GENERAL FAQ's:

What is iFax Service?
How does the CREB iFax Service work?
What are the PRIMARY Benefits of using CREB's iFax Service?
How does the cost of iFax Service compare to Traditional Fax machines?
What are the Benefits of Sending Faxes with CREB iFax?
What are the Benefits of Receiving Faxes with CREB iFax?
How do I sign up for CREB iFax Service?
Can I keep my current fax # and have it registered as a CREB iFax #?
How long does it take to get my current fax # PORTED over to CREB's iFax Service?
Can I have a local Calgary CREB iFax #?
I am in a community outside Calgary, can I have a CREB iFax # from my local exchange?
What do I need to use CREB iFax?
Can I use my fax machine as a scanner to convert paper documents into digital format?
Can I have a toll-free iFax number in addition to my local iFax #?
Can I keep my toll-free fax # and have it ported over to CREB's iFax Service?
Can I have multiple local iFax #'s?
Can I change the CREB iFax # that I am assigned?
Can I request a Vanity iFax #?
How can I access my CREB iFax information online?
Can I keep my fax # if I leave CREB or move to another Fax-to-email service provider?


RECEIVING FAXES:

How do I receive a fax using the CREB iFax service?
What email address do I use to access my incoming CREB iFax?
How do I view a  fax I've received with CREB's iFax service?
Can I specify a different file format for the attachments containing the incoming faxes?
Is my CREB iFax # always available to receive faxes?
Can I have my inbound faxes sent to multiple email accounts?
How can I change my primary or secondary email addresses?
Can I receive a fax notification to my phone via SMS, when a fax has arrived?
What do I do if I receive a lot of unsolicited faxes (SPAM)?

SENDING FAXES:

Where can I send a fax from?
How do I send a fax from my Primary Email Account?
How do I send a fax from my Web-mail account?
How do I send a fax from my iFax service account?
Can I send a fax from one of my secondary email accounts or some other email account?
What happens if I inadvertently send a fax from one of my secondary email accounts?
What happens if I send a fax from a fax machine to my personal iFax #?
How do I know my fax was successfully delivered?
What do I do if I receive a failed fax notification?
How do I change how many times CREB iFax will attempt to resend before failing the fax?
Can I send multiple documents in one fax?
What happens if I mistakenly broadcast a fax to many numbers?
Does the iFax Service create a Cover Page automatically?
How do I remove the cover page when sending a fax?
How do I specify the recipient if my fax is going to a shared fax machine
How do I choose a specific fax cover page?
How do I specify the recipient and attach a cover page?
How do I specify multiple fax numbers when sending a fax to multiple recipients?


SUBSCRIBER COSTS:

How does the cost of iFax Service compare to Traditional Fax machine service?
How much does the CREB iFax service cost me per month?
How many pages per month do I get?
Does it cost money to send or receive faxes to or from other CREB iFax subscribers?
How much is each fax page when I go beyond my Monthly Page Allotment?
Are Cover Pages counted towards the Monthly Page Allotment?
How do I know if the CREB member's fax # is a registered CREB iFax #?
Are there long distance charges for sending faxes?
Are there long distance charges for receiving faxes from long distance numbers?
How much does it cost for a Toll-free CREB iFax #?
How much does it cost to PORT my existing fax # to have it registered as a CREB iFax #?
How much does a Vanity CREB iFax # cost?
Do unsolicited (SPAM) faxes count towards my Monthly Page Allotment?
Can I get an additional iFax account with an additional local fax #?
What can I do if I'm receiving too many unsolicited (SPAM) faxes?

FAX ARCHIVE:

How long are my faxes stored in the CREB iFax archive?
Do I need to do anything to index my inbound or outbound faxes in my fax archive?
Are my CREB iFaxes time-stamped?

CUSTOMER SUPPORT:

Who do I contact if I have a problem with my CREB iFax account?



GENERAL FAQ's:

What is iFax Service?
iFax Service is a Fax-to-Email Service that uses the internet to connect to tradtional fax machines and internet fax numbers.  As a CREB iFax Subscriber, you do not need a fax machine or telephone line to send or receive a fax. iFax Service enables you to send and receive faxes as attachments via email so that you have the ability to send and receive faxes from any internet connected computer. There is no software to install. back to top

How does the CREB iFax Service work?
How do I send a fax from my Primary Email Account?
How do I receive a fax using CREB iFax Service?
To receive a fax:

1. Provide the sender with your unique fax # and ask them to send you the document.
2. You will receive the fax as a PDF attachment in your Primary Email Account.  You can also receive copies to any additional email accounts you specified at registration.

