your local library, it’s crucial to confirm if they offer this service. Some libraries do allow you to receive faxes, but it’s best to check with them first to avoid any potential issues.

Yes, library fax services are reliable and provide a secure way to send your documents. However, it’s important to note that the security level may vary. For highly confidential information, you might prefer a service that offers enhanced security measures, such as eFax, which is HIPAA compliant.

Yes, to send a fax from a library, you need to visit the location during its operating hours. This can be less convenient compared to online fax services like eFax, which allow you to send faxes from anywhere at any time.

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Does CVS Offer Fax Service? Here’s What You Need to Know

Does CVS Offer Fax Service?
History & Miscellaneous

If you need to send a fax, and there’s a CVS nearby, it might seem like a convenient solution to walk in and use their fax machine. But, does CVS have fax services for the public? This article explores whether you can send a fax from a CVS location near you and lays out all of your options. 


Does CVS Offer Fax Services?

CVS does not allow customers to send faxes from a CVS fax machine, not even medical-related documents. While many CVS locations have fax machines to receive prescription documents from doctors, these are reserved for internal communication.

Unless you are employed at CVS, you will not be able to use their fax machines.

Recommended: Walmart Fax Service: Everything You Need To Know


4 Alternative to CVS Fax Services

Even though you can’t walk into your local CVS and send or receive a fax, you aren’t out of options. There are several places in most communities that will allow you to send a fax. Some of these potential alternatives to CVS fax services are:

Recommended: Where To Find a Fax Machine in the Digital Age 

1. Public Libraries

The most cost-effective way to send a fax in person is at your local public library. Many libraries offer faxing either for free or at a low rate, usually between 10 to 50 cents per page. 

However, most libraries only allow sending faxes to local or toll-free numbers and generally don’t accept incoming faxes. If you need to receive faxes, consider getting a local fax number for free.

2. Schools/Universities

If you’re a student or connected with a school or university, you can likely fax documents through your institution, especially for educational purposes. High school and college libraries, enrollment centers and financial aid offices often have fax machines available. 

Faxing at a college library typically costs between $0.10 and $1.00 per page. Some institutions may offer flat fees, free services or secure cloud faxing for students and staff. Check with your school for the most accurate pricing and options.

3. Business Centers

Business centers often offer fax services, though they may be restricted to members. You can check out:

  • Virtual office providers
  • Co-working spaces
  • Executive suites

Fees can range from 50 cents per page to $50 or more for a monthly membership. For business-related faxing, virtual fax services can be a more affordable option.

4. Offline Stores

Several retail stores and shipping centers offer fax services, including: 

At these locations, you can typically expect to pay between $1.00 and $2.00 per page. Some stores might offer flat fees for a set number of pages or bulk discounts. Shipping centers often charge a minimum of $1 per page — with higher rates for long-distance or international faxes — potentially reaching up to $3 per page. 

Note that these locations usually don’t accept incoming faxes. To receive faxes, consider an email-based service.


Why Use Online Services for Secure and Faster Faxing?

Online fax services offer a convenient, secure and efficient alternative to traditional fax machines. 

Key benefits of online faxing include:

  • A dedicated local or toll-free fax number
  • Sending and receiving faxes directly from any device
  • Managing faxes via an eFax dashboard or email
  • Receiving email confirmations for sent faxes
  • Securely transmitting sensitive documents
  • Sending large files at a lower cost than traditional faxing

Plus, there’s no need to visit a store or wait in line—everything is managed from your computer or mobile device, saving you time and effort. Online fax services also integrate with your email and digital tools, which helps you keep your documents organized.

Cost Comparison: Online vs In-Store Fax Services

Here’s a comparison of costs between online and in-store fax services:

Cost
Online FaxMonthly subscription as low as $10.99
In-Store Fax $1-$2 per page plus fees for cover sheets and long-distance faxes

eFax: A Reliable Online Alternative to In-Store CVS Fax Services

eFax provides a modern solution to fax without visiting a physical store. 

Here’s how eFax can level up your faxing experience:

  • Access your faxes anytime, anywhere.
  • Use with email services like Gmail and Outlook.
  • Sign faxes, add cover sheets and streamline workflows.
  • Send your transmissions in compliance with HIPAA and other privacy regulations.

To send a fax right away, sign up for eFax for as little as $15 for your first month

How To Send an Online Fax Using eFax?

The eFax faxing process is straightforward:

  1. Create an account with eFax.
  2. Scan or upload the document you want to fax.
  3. Provide the fax number and recipient’s information.
  4. Click the send button to transmit your fax.
  5. Receive a confirmation email once your fax has been sent.

Recommended: How to Send & Receive Faxes by Email or Computer


Going Beyond Faxing at CVS

To recap, does CVS have fax service? No. However, you have various alternatives, including public libraries, business centers and retail stores like Staples and FedEx. For a more modern approach, consider using eFax. It offers convenience, cost savings and enhanced security for all your faxing needs.

Sign up for an eFax account and start faxing today.


FAQ’s Around CVS Fax Service

Yes, many CVS locations have fax machines that are used to receive prescriptions from doctors and transmit other internal, business communications.

No, aside from receiving prescriptions from doctors, CVS does not offer fax services to their customers, even for medical documents.

Some of the alternatives to CVS fax include public libraries, schools, business centers and various retail stores. You can also send and receive faxes online with an electronic fax service like eFax.

Yes, online fax services like eFax are secure and use encryption to protect your documents.

You can send almost all documents, including contracts, forms and personal paperwork through online fax services. If you use a secure online fax solution like eFax that encrypts fax transmission, you can even send sensitive communications including medical and legal documents.

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Adobe Fax: How to Fax Documents Seamlessly

Wroclaw,,Poland,-,September,14,,2023:adobe,Logo,,American,Computer,Software
History & Miscellaneous

Did you try to fax with Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat, only to hit a roadblock? If so, you’re not alone. Many users rely on Adobe’s robust tools to manage PDFs and expect an intuitive option to send an Adobe scan fax. But, when they try to fax from their dashboards, they’re left scratching their heads. The good news is, there’s a straightforward solution that works seamlessly with Adobe.

You can send an Adobe fax without complicated configurations or expensive hardware—This article will show you exactly how to fax from Adobe and answer some common questions.


Does Adobe Have a Fax Service?

No, Adobe does not offer a built-in fax service. Adobe is known for its software products like Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader, which are used to create, view, manage and sign PDF documents. While these tools are excellent for handling digital documents, they do not include faxing capabilities.

Adobe did purchase EchoSign, an electronic signatures platform that has been recommended for signing and sharing documents from within the Adobe platform.

Recommended: How Can I Fax a PDF for Free? 

Can You Send a Fax With EchoSign?

Adobe EchoSign, now known as Adobe Acrobat Sign, is primarily used for electronic signatures and document sharing, not to send traditional faxes. Using Adobe Acrobat Sign, you can send documents through Adobe. While it facilitates file sharing and collaboration, if you need to send a fax, you would need a dedicated fax service.

You might also like: Can You Turn a PDF Into a Fax? 


How Can You Fax From Adobe? 

You can send a fax from Adobe using a dedicated fax service like eFax. Adobe itself does not have built-in faxing capabilities, but with eFax, you can easily send faxes from Adobe products like Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader. 

Essentially, eFax becomes your Adobe fax service—This solution simplifies the faxing process and allows you to upload your PDF files and send them to traditional fax machines or online fax numbers.

Recommended: Is There a Free Fax Platform? 

Prerequisites For Faxing from Adobe

There are a few things you’ll need before you can send a fax. Make sure your system is using the latest version of Adobe. Then, you’ll need to gather the documents that you want to fax and ensure they’re in the right Adobe PDF format you intend to send through as a fax. You may also need to combine multiple PDFs into one document. 

