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Are there Other Ways other than Fax that we can Receive our Invoice?

An Explanation

When we first began our site back in 1998, we sent all Invoices by US Mail, email, and Fax. We quickly discovered that sending the Invoice to the same location in three different ways, instead of being sure that the client received the Invoice, caused confusion. Because of this, we looked at the history of the three different ways we sent the Invoices to determine which method was best for us. I'll explain each method briefly.

1. US Mail - To send through the mail required time and stamps. As the site grew and postal rates went up, so did the expense associated with mailing Invoices. In addition, without sending "Return Receipt Requested" (RRR) or in some similar manner, there was no way to ensure that the Invoice was received. If a client did not get their payment in on time, many would claim not to have received it, and with out RRR, there was no way to prove otherwise.
2. Email - While less expensive than US Mail (it's Free), and to some people a more "modern" way, it is impossible to be sure that an emailed Invoice was received. Different Email Formats, Blocked Sender Lists, Virus Blockers, and Spam Filters all create problems with sending Invoices by Email. Email can be sent with RRR, but some email servers do not allow RRR, and some require a manual response from the recipient.
3. Fax - The way we chose.
   1. While more expensive than Email, much less expensive than US mail.
   2. We can be sure we connected to your Fax. The CSID (Called Subscriber IDentification) from your Fax Machine allows us to verify that we did complete to your Fax (CSID/TSID are actually required by law, though it is seldom enforced).
   3. Automated system allows us to send Invoices with minimum "Hands On" time.

While we can not be sure that once it has reached your fax machine the Invoice reaches the owner or the proper personnel for payment, that part of the equation is true with any of the 3 methods, Mail, Email or Fax.

Exceptions to the Rule

For some time now, we have allowed the following exceptions to the "Required Fax Billing Number" rule. Changes in the Real Estate Market beginning about 2008, and the resulting problems it caused appraisers (many appraisers have eliminated their Fax Line to save money) resulted in our providing the following methods to allow appraisers to ensure a timely payment (Auto Credit Card Billing) or a method to receive their Invoice in a way other than by fax (Email Notification). Both of these alternate methods Require completion of the appropriate form for enrollment.

1. Automatic Credit Card Billing - We have for many years had an Automatic Credit Card Billing program. Under this program, the Account Owner completes the Automatic CC Billing Request and returns it to us. We then bill the assigned Credit Card at the end of their listing period. This program has been expanded to allow enrolled clients to be exempt from the "Fax Number" requirement. (See our FAQ section Question C-2) for details on enrolling.
2. Email Notification - To participate in this program, it is necessary that you complete and forward to us the Invoice Email Transmission Request. This form must be completed in full and signed by the Account Owner. In general, this states that the Account Owner wishes to have their Invoice sent by email only, that they accept full responsibility for paying any amount due to APPRAISERSdotCOM on or before the Due Date regardless of if they receive the invoice or not, that they understand that conditions beyond the control of APPRAISERSdotCOM my prevent them from receiving the emailed invoice, and that APPRAISERSdotCOM is not responsible for proving that the Invoice was sent or received.

We know that with the present economy things are difficult for many appraisers. We hope that one of these plans will help our appraisers maintain their presence on the World Wide Web with us. Please note that these programs may be modified or eliminated at any time with notification to those participating in the programs. Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us through the links below or by telephone at 252 332-6220.