To send a fax:

1. Log in to your email program on your pc.  Select the new message or compose message tab.
2. If you have multiple email accounts connected to your email program, ensure your message will be sent using the Primary Email Account (the one registered with the iFax Service.)
3. Address the message to the desired fax#@crebifax.ca.  (IE: 18885551212@crebifax.ca)
4. Attach the document(s) to your email message that you want to fax and click send.
5. If you type anything in the body of the email and extra fax page will be sent containing the information.

back to top

What are the PRIMARY Benefits of using CREB's iFax Service?
Creb's iFax Service has been custom designed for realtor and broker offices.  It is cost saving, confidential, time saving, labour saving, and environmentally friendly. It provides you with the ability to receive and send faxes, directly and privately, from your Primary Email Account. Every fax transmission is date and time stamped and automatically archived to the fax portal.  In addition to your Primary Email Account, you can also access the fax portal from any internet-connected computer so send or access received faxes, as well as customize your profile. There is also a documented audit trail. back to top

How does the cost of iFax Service compare to Traditional Fax machines?
Approximate cost comparison of iFax Service to Traditional Fax with a dedicated fax line.
back to top

What are the Benefits of Sending Faxes with CREB iFax?

• Easy to learn and Simple to Use
• Fax Delivery receipt confirmed via email
• Fax can be sent simultaneously to multiple recipients
• Time-stamped, third-party proof of delivery
• No line-ups or waiting for access to fax machine
• Automatic resending of faxes when receiver's line is busy
• Fax #'s saved as Contacts - eliminates human dialing errors
• Recipient receives a professional looking fax - highly legible
• Fax can be sent from wherever there is internet access
• No need to go back to the office to send a fax

back to top

What are the Benefits of Receiving Faxes with CREB iFax?

• Easy to learn and Simple to Use
• Notification of received fax to your cell phone
• Senders will never receive a busy signal when sending to your fax #
• No delays receiving your fax because your machine is out of supplies
• No delays receiving your fax because of a busy fax machine
• Inbound faxes can be received at up to 5 email accounts
• Never lose a fax with electronic archiving (iFax Portal)
• Confidentiality - faxes only delivered to your email account
• Faxes clear & legible - no skewed, spotted or missing pages
• No need to go back to the office to receive a fax

back to top

How do I sign up for CREB's iFax Service?
Go to www.crebifax.ca .  Once you complete the online registration form you will receive Terms of Use and Operating Instructions with a link to confirm receipt. Once confirmed, you will receive your local iFax #. You can immediately begin sending and receiving faxes using your Primary Email Account.  You can also access the iFax Portal by  signing in to www.crebifax.ca . back to top

Can I keep my current fax # and have it ported over to CREB's iFax Service?
Yes. Your existing fax machine number can be ported to CREB's iFax Service.   It normally takes 2 to 4 weeks to arrange to 'port' your existing fax # to CREB's iFax Service.  If you aren't on a fixed-term service contract, your current telco should terminate your monthly billing once your fax telephone # has been ported to CREB's iFax service. back to top

How long does it take to get my current fax # PORTED over to CREB's iFax service?
Typically 2 to 4 weeks, but it is dependent upon the telco that is providing your current fax service. back to top

Can I have a local Calgary fax #?
Yes.  The Basic Service gives you a local Calgary fax # no matter where you are located.  If you already have a local Calgary fax #, you can request it to be PORTED to CREB's iFax Service.
  Toll-free fax #'s are also  available at a nominal extra monthly charge . Additional overage fees apply for fax pages received on toll-free fax #'s after the basic allotment is exhausted. back to top

I am in a community outside Calgary, can I have a fax # from my local exchange?
The Basic Service gives you a local Calgary fax #, but you can request an fax # from your local exchange. If there are no additional on- going charges from the telco serving that community, your request will be accomodated.  Otherwise, you will be given the choice of receiving either a local Calgary fax # or a toll-free fax # for no additional monthly charge. Overage fees for fax pages received on toll-free #'s are at a higher rate than for pages received on local fax numbers. back to top

What do I need to use CREB's iFax Service?
To use CREB's iFax Service you need an email account, a computer with internet access, and you need to register for a CREB iFax account at www.crebifax.ca .

