What is the difference between Fax and Burofax?

Although both communication methods share similarities, such as the ability to transmit documents, the difference between fax and bureaufax lies mainly in three essential factors: their purpose, legal validity and functionality.

We will go deeper into this below, but we anticipate that, while fax is a traditional means to send documents quickly, bureaufax has a specific focus: to ensure the certification of sending and receiving with legal validity.

Let’s see what these differences are and when it is better to use one or the other.

To better understand the difference between bureaufax and fax, let’s start with the definition of each.

Fax, short for “facsimile”, is a system that allows the transmission of physical documents over a telephone line. To do this, after the document is scanned, it is converted into a signal that is transmitted and then printed at the receiver.

Although the fax was a revolutionary technology at the time, its use has declined significantly due to the rise of e-mail and other digital methods of communication.

→ Find out here our article on how to send a certified email!

However, it is still used in certain sectors and companies where the direct transmission of physical documents is a priority. In these cases, fax is very useful, since its main advantage is the speed of transmission and the possibility of sending documents without the need to digitize them beforehand.

Meanwhile, the bureaufax is a specialized service designed to send important documents with certification of sending, receipt and content. This method ensures that the addressee receives exactly what was sent and provides an official record.

→ In our article about what is a burofax and what is it for? we tell you everything you need to know in more detail.

The main purpose of the burofax is to ensure that the sending of documents has a legal backing in case of disputes, making it a crucial tool for legally valid communications. This is especially useful in situations such as legal notices, claims or, even, in the communication of dismissal by burofax.

The online burofax from MailComms Group is one of our solutions for sending certified notifications with legal validity over the Internet. This service allows you to send bureaufaxes from anywhere with access to the network, ensuring speed and convenience without compromising the security of the information communicated.

Furthermore, in our case, Correos is in charge of managing deliveries, which provides legal support thanks to its recognition as a universal postal operator, guaranteeing coverage throughout the national and international territory.

Both systems allow the transmission of documents, but the difference between fax and bureaufax is evident when we stop to analyze their purpose, legal validity and costs.

The fax is ideal for quick and easy communications, without requiring certification or proof of delivery.

In short: it is a direct solution for transmitting information in real time. On the other hand, the bureaufax is specifically designed for situations that require legal support, such as the delivery of official documents or formal communications.

If you are wondering how long it takes for a burofax to arrive, it is usually delivered 24-48 hours after it is sent.

This might be the most relevant difference between bureaufax and fax. While a fax has no legal guarantee on the content sent or received, the bureaufax provides certification of both sending and receipt thanks to the acknowledgement of receipt, including the exact content of the message. This feature makes it indispensable in legal and administrative environments.

Faxing is generally cheaper and more accessible, especially for personal or small business use. However, the lack of legal backing can be a drawback in certain situations.

The burofax is usually more expensive, but offers additional security. However, when using an electronic electronic bureaufax service is used, costs associated with physical mailing are reduced.

Knowing the difference between fax and bureaufax may make it easier to understand when it is better to use one or the other, although the choice will always depend on the purpose of the communication.

If you need to transmit information quickly and do not require legal support, fax is sufficient. For example, to share a quote or an internal document.
On the other hand, if the communication involves legal aspects or requires proof of delivery, the bureaufax is the ideal option. For example, you can send a burofax for claims, notices of dismissal or termination of contracts.

At MailComms Group we offer certified communication solutions that guarantee total security, including not only the sending of online bureaufaxes for greater convenience, but also WhatsApp or certified email, among other tools.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to see what kind of legally valid notifications your business requires and how we can help you!

The fax, by itself, has no legal validity, since it does not certify either the content sent or its receipt. Although it can be used as complementary evidence, it does not offer sufficient guarantees in legal disputes. Therein lies the main difference between bureaufax and fax, since in the bureaufax there is a legal value.

You should opt for a burofax when it is crucial to have certification of sending, receipt and content. This includes legal situations, formal notifications and any communication that requires legal backing. Keep this in mind if you are also hesitating between burofax and registered letter, since the letter only certifies the delivery, but not the content.

Yes, the bureaufax generally has a higher cost due to the additional services it offers, such as certification of contents and confirmation upon pick-up of the bureaufax. confirmation upon pick-up of the bureaufax. However, the cost can be reduced by using an online bureaufax service.

Yes! MailComms Group’s online burofax service offers the possibility of sending burofaxes online, which facilitates the process by eliminating the need to physically go to a post office. This method is fast, secure and complies with legal requirements.