Adobe doesn’t have built-in faxing, so you will need an online fax service like eFax, and you’ll need to install the eFax app on your machine. This will allow you to print directly to eFax from inside Adobe when you’re viewing your PDF. Just click File and Print, then select your digital fax service as the printer. 

1. How to Fax From Adobe Acrobat Pro or Adobe Acrobat

Sending a fax directly from Adobe Acrobat Pro or Adobe Acrobat can streamline your document transmission process. Here’s how you can fax directly from these Adobe products using eFax.

  1. Open your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Pro or Adobe Acrobat.
  2. Ensure your document is ready to send as a fax.
  3. Sign up for an eFax account if you haven’t already.
  4. Click on “File” and then “Print” within Adobe Acrobat.
  5. Select “eFax” as your printer option.
  6. Click “Print” and follow the prompts to upload and send your fax.

With these steps, you can seamlessly fax documents from Adobe Acrobat Pro or Adobe Acrobat using eFax, enhancing your document management capabilities.

You might also like: How do I fax from Gmail?

2. How to Fax From Adobe Reader

Faxing directly from Adobe Reader can be convenient when dealing with PDF documents. Here’s a guide to faxing directly from Adobe Reader using eFax.

  1. Open your PDF document in Adobe Reader.
  2. Ensure your document is prepared for faxing.
  3. Sign up for an eFax account if you haven’t already.
  4. Click on “File” and then “Print” within Adobe Reader.
  5. Choose “eFax” from the list of printers.
  6. Click “Print” and proceed to upload your PDF to eFax to send as a fax.

By following these steps, you can utilize Adobe Reader to fax documents seamlessly using eFax, enhancing your document workflow with ease.

Recommended: Does Google Have a Fax Service? 

3. How to Fax From Adobe Scan

Faxing documents generated with Adobe Scan can be efficient and convenient. Here’s how to send an Adobe Scan fax with eFax.

  1. Scan your document using Adobe Scan on your mobile device.
  2. Save the scanned document as a PDF.
  3. Sign up for an eFax account if needed.
  4. Open the eFax app on your mobile device or visit the eFax website.
  5. Upload the scanned PDF document.
  6. Enter the recipient’s fax number and send your fax.

Utilizing Adobe Scan along with eFax enables you to seamlessly fax documents from your mobile device, combining scanning and faxing capabilities in one efficient workflow.

Recommended: Does Microsoft 365 Have a Fax Service? 

4. How to Send an Adobe Fax from iPhone

Faxing directly from your iPhone using Adobe PDFs can be convenient for on-the-go document transmission. Here’s a step-by-step guide to fax from your iPhone.

  1. If you haven’t already, download and install the eFax Mobile App from the App Store.
  2. Locate the Adobe PDF document you wish to fax—You can access it from your email, cloud storage or any app that supports file sharing.
  3. Tap on the share icon within the Adobe PDF viewer or file management app, and select “Open in eFax” or “Send to eFax” option.
  4. Sign in to your eFax account using the eFax Mobile App.
  5. Once signed in, the eFax Mobile App will prompt you to upload the PDF document.
  6. Enter the recipient’s fax number directly within the eFax Mobile App.
  7. Tap on the “Send” button within the eFax Mobile App to transmit your fax.

With these straightforward steps, you can easily fax Adobe PDF documents directly from your iPhone using the eFax mobile app to ensure efficient document transmission wherever you are.

You might also like: How to Fax Without a Fax Machine


Why Use eFax with Adobe PDFs?

eFax offers seamless use with Adobe documents, which makes it easy to send Adobe PDFs as faxes. Its user-friendly interface ensures a smooth experience, which enables you to upload your documents and enter recipient fax numbers with ease. 

Moreover, eFax provides a reliable solution for all faxing needs to ensure that documents are transmitted securely and efficiently to traditional fax machines or other fax numbers. Plus, eFax is HIPAA, HiTrust and BAA compliant, so you can even use it to send sensitive documents. 

Whether you’re using Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader or Adobe Scan, eFax will improve your document management capabilities with its dependable faxing service.

You might also like: Is it Possible to Send a PDF from a Computer?


Frequently Asked Questions

No, Adobe Acrobat does not support sending faxes through email. It focuses on PDF creation and editing, not faxing. You will need to use an online fax service like eFax to send faxes via email.

No, Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop or Illustrator do not have faxing capabilities. A third-party fax service like eFax is required for Adobe faxing needs.

No, Adobe mobile apps such as Adobe Scan or Adobe Acrobat Reader do not support faxing. Use an online fax service like eFax, which offers mobile apps for faxing directly from your device.

While there’s no Adobe fax solution built into the software, you can fax from Adobe by using a third-party digital fax service like eFax. When you choose your internet fax service from the list of printers within Adobe, it will automatically open your fax app to send your Adobe PDF as a fax. 

Adobe doesn’t offer a fax add-on for users. However, there are many third-party digital fax solutions, like eFax, that integrate seamlessly with Adobe to let you send your PDF as a fax using the print function. 

Faxing from Adobe is safe as long as you use a trusted digital fax solution. Paid online fax accounts from reputable partners like eFax let you send faxes safely and reliably using the print function within your Adobe PDF reader program. 


Start Using eFax as Your Adobe Fax App Today

While Adobe doesn’t provide a built-in fax service, using eFax makes it simple to send your Adobe PDFs as faxes. Whether you’re using Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Scan, or other Adobe products, eFax offers a seamless solution for all your faxing needs. Try eFax today to streamline your document faxing process.

By following these steps, you can easily fax your Adobe PDF documents using eFax. This solution leverages the best of Adobe’s PDF capabilities with the convenience of online faxing.

Are you ready to level-up your faxing game? Start faxing online with eFax today! 

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Office Depot Fax: How to Send and Receive Faxes with Ease?

Office Depot

Introduction

Whether you ran out of supplies at the office or your home fax machine broke down, using the Office Depot fax service can be a great option to share business or personal documents. 

In this article, we’ll examine how to fax at Office Depot and whether the service is reliable and secure. We’ll also see its shortcomings and an alternative you can use when you need an even better service.

If you would like to shift from traditional faxing to a digital service, you can explore eFax. This service allows you to send and receive faxes anywhere in the world, anytime, from the convenience of your home, hotel, or office.

Sign up for eFax’s secure, convenient, and cost-cutting digital fax solutions today


Can You Fax at Office Depot?

Yes. You can fax at Office Depot’s Copy and Printing Center, where you can send international, local, and domestic faxes. 

The Office Depot fax cost varies by location, depending on how far the fax will go. 

Here’s a snapshot of how much you can expect to spend to send a fax with the service:

Office Depot Fax Service Pricing

  • Local faxes: $1.49 for the first page and $1.29 for additional pages.
  • Domestic faxes: $1.99 for the first page and $1.79 for additional pages.
  • International faxes: $7.99 for the first pages and $3.99 for additional pages. 

You won’t be charged for the cover page.

Also Read: Can You Fax at Walmart?


Pros and Cons of Using Office Depot Fax Services

Office Depot is a famous service provider, and its fax services make it even more desirable because you can access fax services when you are close to a store. 

Pros of Using Office Depot Fax

Here’s what to love about using Office Depot to fax:

  • No Internet Required: The service comes in handy even if your access to the Internet is limited. 
  • Option for Self-service: Self-service faxing gives you control, providing peace of mind for your communications because the chances of others accessing them are lower.

Cons of Using Office Depot Fax

Despite its usefulness as an offline fax solution, the fax at Office Depot has shortcomings:

  • It isn’t Ideal for Regular or High-volume Faxing: Sending an occasional fax would be economical using the service. But it isn’t the case if you send faxes regularly, especially when they involve many large documents. The cost for these can mount quickly. 
  • Faxing is Unsuccessful Sometimes: Connection errors and fax machine malfunctions increase the chances of failing to send a fax with the service. 
  • Inconvenience is a Significant Problem: The service is inconvenient because you have to travel to a fax machine. Traveling adds to the cost, which is already higher than what similar services like Staples, UPS, and FedEx fax charge for international faxes. 