If your documents are in paper form, you also need a scanner or All-in-One device to convert your document into digital format so they can be attached to an outgoing email.   back to top

Can I use my fax machine as a scanner to convert paper documents into a digital format?
Only if it's an all-in-one device that scans, prints and faxes. You can use the scanner function to convert paper documents into digital format and save them on your computer. back to top

Can I have a toll-free fax # in addition to my local fax #?
Yes, you can request a toll-free fax # in addition to your local fax #. Faxes received on either number will be delivered to the email addresses you specify. Toll-free fax #'s are available at a nominal extra monthly charge . Overage fees for fax pages received on toll-free numbers are at a higher rate than for pages received on local fax #'s. back to top

Can I have multiple iFax #'s?
Each CREB iFax Subscriber is entitled to one local iFax # as part of the Basic Service. You can also request one toll-free iFax # that will share your Monthly Page Allotment, but there is a nominal extra monthly charge . back to top


Can I keep my current toll-free fax # and have it ported over to CREB's iFax Service?
Yes. You can request that your current toll free fax # be ported to CREB's iFax service. However, there is a nominal extra monthly charge . Also, the overage fees for fax pages received on toll-free numbers are at a higher rate than for pages received on local numbers. back to top

Can I change the fax # that I am assigned?
Yes, by contacting customer support. You can email them at Support@crebifax.ca , or call them at 866-233-4123. Customer service will be available 24/7/365. back to top

Can I request a vanity fax #?
Yes. The fax # you want may or may not be available. There may be a "one-time" search cost, regardless of whether any of the fax #'s are available. You will be contacted for pre-approval of any charges prior to processing your request. It typically takes 2-4 weeks to get a vanity fax #. It depends on the telco that is providing the fax # that you are requesting. back to top

How can I access my CREB iFax information online?
YBy loggin to to your account on the CREB iFax Portal at www.crebifax.ca . Your login information will be emailed to you when you have completed the online registration process. back to top

Can I keep my fax # if I leave CREB or move to another fax-to-email service provider?
Yes, but you won't be able to exchange faxes with other CREB member for free and your archive will be deleted. The only time there is a fee for terminating, or porting to another provider, is if the new telco charges our current service provider. back to top


RECEIVING FAXES:

What email address do I use to access my incoming CREB iFax?
The Primary Email Address that you used to register for the CREB iFax service as well as any secondary email addresses that you provided to receive copies of your incoming faxes. back to top

Is my CREB iFax # always available to receive faxes?
Yes. 24/7/365. The service can handle multiple faxes being sent to your iFax # at the same time. back to top

How do I view a fax I've received with CREB's iFax Service?
The fax will be attached to the email message as a pdf (portable document format.) To view the fax you must open the attachment with a PDF viewer. Adobe offers a free PDF viewer program. Click here to be directed to the Adobe website and download their latest version of Adobe Acrobat. Adobe and other software developers also offer PDF Creation and PDF Editing programs. back to top

Can I specify a different file format for the attachments containing the incoming faxes?
Yes, but PDF is the default. You can change this to TIF format by accessing your iFax account in the CREB iFax Portal at www.crebifax.ca . You will then need a program that allows you to open and view TIF files with multiple pages. back to top

Can I have my inbound faxes sent to multiple email accounts?
Yes. You can specify up to 5 email addresses when you register. back to top

How can I change my primary or secondary email addresses?
Log into the CREB iFax portal at www.crebifax.ca and go to the 'My Account' Section. back to top

Can I receive a fax notification to my phone via SMS when a fax is received?
Yes. You can select this option when you register change the settings anytime after the initial set up by going to the 'My Account' Section of the CREB iFax portal at www.crebifax.ca . back to top

What do I do if I receive a lot of unsolicited faxes (SPAM)?
Notify technical support with the following information: the sending fax #, the time at which the fax was received, and the fax # that the spam fax was received on. Technical support will attempt to block the fax # that is sending the SPAM faxes.

The best protection against receiving too many SPAM faxes is to be selective with giving out your fax #. If you only give it out to business people and real estate associates, you should have little problem with SPAM faxes.

You can also register your CREB iFax # on the Canadian Government's Do Not Call Registry .      back to top


SENDING FAXES:

Where can I send a fax from?

