Pros and Cons of online application forms - google forms

[William Nohmor]

I have been looking for a better way to get applications for my apartments and have been messing around with google forms.  I created a form but havent actually used it yet.  Has anyone used google forms and then either decided its great, or decided to move on to something better?  I would be happy to post a link to my draft form if anyone is interested in checking it out.  They are pretty easy to create.

[Jeff B.]

Lots to consider.  First is the data being requested and I guess that's the heart of this question.

But assume you like the form and want to use it.  How then does the applicant get the data back to you?  PLEASE don't even consider having it emailed to you!!!

Why?  There's lots of personal info there that could be used for identity theft (date of birth, SSN, current address) AND email is insecure (meaning hackers can intercept and use without anyone even knowing this has occurred.

One secure means to electronically transport that kind of data to you safely and securely is

1. FAX IT

A fax comes directly from one fax machine to the other without being stored anywhere in between.  Encryption is irrelevant and unnecessary.

In 18yrs, I've only had less than a handful of applicants object to the SSN request based upon concerns for ID theft (actually bright people and informed on the issue), but FAXing removes the exposure to hacking to get it.