Fortunately, eFax saves the day, allowing you to conveniently send and receive faxes anywhere at any time without using a fax machine or printer. 

Sign up for eFax today to share documents at your convenience while cutting costs using digital faxing solutions.


How to Find an Office Depot Fax Store in Your Area?

Find Office Depot Fax Store

You can use Office Depot’s Store Locator to find one of the company’s many stores near you. 

Here’s how:

  • Access the Office Depot website and scroll to the bottom to find the Store Locator in the footer menu.
  • Click on the link to open the locator.
  • Enter your state, zip, or city in the search bar and click on the search icon. 
  • Select “Faxing Services” in the Filter section. 
  • The list of nearby places will show details such as Store number, address, phone number, daily operating hours, and fax number. 
  • Contact the store via phone to ask if their fax service is operational.

How to Send a Fax from Office Depot?

Here’s how to send a fax from Office Depot:

  • After calling and confirming that the store’s fax machines are working, visit with your documents arranged in order with the cover page on top. 
  • Load the documents into the fax machine tray and dial the receiver’s fax number. 
  • Wait for the machine to build a connection, scan, and send the documents. 
  • Wait for a confirmation receipt showing whether the fax has been sent successfully. Double-check the details on the printed receipt. 
  • Pay for the service at the counter, showing the attendant the confirmation receipt.

Receiving Faxes at Office Depot

While you can use the Office Depot fax service to send faxes, you can also use it to receive faxes. Here’s how:

  1. First, call your local Office Depot and ask them if they have a fax number you can use to receive faxes.
  2. Write down the fax number you’ll use to receive faxes and make sure the individual sending you a fax has the correct number. 
  3. Once you get to your Office Depot store, locate the self-service fax machine and make sure that it is in working condition.
  4. Wait for your fax! Make sure that you are picking up the right documents, not someone else’s, and confirm you have received all the pages you’re expecting. 
  5. Go to the service counter and pay the total fee for the faxes you received.

Can You Fax at Office Depot?

Yes, you can use Office Depot as a resource to send faxes. Here’s how you can send faxes at Office Depot:

  1. Use the store locator on Office Depot’s website to find a store nearby that offers faxing services. 
  2. Organize your documents in the correct order and include a cover page. 
  3. Dial the recipient’s fax number. Wait for the machine to connect and transmit the documents. 
  4. Collect your fax confirmation if the fax machine prints one.
  5. Take your confirmation to the service counter and pay for your faxes. 

How to Send a Fax Without Going to Office Depot

Faxing at Office Depot requires in-person visits. You can’t send a fax without visiting the store.

However, you can fax online using eFax, which lets you fax without a fax machine or printer. It makes it possible to conveniently and securely send and receive faxes anytime from anywhere, provided you have an Internet-enabled mobile phone, computer, or tablet.


eFax: A Reliable & Cost Effective Alternative to Office Depot Fax Service

Let’s see how Office Depot’s fax service stacks up against eFax:

Office Depot FaxeFax
Bulk FaxingYou have to send faxes individually to each recipient, which is tedious.eFax allows sending faxes in bulk. You can attach up to 3GB of files and share them simultaneously among up to 20 email addresses.
ConvenienceYou have to travel to a physical location to use a fax machine, which is inconvenient.You can fax right from your mobile phone using the free eFax mobile fax app or on your computer using the free desktop fax app.
TrackingYou can’t tell if your intended recipient got the fax unless you call them directly.You can track your outbound or inbound faxes in real-time.
SecuritySecurity is less superior because the service relies on the simple end-to-end security of a phone line.Security is better because the service uses multiple security measures, such as Data Encryption at Rest for stored faxes and Data Encryption in Transit for en-route faxes.
ScalabilityNot scalable as your business or personal faxing needs grow.Scalability is guaranteed as the platform accommodates the faxing needs of large enterprises and small businesses.

Selecting the Ideal Fax Service for Your Needs

Modern faxing requires top-notch compliance, security, and affordability. Learn more about the features of eFax and how it works to help you secure faxes, comply with industry standards, and cut costs.

FAQ’s Around Office Depot Fax Service

Let’s check out answers to questions about fax services at Office Depot:

Yes. Office Depot stores allow you to receive faxes. To do so, find a nearby store, call to confirm that they receive faxes, and ask for the fax number. 

Once you get to the store, ensure the fax machine is working properly and has enough ink and paper to print the document you expect to receive. 

Send your fax number to the sender and wait for the fax to arrive. Once you are done, pay for the service at the counter. 

The Office Depot fax is sufficiently secure because the communication lines between the printers and fax machines have end-to-end encryption. Only you and the recipient can access the message. 

eFax is an even better faxing solution! The platform ensures your faxes are secure and comply with regulatory standards, like HIPAA, during storage or transit.

Most Office Depot locations are open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but the actual office hours may vary from store to store and by day of the week. 

Pro Tip: While you can fax any day of the week, you can’t fax late into the night. You can only fax at any time of the night with eFax’s digital faxing service.

Yes, all Office Depot stores offer fax services. 

However, it’s important to call the store first to confirm that the fax machines are working.

You’ll need to bring a physical or digital copy of the documents you want to fax. 

Also, remember to have the recipient’s fax number on hand.

The fax machine you use at Office Depot should print a confirmation page showing whether or not your fax was sent successfully. 

If you find a newer model of the fax machine, it may also show the sending status on the display screen.


Fax at Any Time, Anywhere — Without a Fax Machine 

If you only need to fax occasionally, then visting nearby fax service centers like Office Depot is worth it despite the inconveniences of traveling and being unable to fax at night.

However, if you want to fax conveniently and seamlessly anywhere at any time across different Internet-based devices and platforms, you will be better off using eFax.

Sign up for eFax today to securely send and receive faxes anytime from anywhere, reduce costs, and comply with industry standards.


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Complete Guide to FedEx Fax Services

A FedEx Office location offering fax services in New York City.

Faxing remains a good option when sharing personal or business documents. But what do you do when you don’t have a fax machine at home or in the office? 

You would have to turn to an on-site faxing service, such as  FedEx fax. But you would need to navigate the lengthy process of finding a nearby center, confirming if they offer fax services, and traveling to send or receive a fax.

Let’s discuss the process, costs, and some tips to efficiently use the fax service.

However, an even better option is to use an online faxing service — eFax, which allows you to securely share documents via the Internet using connected devices. Sign up for eFax today to send or receive faxes anytime from anywhere! The service even lets you share documents from your cloud storage using virtual faxes.


Can You Fax at FedEx?

Yes, you can fax at FedEx using its FedEx Office subsidiary, which offers faxing and other related services, such as printing and shredding.

FedEx faxing lets you send local, national, and international faxes using its self-service fax machines or with the help of the attending personnel.

Also Read: Can You Fax at Walmart?


What is the FedEx Fax Number?

Finding the fax number for a specific FedEx location can be tedious because the company doesn’t list any store-specific fax numbers. 

You’ll have to call your nearby store to ask for the number it uses.


How Much Does it Cost to Fax at FedEx?

Here’s a tabular breakdown of how much it costs to fax at FedEx:

The first page of the documentEach additional page of the document
Charges for local faxes$1.89$1.59
Charges for national faxes$2.49$2.19
Charges for international faxes$5.99$3.99

Note: As with other in-store faxing solutions like UPS fax, the cost to fax at FedEx may vary between stores based on the distance between the sender and the recipient. 


How to Find a FedEx Fax Store?

