How to Buy a Low-Volume Fax Machine

If you only need to fax things occasionally, you should buy a low-volume fax machine. Whether you're faxing 10 pages or 100, you'll still want a quality machine and still need to compare models, since cheaper isn’t always the way to go.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer

Buying a Low-Volume Fax

1. Measure the area (preferably next to a phone jack) that you plan to put the fax. Low-volume machines are generally smaller than industrial models, about 15 inches wide.
2. Determine your price range. While home machines can be found in the $80 range, spending a little more can yield a better product. Sending an illegible document will make your investment seem worthless.
3. Find a machine that can send more pages, especially if you use the fax for work. This way, a large job won’t test the machine, or your patience.
4. Determine what features you need. Many models have automatic redial, speed dial or an automatic function to switch between phone and fax calls.
5. Compare opinions online by entering the model name into a Web site such as Amazon or Bizrate. The product page usually contains user reviews at the bottom, which can give you a better idea of how the machine will perform.
6. Get a warranty for machine failures that are out of your control.
7. Buy the machine which fits your needs. Read the directions when installing the machine and report any problems to the company or store. Keep the directions for future reference and keep all packaging in case you want to return the product.

Tips & Warnings

• Dedicating a phone line for your fax machine may seem unnecessary for occasional use. However, it will enable you to phone while you fax, so it's worth considering.
• Inkjet printing is generally faster, but if you don’t need a speedy machine, thermal printing will do.
• Keep the number for the service desk or company help line near the machine to in case something goes wrong.

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