There are more than 32 million small businesses in the United States. Many of these small businesses are sole proprietorships and home-based businesses.
Home-based businesses are great because you save on overhead and have a very short commute to the office.
When you run a business from home, you use your home address to purchase goods and services from other vendors. It also appears on official documents, such as contracts and invoices.
A virtual business address is an alternative to putting your home address on your business documents.
What is a virtual business address? It’s a service that lets you use an existing physical address as your business address.
It sounds great, but is it worth it?
Well, you’re about to find out. Read on to discover the top benefits of having a virtual address for business.
Safety and Security
Did you know that your business is a matter of public record? When you register your business, even as a self-employed person, your business gets entered into your state’s database of businesses.
This is a searchable database run by your state’s Division of Corporate Affairs or Business Division.
Anyone can search for your business in the database. Your application is usually part of search results.
That means that if you put your home address on your business application, anyone can find it.
You can get away with leaving your home address off of your website, search directory listings, and business cards.
You can’t escape having your home address listed in public records. A virtual address lets you use an address other than your home address.
That gives you an added level of safety and security that is priceless.
A Virtual Address Can Upscale Your Brand
We all know that there are certain zip codes and neighborhoods that are highly regarded as well-to-do. A business located in those areas conveys that the business is well-off.
For example, there’s a difference between having a Princeton, NJ address and a Rocky Hill, NJ address. The two towns are right next to each other, but the Princeton address immediately conveys affluence.
If you have a business address there, people will think you have a flourishing business. Success attracts more success.
A business virtual address is the most affordable way to get an affluent zip code without having to rent office space.
There are some virtual address services that include phone numbers. You can give that number out instead of your cell phone.
The call either forwards to any number you choose, or gets answered by a receptionist. The receptionist forwards the call to you.
Either way, it leaves an impression on clients, vendors, and potential customers.
It’s Flexible and Easy to Scale
A virtual business address service offers more than just an address. Some offer co-working spaces and meeting rooms.
They may have shipping and receiving services. There are virtual business addresses that even offer check deposit services.
These services get offered as add-ons. That allows you to scale your virtual mailbox services as your business grows.
You can rent out meeting space for client meetings and presentations. You can also send packages abroad at low rates.
Get Mail on the Road
If you travel a lot for work, you can have your mail sitting in your mailbox for a while. You can miss things like important notices, checks, and packages.
A business virtual address handles your mail for you. It keeps everything safe and secure while you’re away so you don’t have to worry.
It’s possible to have the service open and scan your mail. You’ll be able to access your mail anytime from anywhere.
Business Stability
Millions of people started new businesses during the pandemic. At the same time, rent and housing costs increased dramatically.
Many people were forced to move to try to find cheaper housing options.
If you’re one of the people who had to move, then you know what a pain it is to change your business address.
It can also confuse clients and give the appearance that things aren’t going as well as they could be.
A virtual business address is stable. The service isn’t going to move or shut down anytime soon. You can be certain that you’re going to give your customers the same sense of stability.
How to Find the Best Virtual Business Address
It makes sense to use a virtual business address. If you’re ready to sign up for one, you’ll want to know how to find the best virtual business address.
Start by understanding your business needs. Do you just want to have a virtual address without the bells and whistles? Where do you see your business five years down the road?
Make a list of things that you need from a virtual address and services you’d like to have. It could be nice to have access to meeting space, even if you don’t need it right now.
Do an online search for virtual business addresses in your area. If you get a list of national services, make sure they have a convenient location and virtual business address.
Check the reviews for services in your area. Be sure to note if there are issues with customer service.
It helps to visit the virtual business address service in person. You can see what kind of operation it is. Some have other businesses and run a virtual mail business as another source of income.
Check how organized the space is. This is important because you don’t want your mail to get lost.
Ask about additional services and costs. You should feel confident that the service provider you choose meets your needs.
Get a Virtual Address for Business
There are many benefits of getting a virtual business address. They can give a great perception of your company while offering safety and stability at the same time.
Now that you know about getting the best virtual business address and why you need one, check out the other tips on this site to grow your business.
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