Here are two ways to find a FedEx fax store:

1. Search on Google Maps or Google 

Use Google or Google Maps to search for “FedEx Fax Store near me.” To refine the search, add your location at the end.

For example, “FedEx fax store near me in Rochester, New York.” 

2. Use the FedEx Website

Open the FedEx website and click “Find a Location” under the “Locations” menu. Enter your location in the search bar and click on “Search.” 

The search function brings up a map of the locations near the area you’ve searched for. To refine the search further, click “More Filters” and apply “Copy and Printing Services” from the drop-down. 

You’ll see several locations labeled “FedEx Office Print and Ship Center,” most of which offer faxing services under printing services. 

Each location shows the approximate distance from your position, business hours, physical address, and contact details. 

Note: Be sure to call to confirm that the store offers faxing services. 


Step-by-Step Guide to Sending a Fax from FedEx

Here’s how to send your document by fax from FedEx:

1. Gather the Required Items

Prepare the documents you want to fax and carry the recipient’s fax number. 

2. Find a FedEx Office Store Near You

Use the FedEx website or search on Google for stores near you (as mentioned above) and confirm that the one closest to you has faxing services before visiting them. 

3. Have the Attending Personnel Fax for You

Once you get to the store, tell the attendant that you need to fax a document. 

Complete the complementary cover sheet with your information. Add the recipient’s details, including their fax number. 

Give the cover sheet and your document to the attending personnel and wait for them to confirm the number of pages and the cost of the fax. 

The attendant will dial the recipient’s fax number and press the “Send” button.

Wait for the fax machine to connect, scan the document, and send the fax. 

4. Wait to Confirm the Delivery 

Wait for the fax machine to complete sending and confirm successful delivery. 

If it fails, the attendant will try faxing again. 

5. Retrieve Your Document

Collect your document from the attendant. If needed, you can shred it. 

6. Pay for the Fax

Pay the required fee before leaving the store. 

Additional Pro Tip

Declining the help of the attending personnel and faxing the document yourself can reduce the chances of leakage or mishandling. 

Here’s how to use the fax machine yourself:

  • Load the document into the fax machine tray
  • Wait for the machine to establish a connection and scan the document 
  • Enter the recipient’s fax number and dial the “Send” button
  • Wait for the confirmation message 
  • Retrieve your document to shred it or carry it with you
  • Pay for the faxing. 

However, you’ll notice that sending a FedEx fax is less secure, whether you do it yourself or have an attendant do it. Other fax machine users may see and leak your document. 

At eFax, we offer a more secure faxing solution that protects your information using Data in Transit and Data at Rest encryptions.

Sign up today to securely fax with eFax’s convenient, compliant, and cost-effective online faxing solutions. 


4 Tips to Efficiently Use FedEx Fax Services

Since FedEx’s fax service uses immobile machines, it’s easy to spend too much time dealing with each message delivery. 

Here are some handy tips for using the service efficiently:

  • Once you find a FedEx Office store close to you, call them first to confirm that their faxing service is still operational. You want to avoid reaching there and discovering you have to look for the services at another location. 
  • If you aren’t sure about using a fax machine, have one of the attending personnel from the store help you fax your document. 
  • Ensure you receive a printed confirmation of the success or failure of sending the document. If the delivery fails and you discover that later, you might have to come back to the store. 
  • If possible, ensure the recipient’s phone line is active to increase the chances of your documents reaching them. 

FedEx Fax: A Viable Option for Occasional Needs

If you only need to send faxes occasionally, a shipping and faxing center like FedEx can be a viable alternative to online fax. The FedEx fax service allows you to send faxes in-store at a number of their locations, for a nominal fee. You don’t even need your own fax number to send faxes. 

At a FedEx Office location, you can:

  • Send and receive faxes locally, domestically, and internationally.
  • Fax documents that are letter-sized and legal-sized.
  • Get a FedEx fax cover sheet for free.
  • Receive a printed fax confirmation.
  • Use the self-service copiers.

If your work or personal life requires faxing on a more regular basis, you’ll likely want to use an online fax service instead of FedEx fax. eFax provides scalable and affordable online faxing plans, giving you flexible options for all your faxing needs. With eFax, you can:

  • Use your mobile phone or tablet to send faxes from your email or the eFax app.
  • Store your files in eFax’s cloud storage.
  • Send faxes securely with HIPAA compliance.
  • Achieve peace of mind with delivery confirmation.

eFax – Online Alternative to Traditional Fax Services

As mentioned, eFax is a great digital alternative to traditional fax services, which are costly and time-consuming. 

eFax offers a comprehensive, convenient, secure, and compliant online fax solution. The service streamlines fax management, integrates with workflows such as email, and secures your data with in-storage and in-transit encryptions. 

You can send faxes from anywhere, anytime, reducing your faxing costs immensely. You only need to pay a low monthly fee for local, national, and international faxes. 

We also ensure you maintain industry regulations when sharing your data. 

For example, eFax helps you adhere to the System and Organization Controls (SOC), HIPAA, and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) regulatory standards. 


Fax Anywhere, Anytime with eFax – Without a Fax Machine

While FedEx fax is an ideal traditional faxing solution, it might not perform in terms of convenience, security, affordability, and compliance with industry-specific regulations.

eFax lets you fax conveniently using any Internet-based device anytime and from anywhere. It also integrates with cloud storage, email services, and business applications like Salesforce to improve operational efficiency. 

The service also ensures your fax communications comply with industry regulations such as SOX, GLBA, and HIPAA, which can help protect your company’s reputation. Sign up for eFax today and start sending or receiving faxes conveniently wherever you are without using any fax machine!


FAQ’s Around FedEx Fax Service

Here are answers to common questions about FedEx Office’s faxing services.

You can send legal-size and letter-size physical documents using FedEx fax. The service also allows you to add a cover sheet at no extra cost. But if you need a solution that also faxes digital format documents, try eFax. You can even sign documents electronically before sending them!

It’s generally secure to send your documents via FedEx faxing. 

However, your documents may be prone to security attacks because the exchange is open and lacks reliable data encryption.

Yes. You can receive a fax at a FedEx location near you if that particular store’s fax machines are operational. 

When you receive a fax, a FedEx attendant holds it until you pick it up.

It can take one to several minutes to send a fax via FedEx. The duration of the transmission depends on several factors. 

For example, the usual scanning time is 30 to 60 seconds per page. However, if your document is too large, it can take longer to send. 

Other crucial time considerations include finding a store, traveling, and waiting your turn.

There aren’t any limitations on international faxing with FedEx. 

The only challenge is that using the service to fax internationally can be pretty pricey compared to other in-store faxing services like UPS.

Yes, FedEx Office locations have fax machines that you can use to send faxes. It’s a good idea to call your local FedEx Office to determine FedEx fax service pricing and availability. 

FedEx charges based on location, so you will need to contact your local store to get the exact price. In general, local fax starts around $2.19 per page, domestic fax around $2.49 per page, and international fax varies depending on the destination.

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Walmart Fax Service: Everything You Need To Know

A Walmart in Arizona. Walmart does not have a fax service.

Walmart would be a great option for faxing documents because of its wide reach as a multi-channel retailer with thousands of physical stores and neighborhood markets. 

But does Walmart fax? Can you fax papers to any of the multinational corporation’s stores?

In this article, we’ll find out whether the company offers faxing services, the drawbacks of in-store faxing, and what alternatives you can use. 

eFax is a top-notch online faxing alternative to the traditional faxing services you get in-store. 

With eFax, you can send important documents from anywhere in the world without time restrictions or fax machine availability. It’s a comprehensive and secure digital faxing solution that improves operational efficiency, maintains regulatory compliance, and reduces costs. Sign up for eFax today to cut faxing costs, secure your data, and send or receive faxes from anywhere at any time.


