If you’re a digital entrepreneur and operate mostly online with no brick-and-mortar store, a physical business address may come in handy when you least expect it. While you may be tempted to make your home address your business address because you work from home, it’s not always a great idea in the long run.
Sounds interesting? Well, below are some of the reasons why you may want a business address and how to set up one for your business.
Why Does a Business Address Matter So Much?
There are several reasons a business address is essential. For starters, it’s a requirement when you open accounts with merchants, suppliers, and banks; when you communicate with clients; for filing permits and licenses; when you receive invoices, statements, and bills; and also when you list your business in directories such as Google, Yelp, etc.
In some states of the United States, like Florida, you need a physical address when you structure your business as an LLC. Using your home address may be tempting, but that will put your privacy at risk, and it will also negatively impact your professional image. About 80% of customers look at your business online before buying from you, and that can be any information from business addresses to your customer service track record.
Customers are also more likely to trust your business if it has a specific address. They feel more reassured when they see a professional address in a business hub rather than your condo, home, or apartment.
Who Needs A Business Address?
Technically, you need a physical business address if you run or own a business. It may not be a requirement of the law, and you may argue that email and other forms of digital communication make addresses obsolete, but it has its importance and benefits to your business.
Here is a list of businesses that need one:
- Start-ups
- Overseas Businesses
- CEO, Business owners
- Online, Home-based businesses
- Digital nomads
- Tech companies
If you receive any form of package or mail, you need one.
How to Get a Physical Mailing Address for Your Business
There are various ways you can get a business address service for your online enterprise. Let’s get into the details of some of them below.
Renting From UPS Store
UPS is the perfect service provider since you also get an actual street address. They accept any packages, and not just from the U.S. Postal service. All your packages and mail are stored safely until you pick them up.
UPS will also send you a text or email notification when you have new mail, and they will also forward it to you regardless of wherever you are. Verifications are also sent to you for security purposes. The best part about UPS is that they have hundreds of stores.
A UPS mailbox will give your business that professional touch of class, but you can use it for legal matters as it’s a virtual space. You will pay between $20 and $25 monthly for this physical mailing address.
Use Virtual Mailboxes
A virtual mailbox provides you with a professional-looking mailing address to digitally access and control your mail. Unlike a UPS address, all the operations are handled digitally, meaning you can access all your mail from the comfort of your phone or computer.
With a virtual mailbox, you’re no longer restricted by the opening and closing hours of physical post offices, meaning you can have a look at your mail, reply or forward it at any time of the day.
Use a PO Box
A post office (PO) box is the usual physical address where you can look at your mail. It usually includes an authentic or PO Box Street address that you can give to others. You can reserve a PO Box for you or your organization and also customize it by picking out its size. It’s convenient because you can check your mail at your convenience.
Rent A Co-Working Space and Use the Address
Another option for a business address may be renting out a co-working space. Here, companies share working spaces so they can save up on rent. A quick Google search will show you tons of co-working areas you can rent out.
A co-working space means you’ll also have to share the same mailing address, so be aware of this.
Buy or Lease Office Space
Buying or leasing out office space is an expensive option, but if you can afford it, it’s the most convenient of all. If you run an online business, it would be wise not to consider this option as you’re already in the virtual space, and the need for office space is not pressing.
With dedicated office space, you automatically have a physical mailing address, and you also have a place for office meetings with employees and clients.
Conclusion
There are several options when it comes to getting a mailing address for your business and making it look more professional. The one you go with depends on your budget, expenses, business needs, among other factors. For an online business that works from home, you can get a virtual mailbox, as it’s the perfect solution for the situation. Getting a physical address doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Get a cost-efficient option that complements your business, and you’ll have your business looking more professional than ever and running smoothly.