What To Look For When Choosing A Virtual Business Address Company
Virtual business addresses can make a massive difference to companies based in residential addresses. You can register your business to this address, use it to improve your credibility within your industry and enjoy a range of practical services. It makes sense for growing companies to take this leap to further their business. But how can you be sure you are signing up with a reliable company with beneficial services? Here are some factors to consider.
5 Things To Look For When Choosing A Virtual Business Address Company?
1. Their mail-handling service
This is a good starting point when deciding between providers. The big selling point for many freelancers and WFH business owners is the chance to relocate business mail away from their homes. However, that mail can’t just sit there without your knowledge. You still need to be informed about exactly what has arrived at this new business address and when.
The best virtual business address providers have trained staff on-site who can take care of all the mail and handle it as per your instructions. It is vital to check the fine print on all plans to see what they can offer and how you can benefit. After receiving the mail, they should notify you straight away and give you the option on how to proceed. Do you want it forwarded, retained for collection, or shredded? Does the service include the option to open the mail and scan the document for you to read remotely?
Then there is the user-friendly nature of the service. Top address providers will offer an app in addition to an online portal. Both should make it easy to see the details of the mail received, read those PDF scans, and select the right service. The apps should also mean real-time notifications so you are always in the loop.
2. Their Tiered Packages
These virtual business space providers shouldn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to supplying new addresses. The best companies have a selection of plans and pricing structures to suit different needs. You could start with a basic package with a new address and mail services and then upgrade to something more comprehensive as your business grows. This may mean moving up to a more expensive premium package, where you get a higher mail allowance for your monthly rate, or the chance to switch to a more prestigious location. You could also move up to an office package, which we’ll examine in a moment.
As well as looking at the price plans, monthly and annual charges, and service lists. You also need to go deeper into the additional fees and fine print. There will be charges for using services, and they can add up over time. The best providers will be upfront about all this on their product pages, so there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises.
3. Their Virtual Office Packages
Some companies will stick with simply offering those mail services when providing a new virtual address for your company. That’s fine if all you need to do is handle your company mail in a more secure location. However, some companies will go further with their tiered plans and add in other office services. A phone package could help elevate the status and accessibility of your company even further. You can get a new number for clients and suppliers to call so they aren’t always leaving messages on your personal cell. This should include easy access to the message bank and a personalized greeting. On top of that, some companies also provide fax services. This might not be of much interest to you, but it might be useful for some older companies that want to work with you.
4. Their Locations
Choosing the right location is just as important as choosing the right package and mail plan. These virtual office spaces give you the chance to create a brand new business address in a more desirable location. Rather than having to put your home address on a business card and risk looking amateur, you can use this more professional one to keep people interested.
The question is, where should you set up this new address? The best virtual business address providers will have a variety of locations available to pick from. The first step is to choose your city. You might find there are options right in the heart of your hometown, which is convenient for local start-ups. Or, you might take the chance to register a business address in a city in a new market.
From there, you can choose a specific address in that city. Ideally, these will all be laid out on the company’s website. Top suppliers can have over 50 in some cases, so go through them all carefully to find the best option. You should also find that the locations are spread out over different districts. There may be something in a financial area, something downtown, and something in a more affluent neighborhood for those prestige packages.
5. Their Reputation
Last, but certainly not least, you need to be sure the company really does offer everything it claims. It can be daunting to set up a remote mailing service like this and let strangers handle your mail. You need to be completely confident that the place is secure and that everyone working there is respectful and efficient at all times. The last thing you need is a bill or government letter getting shredded rather than forwarded.
One way to check the reputation of a virtual address provider is to look at their credentials. The best companies will proudly show off their ratings. For example, when you go to the iPostal1 virtual address service, they highlight their A+ BBB rating and 4.6/5 Google rating right on their home page. Successful companies with plenty of happy clients should also have enough positive testimonials for their products.
The Better The Business Address Provider, The More Advantageous The Address
Remember, it isn’t enough to sign up with a company just because they can offer you a business address in your city. You need to be sure that the location is perfect for your needs and that the facility inside has enough services to make it worth the money. You also need to be sure they can provide all the promises efficiently and effectively. So, take your time going through the service plans and location lists, figure out the most cost-effective approach, and get signed up.