Table of Contents


Can You Fax Documents at Walmart?

No, Walmart doesn’t offer a fax service, and you cannot fax your documents there. Options to send a fax without a fax machine include office centers like Staples or convenient, affordable and immediate internet fax solutions like eFax. 

Walmart does sell fax machines, and you could choose to buy one. However, these systems can cost anywhere from $100 up to over $500 when they’re combined in a multi-function device (MFD) with a scanner and printer. Of course, with a physical fax machine, you’ll also need fax toner or ink, as well as fax paper. The ongoing costs can add up fast. You’ll also need a dedicated landline for your fax system, which is another ongoing cost. 

This makes a digital fax solution the best option for most people who need to send an occasional fax. 

Superior Options to Walmart Fax Services

There are many alternative options to Walmart for fax services. You can send faxes from a range of locations near you, including: 

  • Public libraries 
  • Schools, universities or colleges 
  • Post offices 
  • Business centers 
  • Office supply stores like Staples or Office Works
  • Postage and shipping stores like UPS or FedEx 
  • Online digital fax services over the Internet 

Some of the locations above also allow you to receive faxes too, but that comes with privacy concerns. In fact, most public fax locations carry some level of security risk. 

That’s one of the many reasons sending and receiving faxes using a digital fax service like eFax is the best way to fax. Internet fax solutions are more reliable, safe, private and cost less than other fax options available. 


Disadvantages of In-Store Fax Services

Traditional faxing still faces many challenges, most of which have been there from the start:

  • Poor Safety: Fax machines communicate over unsecured phone lines that may be tapped. 
  • Tediousness: Businesses typically use traditional faxing to share signed documents or send them out for signing. Physically printing, scanning, signing, and faxing takes time, especially if you don’t have a fax machine near you. 
  • High Maintenance Costs: Fax machines require paper, ink, toner, a phone line, and repairs, which can be costly. 
  • Poor Scalability: Traditional faxing doesn’t grow as your business grows. For example, you can’t fax multiple recipients simultaneously or send high-volume faxes. 
  • Inaccessibility: You can only fax when you are at the machine. There’s no way to get urgent messages if you are outside your office, home, or fax center. 
  • Expensive International Faxing: Sending an international in-store fax is costly for both the first and additional pages. 
  • Not Environment-friendly: Since fax machines use paper, ink, and toner, they are not kind to the environment. Also, you have to burn gas to get to a faxing center. 

5 Advantages of Online Fax Services 

Online fax services are an excellent alternative to in-store fax solutions. 

Here are the main advantages you can enjoy when you use digital fax solutions:

  • Ease of Use: You can send and receive faxes from Internet-enabled devices. All you need is a fully set up online faxing account. 
  • High-end Security: Online faxes are encrypted and protected. Spam is also filtered. 
  • Lower Cost: You don’t need to buy a fax machine or maintain a physical phone line. Also, you don’t have to pay per fax but rather a recurring monthly subscription fee. 
  • Unlimited Free Online Storage: You can store and file digital faxes online for easy access at any time from anywhere. 
  • Cross-platform Synchronization: Online fax services typically integrate with digital workflows such as email services, business apps, and cloud storage solutions to enhance operations. 

You can enjoy these and many other benefits when you use a digital fax service – eFax, which comes in handy when you want to avoid using bulky fax machines. 


eFax – A Faster Alternative to Offline Fax

eFax is a cloud-based faxing solution that lets you quickly upload documents digitally and send them to any fax number. You can also receive faxes from any fax number. 

Here are seven reasons you’ll want to use the service:

1. Speed and Efficiency

The solution is a faster and more efficient alternative to offline fax services, saving you time and money. 

The service also saves you time with its email services integration, which allows for one-click faxing from Gmail and Outlook

2. You Can Comply with Industry Regulations

The service covers some key industry standards, including PCI DSS, HIPAA, GLBA, HITRUST, SOC, and SOC2.

You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your sensitive documents are compliant and are handled responsibly and securely. 

3. Versatility

The service’s versatility makes it stand out among similar platforms in the industry. First, eFax Online is a web-based portal accessible from anywhere. You can use it to fax using any device connected to the Internet. 

Secondly, you can fax using eFax Messenger, the solution’s desktop app, which allows you to send faxes from your computer within minutes.

Thirdly, the desktop app accepts more than 200 file types, including images, word documents, and PDFs. You can deal with up to ten documents per fax!

4. Convenience and Affordability

Unlike in-store faxing, eFax is convenient and affordable. You can use it to fax from anywhere, any time of the day or night, from the mobile fax app, web portal, or eFax Messenger. You also don’t need to pause your workflows until you get to the office. 

Additionally, you only need to pay a low recurring monthly fee to send as many faxes as possible without additional charges when you use the service. You also save money because you don’t need a dedicated phone line or costly hardware. 

5. Advanced File Sharing

You can use the service to send signed documents, any paperwork you can’t send through email, and files that are too big to attach to an email. The solution’s large file-sharing option allows you to simultaneously share up to 3GB of files among 20 different emails. 

Moreover, you can convert inbound faxes to emails to distribute around your office or to all the necessary stakeholders. 

6. Electronic Storage

The converted faxes can be stored electronically, saving you time.

If you used an in-store option, you would have to print and type the document to turn it into an email. 

7. Instant Email Notifications

Lastly, the service sends you an email notification when you send or receive a fax. It’s faster because you don’t have to call the recipient to ask if they got your fax. 

Discover the power of eFax today in reducing costs, securing documents, and ensuring compliance with industry-specific standards. 


Conclusion

Although Walmart doesn’t fax, you have plenty of solutions when it comes to in-store faxing. You can fax from on-location solutions such as Staples, FedEx, UPS, and Office Depot. 

However, if you prefer an online fax service because of its many advantages over in-store faxing, you can use eFax. The service lets you fax at any time from anywhere using your Internet-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer. 

Sign up for eFax today to send faxes faster, reduce costs, protect your documents, and comply with industry standards like HIPAA.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s check out the answers to some questions about in-store faxing:

In-store fax services are generally secure. Telephone lines are difficult to hack or spam, and they establish an end-to-end communication channel accessible to only you and the recipient. 

However, your documents may leak because the machines are used by the public or operated by center attendants. The people may access your information and leak it.

You’ll need to visit the store with your digital or physical format document and the recipient’s fax number. You may also need a fax cover sheet, depending on the store.

Sending a fax in-store can take a few minutes to hours, depending on the size of your document. A larger file will take longer to scan and fax. 

Typically, each page takes 30-60 seconds to scan and fax.

It’s possible to send international faxes from in-store fax services. 

For example, UPS and FedEx faxes allow international faxing. The only shortcoming is the high cost of sending such faxes.

You can’t fax from your mobile device using in-store fax services. To do so, you need an online fax solution like eFax, which lets you fax from your phone via email or a free mobile phone application.

No, Walmart doesn’t offer its customers a fax service. However, you can buy a fax machine and fax supplies from Walmart. This is an expensive and complicated solution for most users, though, so digital fax solutions are likely more convenient and practical for your faxing needs. 

Walmart doesn’t have public fax machine for customers to use for faxing. You can buy faxes from the company, but there is no system for you to send or receive faxes through your local Walmart store. 

Walmart doesn’t offer faxing, but alternative fax options do exist. You might be able to find low-cost or even free fax services at community business centers, schools or public libraries. There are also paid fax services at office supplies stores, private business centers and some postage or shipping companies like FedEx and UPS. The most practical, affordable, secure and private fax solution is an online fax service that lets you send and receive faxes from any internet device. 