1. Your Primary Email Account (the one you regsitered with CREB's iFax Service.)
2. Your web-mail service - if you can access your Primary Email Account from it.
3. Your iFax Service account - accessible from the iFax Portal at www.crebifax.ca

back to top

How do I send a fax from my web-email account?
From any internet-connected computer, log in to your web-email account associated with your Primary Email Account, then follow the instructions for sending a fax .     back to top

How do I send a fax from my iFax Service account?
Load the fax document file onto any internet-connected computer. Log in to the iFax portal at www.crebifax.ca and follow the instructions for sending the fax. back to top

Can I send a fax from my secondary email accounts or some other email account?
No. You must send from the primary email account that you registered with CREB's iFax service. back to top

What happens if I inadvertently send a fax from one of my secondary email accounts?
The fax won't go and you will receive an email indicating it was rejected from CREB's iFax Service. back to top

What happens if send a fax from a fax machine to my personal iFax #?
The fax will be received into the email accounts associated with your iFax Account but the pages will not be free. They will be counted toward your monthly page allotment.

back to top

How do I know my fax was successfully delivered?
You will receive a delivery confirmation email to your CREB iFax registered email accounts. back to top

What do I do if I receive a failed fax notification?
You will need to resend the fax from your Primary Email Account after addressing the reason the fax failed. You can also resend a failed fax directly from the iFax portal at www.crebifax.ca       back to top

How do I change how many times CREB iFax will attempt to resend before failing the fax?
Log in to the iFax portal at www.crebifax.ca and change the number of retries specified in the 'My Account' section. The default setting is 5 retries at 3 minute intervals. back to top

Can I send multiple documents in one fax?
Yes. You can send as many attachments as your email provider allows. Alternatively, you can send up to five files in one fax from the CREB iFax Portal at www.crebifax.ca .      back to top

What happens if I mistakenly broadcast a fax to many numbers?
The fax will be delivered to all numbers listed in the email 'TO' address, or the fax numbers listed on the CREB iFax portal SEND FAX section when creating a new outbound fax. Be careful to check your recipients before clicking SEND!!! back to top

Does the iFax Service create a Cover Page automatically?
The default for the CREB iFax system does include a cover page when sending from email. It is expected that most faxes will be sent within the CREB iFax community and will therefore not be counted toward the monthly page allotment. Cover pages on faxes sent outside of the CREB iFax community do count towards the monthly page allotment. back to top
How do I remove the cover page when sending a fax?
When sending a fax from your primary email account, you can remove the default cover page by adding either of the following commands in the ?To:? field of your email:
Nocover|faxnumber@crebifax.ca
Cover=nocover|faxnumber@crebifax.ca
Please note that if you type any message into the body of the email, a cover page may be generated so that the recipient will receive the typed message.
When sending a fax from the CREB iFax website, there is a toggle button to include a cover page or to not include a cover page. If you would like to remove the cover page, make sure the appropriate toggle is checked. back to top

How do I specify the recipient if my fax is going to a shared fax machine?
In the 'send to' field, address your email message using the following format - first specify the recipients name, then specify their fax number:
First.Last|faxnumber@crebifax.ca back to top

How do I choose a specific fax cover page?
There are several ways to add a cover page to your fax:

1. Add one designed by yourself to the first page of the document you are attempting to fax.
2. When composing your email, instead of entering faxnumber@crebifax.ca in the "To:" field you would enter the command as follows: cover=coverX|faxnumber@crebifax.ca (where coverX is the name of a valid cover page which was previously set up in the CREB iFax system)
3. On the iFax portal - select the option to add the preconfigured cover page under SEND FAX which must have previously been set up in the CREB iFax system

back to top

How do I specify the recipient and attach a specific cover page?
In the 'send to' field, address your email message using the following format - first specify the recipients name then specify the name of a valid cover page and then specify their fax number:
First.Last/cover=cover1|faxnumber@crebifax.ca
(where cover1 is the name of a valid cover page) back to top

How do I specify multiple fax numbers when sending a fax to multiple recipients?
In the 'send to' field, address your email message using the following format - specify all the recipients fax numbers, separated by commas.
faxnumber1@crebifax.ca, faxnumber2@crebifax.ca, faxnumber3@crebifax.ca. back to top

If my CREB iFax fails do I need to resend it?
YES. CREB iFax automatically tries to resend your faxes based on the configurations set in 'My Account' on the CREB iFax portal. If the fax still fails after these automatic retires, you will receive a notification stating that the fax failed with additional information, such as error codes, to help you in resending the fax.

