Not every situation calls for online faxing. Here's when a trip to a physical store might actually be the better call.
If you're already heading to a UPS or FedEx location for another reason — shipping a package, picking up a hold — adding a fax to that errand makes total sense. The per-page cost is comparable, and you're not making a dedicated trip. Similarly, if you only have a physical paper document and no way to photograph or scan it, a store with a fax machine is still a straightforward option.
Public libraries remain the cheapest fax option for local calls during library hours — worth checking if you're in no rush, sending a short document, and the library is close.
For everything else — urgent timelines, phone-only access, after-hours needs, sensitive documents, or anything more than a page or two — online faxing removes every obstacle the physical option creates.