The best fax solution for your family or business will depend on your unique needs. Consider the following attributes: 

  • Pricing: Does the internet fax solution have simple and clear pricing? Is it affordable, or are there alternative fax solutions? Pricing may depend on how often you need to use the service, so consider your faxing requirements as you compare prices. 
  • Security: If your business needs to comply with privacy regulations like HIPAA, then you’ll need a fax service that offers that feature. You should also look for a service that uses encryption and save servers to protect your documents. 
  • Features: When shopping for an internet fax solution, look for features like cloud storage, multiple users, an online portal and reliable customer support. 

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Staples Fax Service: An Easy Guide To Send and Receive Faxes

A closed Staples store.

Most people and businesses know Staples as a chain of office equipment and supplies in many countries, including the US and Canada. However, you can do more than just buy office supplies at Staples. 

We’ll explore Staples fax services, which most businesses and people need regularly, especially when sharing sensitive financial, legal, or medical information.

It’s important to note from the onset that Staples’s fax services are much better than other on-location faxing services from companies such as FedEx, UPS and Office Depot

Nevertheless, the service has flaws, making it necessary to use a digital faxing solution – eFax – instead. eFax is ideal for sending faxes of your documents anytime from anywhere at a low recurring subscription cost without using a fax machine. Discover how to reduce costs with eFax’s online fax solutions to securely and conveniently share documents.


Can You Fax at Staples?

You can fax at Staples using the company’s Copy and Print service, which lets you send international, national, and local faxes.
All Staples locations have self-service faxing and printing machines. However, it’s best to call earlier to ensure the center you wish to visit currently offers the service.
The company lets customers fax physical documents as well as digital format documents. You must save your documents into an SD card, USB drive, or compact flash if your documents are digital.
You can also directly import your documents from OneDrive, Google Drive, or DropBox because the faxing service allows access to cloud storage. You can even print your documents via email by sending them to [email protected].


How Much Does it Cost to Fax at Staples?

The Staples fax service shares almost the same pricing system as FedEx fax.

  • To send a fax locally, you’ll spend $1.79 for the first page and $1.59 for every additional page.
  • National faxes cost $2.39 for the first page and $2.19 for each subsequent page.
  • International faxing is the costliest at $5.99 for the first page and $3.99 for each extra page.

Here’s what the pricing looks like at a glance:

First PageEvery Additional Page
Cost for Local Faxes$1.79$1.59
Cost for National Faxes$2.39$2.19
Cost for International Faxes$5.99$3.99

The Staples fax cost can be higher or lower, depending on the location.
Remember to budget for other on-site faxing costs, such as traveling to the center. You may also be tempted to buy other items you hadn’t planned for at the store!
If you receive a fax at Staples, you’ll pay about $1 for every page.


Does Staples Offer Free Faxing Services?

Staples doesn’t offer free faxing. You’ll be charged a fee for every page you fax. The total cost will depend on the center and the number of pages you fax.


How to Find a Staples Store to Send a Fax

Finding a Staples store to send a fax is easy. 

Here are the steps to follow:

  • Go to the Staples website to access the Official Store Locator.
  • Type your city, state, ZIP code, or a known Staples store number into the search bar and click on the search icon.
  • You’ll see a list of stores near your location, each item showing the distance to the store, the services available, and business hours.
  • Check from the list that the store nearest to you offers Printing Services. 
  • If clicking on the location on the list or the map doesn’t open to show you the directions, Google the address. Add “Staples” at the end to refine the search. 
  • Once you open the page for the location, use the phone number to call them and confirm that faxing services are available.

How to Send a Fax at Staples

Sending a fax at Staples can be time-consuming and tiring. 

Here’s the process to follow:

1. Prepare Your Documents and Requirements 

Prepare your document for faxing so the cover sheet will be faxed first. 

If you have a digital document, download it into a portable USB drive or SD card. Save it as a PDF because that’s the most suitable digital method for faxing. Note that you can also fax photos and spreadsheets using the service. 

You’ll also need to find the recipient’s fax number. 

2. Locate the Nearest Store and Visit It

Use Staples’ Official Store Locator to find a nearby faxing center. Once you’ve confirmed faxing services are available, visit the store and find a self-service fax machine. 

If you would like a store employee to use the fax machine on your behalf, ask for their help. 

3. Fax Your Document

If you choose to fax the document yourself, follow the instructions on the machine for a smooth experience. 

Place the document in the loading tray and press the Fax button. Dial the recipient’s fax number and wait for the machine to connect. Then, scan the document and transmit it.

4. Wait for the Fax Confirmation Page

Once the machine is done, it will usually print out a confirmation page showing whether the fax has been sent successfully. If the process fails, try faxing again.

5. Collect Your Document

Retrieve your document from the feeder and keep it safe. If you would like to destroy it, you can use the store’s shredding services.

6. Pay at the Cash Register

Go to the cash counter and show the fax confirmation page to make the payment. 


How to Receive a Fax at Staples

Here’s how to receive faxes at Staples:

  • Locate the nearest store and call them beforehand to ask for their fax number. You may find the fax number immediately using the store locator method discussed above. For example, the fax number for the 111 North Wabash Avenue store in Chicago, Illinois, is (312) 641-1227. 
  • When you call the store, confirm that they will retrieve the fax pages and hold them safely for you.
  • Ask the sender to fax the document to that store’s fax number. 
  • Make an appointment with the store to collect your fax. 
  • You’ll need to provide the store employee with the necessary fax transmission details to ensure you collect the right fax. 
  • Collect your faxed document and pay for the service.

Taking Faxing to the Next Level: Beyond Staples 

Staples is a simple and relatively low-cost option if you need to send a one-off fax. However, it’s important to note that analog faxes are less secure, more expensive and less convenient than other options. 

If there’s a Staples near you, then you’ll be able to send a fax without much trouble. However, most of us live and work some distance from our nearest Staples location. That’s where digital fax solutions using an online fax service come in. 

Not only do solutions like eFax digital faxing let you send a fax from any internet-connected device at any time, they offer increased security, better document management, and lower cost. 

eFax users only need an online account to fax online. You can send and receive faxes to or from any fax machine, anywhere in the world, using your desktop computer, tablet or even smartphone. 


eFax – Most Reliable and Secure Fax Service

eFax differs from Staples’ self-service faxing machines because you can fax from Internet-enabled devices like personal computers, laptops, or mobile phones. You don’t need a fax machine to send or receive faxes. 

You can do the following using eFax:

  • Send and receive faxes anywhere, anytime, using your smartphone, tablet, computer, or laptop.
  • Share files online from cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox by downloading them and attaching them to your virtual fax.
  • Add electronic signatures to your faxes by swiping your finger across your mobile phone’s screen or dragging and dropping a pre-saved signature.
  • Store your incoming and outgoing faxes online for free across the life of your eFax account. 
  • Use eFax Protect, an encrypted online fax solution that improves the security of your faxing communications and ensures you comply with applicable standards such as SOX, HIPAA, and GLBA. 
  • Efficiently receive, send, and sign faxes online from your phone or tablet using a free mobile app.
  • Receive and send faxes online using email, which is convenient, flexible, efficient, and accessible. 
  • Protect your documents using data encryption at rest or in transit and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
  • Send and receive faxes globally.
  • Receive a notification once the recipient gets your fax.
  • Get a toll-free fax number

eFax is convenient because you don’t have to leave your home or office to fax. You can fax on the go, anywhere, and at any time. 

The service is also cost-effective. You only pay a recurring monthly subscription rather than pay for every fax you send or receive. Additionally, you don’t have to travel to a store, which costs you time and gas money. 

Join eFax today to secure your communications, reduce costs with eFax’s digital fax solutions, and enjoy industry-compliant faxing. 


Fax at any Time, from Anywhere without a Fax Machine

Staples offers a faxing service that is superior to other on-location solutions like FedEx and UPS. 