You will then need to resend the fax from your email account after fixing the reason the fax failed, or login to the CREB iFax portal at www.crebifax.ca and resend the fax directly from the website. back to top

SUBSCRIBER COSTS:

How much does CREB's iFax service cost me per month?
The basic service is FREE to all CREB members. Members only pay for the fax pages that exceed their Monthly Page Allotment . back to top

How many pages per month do I get?
You have an unlimited # of pages you can exchange (receive and/or send) with other CREB iFax Subscribers. In addition, you have a Monthly Page Allotment of 200 pages for sending or receiving to/from fax numbers that are not registered to the CREB iFax system. Your allotment can be used for both received and sent pages. back to top

Does it cost money to send or receive faxes to or from other CREB iFax subscribers?
No, provided you are sending faxes from your registered Primary Email Account and you are sending to their CREB iFax #. These fax pages do not count toward your Monthly Page Allotment .      back to top

How much is each fax page when I go beyond my Monthly Page Allotment?
The Overage Page Fee for fax pages sent from your iFax account is 2.5 cents per page.
The Overage Page Fee for fax pages received on local iFax numbers is 2.5 cents per page.
The Overage Page Fee for fax pages received on toll-free numbers is 5 cents per page.
back to top

Are Cover Pages counted towards the Monthly Page Allotment?
Yes. Click  here for instructions on including a cover page.
back to top

How do I know if the CREB member's fax # is a registered CREB iFax #?
This feature is currently under development. Content will be updated when feature is available. In the meantime, ask them before you send them a fax. back to top

Are there long distance charges for receiving faxes from long distance numbers?
No, but incoming faxes will still count towards your Monthly Page Allotment or standard overage rates if applicable. back to top

Are there long distance charges for sending faxes?
No long distance charges for sending to fax #'s in continental North America and 38 other countries.

For sending to other countries there is a flat rate per page.

To see a list of International destination rates, please click here .

Remember that sent fax pages still count towards your Monthly Page Allotment , and overage fees will also be applied if applicable. back to top

How much does it cost for a toll-free fax #?
An additional monthly charge will be added to your regular CREB bill. However, pages received will count towards your Monthly Page Allotment and the Overage Page Fee is 5 cents per page. back to top

How much does it cost to PORT my existing fax # to CREB's iFax Service?
In most cases there is no charge. If the telco that controls your existing fax number proposes to charge CRC, they will notify you before proceeding with the request. back to top

How much does a Vanity fax # cost?
In most cases there is no charge. If the telco that controls your existing fax number proposes to charge CRC, they will notify you before proceeding with the request. back to top

Can I get an additional iFax account with an additional local fax #?
Yes. You can request an additional CREB iFax # with a separate Monthly Page Allotment . The same Overage Page Fee rates apply. An additional monthly charge will be added to your regular CREB bill. back to top

Do unsolicited (SPAM) faxes count towards my Monthly Page Allotment?
Yes. All faxes from non-CREB iFax Subscribers will be counted toward the monthly allotment. back to top

What can I do if I'm receiving too many unsolicited (SPAM) faxes?
You have several options.

1. You should request the sender to quit sending you unsolicited faxes.
2. You should register your CREB iFax # on the Canadian Government's Do Not Call Registry .
3. You can report the source of the SPAM's to technical Support/ Customer Support and ask them if they can block them.
4. Your final option is it to request CREB Help Desk assign you a different iFax #.

back to top

FAX ARCHIVE

How long are my faxes stored in the CREB iFax archive?
10 years. back to top

Do I need to do anything to index my inbound or outbound faxes in my fax archive?
Your faxes will be automatically indexed by date and time, sending fax number, destination fax number, etc. back to top

Are my CREB iFaxes time-stamped?
Yes. back to top

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Who do I contact if I have a problem with my CREB iFax account?
Subscribers should contact their Brokerages iFax Administrator. If the Brokerage Administrator cannot resolve or troubleshoot the issue they will contact the technical support or customer support help desk. This desk will be available 24/7/365 once the iFax Service is operational.

Phone: 866-233-4123

Email: Support@crebifax.ca      back to top
 

Notes:

*If requested, the Service Provider wil endeavor to provide a Fax # that is local to the location of the Subscriber.  However, this it not always possible.  In those situations, the Subscriber may opt for a Fax # that is local to the Calgary area or a toll-free # at no additional monthly charge.

**The 200 page allotment is expected to suffice for the majority of CREB users, as the vast majority of faxes sent and received should be between CREB members.  The traffic on Broker office fax #'s should be dramatically reduced as each Associate will have their own iFax account for sending and receiving faxes.

Overage fees only apply to fax pages sent/received to/from a fax # that is not a registered CREB iFax #.

back to top