I started an LLC and used a PO Box address so that my home address isn't tied into it just in case something went hay wire. I'm starting to apply into some CPA Networks and know how they look down upon PO Box addresses so I am thinking of getting a mail box at a virtual office. Has anybody used this method before? The going rate for a mail box at a virtual office is $50. What has been your experience with a virtual office? Are there any benefits or drawbacks to using a virtual office?
Anyone Use a Virtual Office?
- Thread starter RoosteR
- Start date
I haven't heard of networks looking down on PO Boxes.
Regardless, a mail service like you refer to is a good alternative.
Pros:
- You get a street address
- You can receive Fedex / UPS there
- Some allow you to call to see if you have mail (as opposed to driving to the PO Box)
Cons:
- More expensive than a PO Box
Also, sometimes a "virtual office" refers to a shared office setup where you pay a monthly fee (e.g. $100/month) for a fancy address and a receptionist who will pick up the phone for your business and forward on the calls.
Regardless, a mail service like you refer to is a good alternative.
Pros:
- You get a street address
- You can receive Fedex / UPS there
- Some allow you to call to see if you have mail (as opposed to driving to the PO Box)
Cons:
- More expensive than a PO Box
Also, sometimes a "virtual office" refers to a shared office setup where you pay a monthly fee (e.g. $100/month) for a fancy address and a receptionist who will pick up the phone for your business and forward on the calls.
I use a virtual office and I love it. $50/mo and they collect my mail, fedex packages, ups packages, etc ... I can also rent a conference room or office by the hour if I ever have any clients to impress. Basically it makes me look like a real business. For another $25/mo they'll assign me a toll free number and take my calls.
Also if anyone looks me up it looks like I have a nice office Suite in the business district.
Also if anyone looks me up it looks like I have a nice office Suite in the business district.
We worked from home while we first started out and eventually went the route of traditional office space as we continued to grow.Getting a phone number + fax these days is easy as 1-2-3 with a home office and there are a number of companies that provide address related services with regard to postal mail.Weigh the costs of everything together during your business planning. Is the access to a office/conference room (that you will use how many times) worth the increased cost of working from home and meeting at a coffee shop? Again, it all depends on what you're doing and it may be perfect for your needs. Just don't think that where you work from determines your success. It can help, but ultimately you will create your own success through your service offerings.
Do you work with local business owners at all? You usually get access to really nice conference rooms for meetings, sales pitches, etc. On the other side, depending on where you live you can get really cheap office space for $100 - $150. A lot of office buildings are hurting right now and are willing to make deals. Lets you 'leave it at the office', too, which was a big issue with me when I worked out of the house.
Might want to double check on the legality of that structure. Last I checked, PO boxes and UPS store mailboxes could not be used for your principle place of business. Also has to be the same location where you keep your records.
Just FYI... in case you find yourself in a law suite some day the LLC won't protect you. Could be wrong here, but check on that.
Just FYI... in case you find yourself in a law suite some day the LLC won't protect you. Could be wrong here, but check on that.
Anybody with a PO Box can now use a street number at no additional charge. Check with your post office, but the way it normally works is you use the address of the post office, then #boxnumber like this:
GoogleHammer, LLC
1234 Main St. #666
City, St. zip
You're not allowed to use the word "suite" or anything like that though. They've been doing this for at least a year IIRC.
GoogleHammer, LLC
1234 Main St. #666
City, St. zip
You're not allowed to use the word "suite" or anything like that though. They've been doing this for at least a year IIRC.
I found this great solution locally and has worked out GREAT! nextspace.us
I only bought the mailbox option but have access to their conference rooms and can plug in to their other locations all across Califrornia. They even send me an email every time I have mail which is a huge advantage to a PO Box where you have to constantly check it for mail. They'll even scan the piece of mail and email it to me if I requested it! Highly recommend this route.
I only bought the mailbox option but have access to their conference rooms and can plug in to their other locations all across Califrornia. They even send me an email every time I have mail which is a huge advantage to a PO Box where you have to constantly check it for mail. They'll even scan the piece of mail and email it to me if I requested it! Highly recommend this route.
depends what state you live in but i heard usps starting giving out full addresses as alternatives to there p.o. boxes
I do a virtual office for every new "business" I start- (think nutra products, each one takes a new corp)
I prefer Youroffice.com over regus-- but they have less covereage.
Once you get to know the office managers, 6 month leases on a 2 person office is about $500/mo.
Regus starts at about $300 for mail forwarding service.
I prefer Youroffice.com over regus-- but they have less covereage.
Once you get to know the office managers, 6 month leases on a 2 person office is about $500/mo.
Regus starts at about $300 for mail forwarding service.
Nevermind. Actually read your post.
Get a "box" at a UPS store near you. They give you a suite # instead of a PO Box. $15/mo.
Get a "box" at a UPS store near you. They give you a suite # instead of a PO Box. $15/mo.
You can also check for subleases and rent a room from a larger office.
Then, you can do something like
Suite 555-1
Then you would have a REAL office to go to, receive packages, have a real phone # etc.
$150/mo+ depending on location, and if it's an advertised space or just a private deal you worked out with someone with some extra space
Some places around here do this and for 350+/mo you get a conference room, common area, front-desk person, and more... just depends what you want.
My old office I negotiated around $1.10 per-sq/ft (if I recall) and that was TOTAL, no CAM no power/trash/etc.
Whenever I need another office I am going for small warehouse/storage attached to the office that has a private bathroom, and 'outdoor' direct entrance. I`m easily bugged by others being loud, and such... if it weren't for that I'd go for another "inside" suite.
Then, you can do something like
Suite 555-1
Then you would have a REAL office to go to, receive packages, have a real phone # etc.
$150/mo+ depending on location, and if it's an advertised space or just a private deal you worked out with someone with some extra space
Some places around here do this and for 350+/mo you get a conference room, common area, front-desk person, and more... just depends what you want.
My old office I negotiated around $1.10 per-sq/ft (if I recall) and that was TOTAL, no CAM no power/trash/etc.
Whenever I need another office I am going for small warehouse/storage attached to the office that has a private bathroom, and 'outdoor' direct entrance. I`m easily bugged by others being loud, and such... if it weren't for that I'd go for another "inside" suite.
Getting a virtual office works as long as they forward along your mail.
$50 is a pretty good price for one as well!
$50 is a pretty good price for one as well!
I think it depends on what your needs are.
If you just want an address, then get a mail box.
If you need to meet with people and you can't just meet them for lunch and you need a conference room or semi-professional looking space... then yes a virtual office can make sense.
When I looked into it... getting a real office wasn't a whole lot more than a virtual one in my area.
If you just want an address, then get a mail box.
If you need to meet with people and you can't just meet them for lunch and you need a conference room or semi-professional looking space... then yes a virtual office can make sense.
When I looked into it... getting a real office wasn't a whole lot more than a virtual one in my area.