However, the service fails when it comes to ensuring the security of faxes. You must also travel to a physical store to use the service, which can be costly and time-consuming. 

eFax is much better because you can fax from anywhere at any time without a fax machine. It’s easy to fax online from your mobile phone, laptop, or tablet, regardless of the time of the day. Sign up for eFax today to reduce communication costs, comply with industry standards, and securely share sensitive information over high-level encryption.


FAQ’s Around Staples Fax Service

Let’s check out answers to common questions about faxing at Staples.

Unfortunately, you can’t fax documents online at Staples. You’ll need to visit a nearby store instead, carrying your physical documents by hand or digitally in an SD card or USB drive. Online faxing is possible with eFax, which lets you send or receive faxes digitally using an Internet-enabled device from anywhere and at any time. Sign up for eFax today to start sending online faxes from anywhere, anytime you need!

It’s generally safe to fax from Staples. However, your documents are still at risk because there is no encryption over the phone line. 

The fax machines are also used by the public, and other people may see the documents you fax, resulting in a loss of privacy.

To send a fax from Staples, you must bring your document in physical or digital format. Ensure you also have the recipient’s fax number. You’ll also need some money to pay for the service.

You can track the status of an incoming fax at Staples by calling the store and asking if they have received it. 

There is no way to track the status of an outgoing fax. You’ll have to call the recipient and ask if they have received it. 

Tracking the status of an outbound fax is easy with eFax because you get an automatic notification when the recipient receives it.

Staples doesn’t limit the size or number of pages you can fax. However, consulting one of their experts is recommended if you have a large project.

Every Staples outlet has printers and fax machines on site, though not every outlet currently offers this service. That’s why we recommend calling your local Staples before you take your fax over to send it. 

You can fax any printed document at a Staples. You can also fax digital documents stored on a USB key or SD card. Document types include MS Word documents, PDFs and image files.  

Most Staples locations also let you send faxes from a Google Drive or other cloud storage facility. Remember, though, that you’ll have to log into your drive on the public machine to access your documents, and this carries security risks. 

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eFax Blog

When was the Fax Machine Invented?

A Brief History of the Fax Machine

While the modern fax machine was invented in 1964 by the Xerox company, the first fax machine ever invented was Alexander Bain’s Electric Printing Telegraph, patented in 1843. Fax machines were the forerunners of digital communication and fax services predate the telephone.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the AT&T Corporation advanced fax technology by sending photos via wire transmission. Soon after, The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) successfully transmitted a wireless fax across the Atlantic Ocean. It wasn’t until decades later though that the first modern-day, commercialized fax machine was introduced by the Xerox Corporation.

Fax machine usage in commerce became widespread during the 1960s after Xerox patented the first modern fax machine. In 1966, a fax machine that could be connected to any phone line made faxing documents commonplace in many businesses. Since then, faxes have come a long way, and these days, online faxing is common.

Over the past 75 years, fax transmission time has reduced from an average of six minutes to an average of one minute. The classic “fax machine” of the 1980s (which cost $20,000 in 1982!) has also become obsolete, and faxes are now routinely sent from computers, smartphones or tablets.

Much of modern business has moved online, and fax machines are no different. Online platforms like eFax make it easy to send, receive and sign documents from any device with an internet connection. This keeps fax machine usage relevant in our changing world.

An infographic illustrating the history of the fax machine from 1843 to 2011.

When was the Fax Machine Invented?

The fax machine was invented in 1843 by Alexander Bain, a Scottish inventor, who patented the device. It used a mechanism to scan handwritten or printed images and then transmit them over telegraph lines. This early fax machine laid the groundwork for later developments in fax technology, including the first recognizable version of what we consider the telephone fax patented by the Xerox company in 1964. In 2010, the emergence of internet faxing brought about a new era in fax communication, utilizing cloud-based servers and internet connectivity to transmit documents digitally.

Bain’s ‘Electric Printing Telegraph’ was a crude version of later iterations of the telegraph — but it was still way ahead of its time. 

The first fax machine used a pendulum to scan an image made of raised metal pins line by line. As the pendulum swung across the metal image, it completed an electrical circuit wherever it touched metal. At the receiving end, this electrical signal caused a chemically treated paper to darken through electrolysis, creating a crude copy of the original.

Think of it like a very early dot-matrix printer, where the “dots” were created by chemical reactions triggered by electricity instead of ink. However, it had some major drawbacks that stopped it from going into commercial use:

1. Speed: The scanning system was slow, taking several minutes to transmit even a small image.

2. Synchronization: Synchronizing the pendulums at both ends was crucial – they had to swing in perfect time to keep the copy aligned with the original.

3. Sensitive materials: The chemical paper used for receiving was sensitive to environmental conditions, would degrade over time, and could be messy.

Despite being a groundbreaking technology, Bain’s fax machine invention had limitations that made it impractical for commercial and personal use. It wasn’t until Frederick Bakewell introduced his version of the fax machine that faxing started to take shape as we know it, eventually leading to what we know today as internet faxing.

Timeline of Fax Machine History

1843: Mechanical Fax

Alexander Bain invents the ‘Electric Printing Telegraph’ machine in 1843 which is the world’s first fax device.

1880: Scanning PhotoTelegraph

The English inventor Shelford Bidwell invents the Scanning PhotoTelegraph machine, which is the first telefax machine capable of scanning and sending a two-dimensional image.

1888: TelAutograph

In 1888 the TelAutograph machine was invented by Elisha Grey which allowed users to send signature images over long distances.

1924: Wire Transmission

Scientists at the AT&T Corporation advance fax technology further by sending photos by telephone/wire transmission.

1924: Wireless Transmission

The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) develops the TransOceanic Radio Facsimile and successfully transmits a photograph between New York and London.

1924: Color Fax

The AT&T Corporation invents a fax device which is capable of transmitting the world’s first color facsimile.

1924: 6 mins

It took 6 mins to send a single page fax.

1960: Satellite Fax

The U.S. Army sends the world’s first photograph via satellite facsimile from America to Puerto Rico.

1964: Telephone Transmission

The first commercialized version of the modern-day fax machine is introduced and patented by the Xerox Corporation using telephone transmission.

1974: 3 mins

It took 3 mins to send a single page fax – how long does an eFax transmission take?

1982: $20,000

The cost of a fax machine was recorded at $20,000, which when adjusted for inflation, equates to $62,350 in present-day currency.

1982: Computer Based Fax Board

GammaLink introduced the first computer based fax board, the GammaFax.

1988: Fax Stamp

Europa. Transport and Communications stamp was printed in Greece. Stamp features a satellite and fax machine, symbolizing advancements in transportation and communication technology during that era.

1996: Internet Fax

The first internet fax service is made available to the general public allowing users to send and receive a facsimile via a computer without fax machines.

2010: Internet Fax via Apple Devices

eFax launches iOS app, allowing users the ability to fax directly from their Apple devices.

2011: Internet Fax via Android Devices

eFax launches Android app, enabling users with Android devices to send faxes.


The History of the Fax Machine

If there’s one invention that’s benefited from the passage of time, it’s the fax machine. Invented back in 1843 by Alexander Bain, the first fax machine was a far cry from the compact fax machines we know today.

The image quality was poor and transmissions were less than expedient. Considering the technology at the time, though, this was to be expected. Bain used “pendulums” and a “clock” to synchronize and capture images on a line by line basis – not exactly a speedy way of doing things. The images were then reproduced, giving way to the first fax.

It wasn’t until English physicist Frederick Bakewell improved on Bain’s original “fax machine” that faxing began to take shape – although not at breakneck speed. Bakewell’s fax machine used “rotating cylinders” and a “stylus” to create faxes. In spite of debuting at the 1851 World’s Fair in London to curious stares, it failed to be a runaway hit. Thankfully, Bakewell’s fax machine served as a blueprint from which other inventors could later draw inspiration.

