How to Start a Fax-on-Demand Business

You've decided to start a business and since you'd like to avoid supply issues, you're taking the leap with a service business. Fax-on-demand services have been around since the late '80s, and they've turned out to be particularly useful in today's world. Starting a fax-on-demand service can be lucrative and it doesn't have to be a headache.

Instructions

1. Buy a server. This doesn't mean you need a server farm, at least not yet, but you need a computer to act as your server. Don't just use your personal computer. This one needs to be set aside as the one for your business, to be used only for fax-on-demand.

2. Choose a software for internal fax-on-demand. You want one designed for call-centers even if you only have 2 phone lines with which to start. It allows you to scan in the documents to send and choose the options for the command for that fax on a touch-tone phone.

3. Get a toll-free number so your clients' customers don't have to call long-distance.

4. Calculate pricing for your services. Remember to take into account the cost of running your server and maintenance, as well as your phone bill including your toll-free number. Research the percentages of businesses who don't pay for services in a timely manner and plan accordingly for the cash-flow and legal fees.

5. Figure in how much profit you want to make as well as how much you'll likely make per year over a 10-year projection. Come to grips with the fact that you probably won't make any money in the first three years and plan your personal finances accordingly.

6. Set up your books or hire an accountant. Don't install your accounting software on the server for your fax-on-demand service. Use a different computer or an internal server if multiple people need access.

7. Find clients any way you can. Advertise in whatever free venue you can find and make sure you're getting a good deal in the ones for which you pay. Network and get other entrepreneurs you know to use your services. Tell everyone you meet.