Running a business from your home? You’re not alone. As more and more people delve into the exciting world of start-ups, it’s not uncommon to find new companies working out of spare bedrooms and from living room coffee tables as they find their feet in the business world.
However, despite the practical and financial benefits of working from home, not everyone wants to use their private address to communicate with potential clients. Not only can it look unprofessional, but it creates more work for you as you’re constantly having to separate your business correspondence from your personal mail.
To combat this issue, many new businesses choose to employ a PO box, mailbox or virtual office service to act as a professional address for their business. But just what is the difference between these options, and how can you decide on the right one for you?
Traditionally, PO boxes were used by people who lived in places not served by the regular mail service. Today, they are a handy way to receive mail while retaining your privacy – a service that’s particularly appealing to those running a business from home. You’ll be allocated a code that can be used in lieu of an address, and any mail sent to you will be either delivered to an address of your choice or made available for collection.
PO boxes have been popular for generations, but they do have their downsides. Of primary concern is the fact that you cannot retain your anonymity when using a PO box address to register a company – you will need to make your forwarding address public via Companies House. Some people also argue that PO boxes do not look professional on business correspondence, as most people know that they are an affordable way of disguising your home address.
Using a virtual office mailbox service, however, is a great way to overcome these problems without forking out a fortune for a permanent office address. Not only do these services allow you to register your company without revealing your home address, they also add an impressive professional touch to any venture. Not to mention the personal service you get from them, with someone actively managing your mail for you and who you can contact whenever you require.
For example, our Soho mail forwarding service allows you to use a prestigious London address on all of your business cards, promotional material, correspondence and more – creating the illusion of a slick start-up that’s already at the top of its game. For more information about mailboxes and choosing the service that’s right for you, feel free to get in touch for a chat.