By the late 1860s, Giovanni Caselli had come up with a fax machine known as the Pantelegraph. Unlike its predecessors, though, it was a hit – forming the basis of the modern-day fax machine. It would take another century before fax technology truly found its stride, though.

1988 Greek postage stamp featuring a fax machine, a satellite, and a EUROPA CEPT document.

Xerox

In 1964, Xerox invented the Long Distance Xerograph (LDX), a fax machine that could transmit regular-size documents (one page at a time) to any fax machine in the world. Unfortunately, it took around six minutes to do so. The LDX would remain the standard in fax until a Japanese telecommunications corporation created the “ITU G3 Facsimile Standard” in 1980. But it wouldn’t take long before a new development in fax would take over.

The Rise of Analog Faxing

There are a number of reasons why analog fax machines helped to take fax to the next level. For starters, all you needed to do was plug your fax machine into a regular phone line, and wham! You were ready to send your next fax. This was a big incentive back in the ‘80s and ‘90s – largely because the internet hadn’t yet taken off and people still believed that fax was the safest way to send private data.

But as corporations began to rely more heavily on analog fax machines, the cost to maintain them began to add up. There were paper costs, ink costs, maintenance and repair costs, and more. Plus, there was the inconvenience of having administrators run documents back and forth to the fax machine – impatiently waiting for a busy signal to give way to a much-needed ringtone. And when faxes did transmit, administrators would have to distribute them one-by-one to their intended recipient.

So what’s the takeaway here? Fax technology was transforming, but it was still a pain.

Multifunction Devices

Adding fax machines to copiers or multifunction devices (MFDs) was supposed to make faxing more convenient. And in a lot of ways it did. You could scan, print, fax, and copy documents from one standalone machine – hooray! But the cost factor was still a major problem for owners. In many instances, the cost to run a MFD was more than the cost to run a traditional fax machine. And we’re not just talking about the price tag, but also the cost to repair them.

This was around the time that corporations began switching to fax servers to improve the function of their MFDs and standalone fax machines. On the whole, fax servers were great. Fax machine owners could reduce paper costs and send faxes faster. But as with any next-generation technology, the cost to set up a fax server was expensive. So expensive, in fact, that one server could run thousands of dollars to buy, set up, and run.

That’s not to say that fax servers didn’t bring convenience – they did. Users could send faxes directly from their desktop – without having to deal with an actual printer or fax machine. Further, fax servers answered the all-important question of how to handle private information, which HIPAA law prevents from lingering out in the open on, say, an old-fashioned fax machine, for example.

As fax servers became the new norm for corporations, however, small business owners and individuals were still looking for ways to make faxing easier for them.

Internet Faxing

As the world migrated to the web for most of its data needs, including email, cloud storage, and document editing, a new evolution in fax began in the mid-1990s. For the first time, anyone could send a fax from a computer using an online fax service. The cost was affordable and the technology was simple. All you needed was an internet-ready device and an online fax account.

Unlike traditional fax machines, online fax is fast and convenient. You can send faxes from wherever you access the internet, connecting to fax machines around the world in seconds. Best of all, you don’t have to pay the expensive cost of owning a fax server. For very little money, individuals and businesses alike could send faxes on the go – enjoying the same features you’d expect from a traditional machine, like cover sheets, free local fax numbers, and transmission verification reports.

In addition, online fax services provide end-to-end audit trails, confirming the transfer of your faxes the moment they’re complete. You could even add a cover letter or input an electronic signature to sign a contract.

Online fax service companies offer both email fax and mobile fax capabilities from one electronic device, such as an iPhone. Whereas before you needed a bulky fax machine to send faxes, with a fax app, all you need is your cell phone. You can send, read, edit, and manage all your faxes from one administrator-controlled account.

The Impact of Fax Today

Fax remains an important technology today thanks to leading online fax companies like eFax®. With the eFax Mobile App—one of the best fax apps—you can send multiple faxes to multiple people in seconds. Your faxed documents print out like real faxes, and you can track every stage of the transmission process—including the time and date of completion.

Putting a fax machine into the pockets of busy people and business owners revolutionized the way people send and read fax information. Once we were beholden to old-fashioned fax machines, fax servers, phone lines, printer paper, ink, and IT experts. Today, we can send a fax as easily as we can send email thanks to online faxing—the best fax machine alternative there is.

Faxing has transformed significantly since its initial entry into our business and personal lives. But one thing’s clear: its impact continues to grow. We can use online fax to stay connected, increase responsiveness, save time, safeguard private data, and more.

Bain and Bakewell may not have received the credit they deserved in their lifetime, along with the countless other inventors who followed in their footsteps. But they certainly have changed the way we think about data transmission, and that’s worth an honorable mention!

How Do Fax Machines Work?

Traditional faxing machines effectively send photocopies across telephone wires. At a high level, a fax machine works in three stages: 

  • Scan a document 
  • Send the document to another fax machine 
  • That machine prints out the document 

Modern machines can use a modem instead of a telephone line to send a fax via the internet. This is similar to how Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows us to make traditional phone calls or through online apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. 

Fax machines turn scanned images into sound signals that are then converted to a sound wave signature which can reproduce the image on another piece of paper at the other end of the line. Modern fax machines can convert the image into an electronic format that can then be stored electronically, sent to an email recipient or printed on paper. 

The earliest fax machines used radio waves to transmit images. Most fax machines use thermal paper, just as they did back in the late 1800s.

Why Online Faxing Is Better than Fax Machines

Online faxing is superior to traditional fax machines in many ways, including: 

  1. Cost: Senders don’t have to buy a fax machine or maintain a physical phone line just for the fax. Senders also don’t have to buy fax paper, ink or toner. 
  2. Ease of Use: You can send and view faxes from any internet-connected device using your eFax account. This includes computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. 
  3. Safety: While fax machines communicate over unsecured phone lines, online faxes can be encrypted and protected. eFax systems can even help filter out spam. 
  4. Storage: eFax allows you to store digital faxes and file them easily, so you can access your faxed documentation at any time. 

Extra features: eFax users also receive local, toll-free fax numbers and get access to a variety of other great features and benefits


Fax Machine are History

Modern online faxing solutions provide increased versatility and convenience over traditional fax machines. Online faxing is easy, affordable and convenient.

You can use eFax to send signed documents, files that are too big for email attachments and any other paperwork that can’t be sent through email. You can also convert your incoming faxes to emails to distribute around your office and store them electronically. This innovative alternative to faxing documentation is an affordable and accessible way to set your business up to send and receive faxes. 

Sign up for eFax to start your modern faxing journey today. 


FAQs Around Fax Invention

The first fax machine was invented by Alexander Bain’s Electric Printing Telegraph, patented in 1843. He successfully sent an image using the machine, but it was low-quality. The fax machine went through many iterations before the modern fax machine was invented in 1964 by Xerox company. 

Alexander Bain invented the first fax machine in 1843. He called it the Electric Printing Telegraph.

The first internet fax was sent in 1996. It allowed users to send and receive faxes instantly using a computer device connected to the internet. 

Yes, technologies like eFax offer a reliable and secure medium to send and receive faxes online. Moreover, many business owners rely heavily on faxes and don’t see the need to adopt another form of communication if what exists now still works.

The modern fax machine, patented and sold by Xerox, was available to the public from 1964. 

Yes. The first fax machine (1843) coincided with the Oregon Trail period (1840s-1860s).

The first fax machine was invented by  Alexander Bain in 1843 with the introduction of his “Electric Printing Telegraph.”

Read Resources About the Invention of the Fax Machine

Electronics.howstuffworks.com; When Was the Fax Machine Invented?

Thoughtco.com; History of the Fax Machine

Encyclopedia.com; The Invention of the Fax Machine

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