Running a freelance writing business is really not all that different than running any other kind of business. You need to get in contact with your clients on a regular basis, communicating with them to ensure that you are staying on track and delivering exactly the product that they desire. Writing for a technology blog on a daily basis is definitely not the same as ghostwriting a book on how to make money online.
Most freelance writers, myself included, make extensive use of email to communicate with clients. While it may be true that email can stunt your productivity, it is still the most efficient and convenient way to exchange information. Because accurate records are kept on both sides of the conversation, you can minimize the number of disputes down the line. Contrast this to the lack of records typically associated with phone calls and you’ll see why email can be so useful.
Fax Provides Paper in Hand
Living in such a high-tech society, some freelancers and other business owners may be wondering if they still need a fax machine. Email is great and all, but some customers still want a physical piece of paper in their hands. This is especially true when it comes to forms and signatures. In addition to the fax machine itself, you’ll still have to deal with toner and paper. Is it still worth it to invest in a fax machine that you may not use all that often anyways?
I did make use of a fax machine as part of the process to get my business card done. Even so, it would have been much more convenient for me if I could just handle that side of things through email instead. I also use my fax machine for courier-related documents from time to time.
Fax Machines Go Virtual, Online
An interesting service that I came across recently was eFax Plus. In a nutshell, eFax Plus provides you with a virtual fax machine. There’s no need for a physical phone line or fax machine, because all faxes can be sent and received via email. From the customer’s point of view, it’s as if you have a regular fax machine, because you can associate your eFax Plus account with a local phone number. It seems pretty seamless and easy to use. Best of all, there’s no maintenance.
To get things started, they offer a 30-day free trial. After that, the monthly fee (for Canadians) is $12.95. That’s cheaper than a regular phone line. If I didn’t already have a physical fax machine and if I had more fax volume (I’ve only sent two faxes in the last six months), I would seriously have to consider signing up for this virtual fax machine service.
Yay or Nay to Freelancer Fax Machines?
Do freelancers still need a fax machine? I’d say that it depends on the nature of your freelance writing business. If the majority of your clients operate online, then you may not need one. On the other hand, if you have clients who need forms faxed and they prefer to deal with you on an offline basis, then a fax machine may prove useful. A virtual fax machine could be even better.
I have a fax line. I used it…hmm… I can’t remember when the last time I used it was…
At least it was only a cheap VONAGE $9 buck a month line.
I used a virtual fax machine at my job a few years ago. I thought it worked pretty well… well, better than a normal fax machine actually.
oooohhhhh There’s that creapy chest guy in your recent readers on the right sidebar again. Man… I just feel weird now. Come on guy, you gotta update that. I know you’re proud, but it’s really weirding me out.
Creepy chest guy? Are you talking about Leo?
While I don’t do a ton of business from home, I do have a fax machine (well, it’s an all-in-one machine) and I do use it on an occasional basis. I only plug it in to the phone line (my regular line) when I am going to use it. I use it about a handful of times per year, but even though I don’t use it very often I am glad I have it.
I think the most benefit from one of the online places and paying their fees would only be if you actually had enough fax volume to justify the monthly charge. Otherwise, getting an all-in-one machine to use as a copier/fax for a home office seems to be the best option financially.
Somehow I am kind of torn. I see the need for a fax machine, sometimes.
If the fax machine is seldom used, why not go for the public fax right across the street? I have until now had to use even that just once.
I think office equipments are very needed in running a freelance business. It saves time and money compared to renting.