How To Get a Virtual Address for Your Business

by Anytime Mailbox

April 19, 2023 | 4 min read

Are you tired of giving out your home address for your business but finding the cost of physical office space too expensive?

The cost-effective solution is a virtual business address. It’s a simple and practical way to establish a professional image for your business without breaking the bank.

What Exactly Is a Virtual Address?

A virtual address is a physical address you can use to receive business mail and packages without occupying the location physically. It’s like having a business address but not paying for costly office or shop rent.

The virtual address provider will receive your mail and packages on your behalf, and you can view your mail on your phone or ask your provider to forward your letters and packages to you.

The Advantages of Using a Virtual Address for Business Purposes

Here are ways your business benefits from a virtual mailbox:

Professional Image: Having a dedicated professional address projects an aura of credibility and trustworthiness to customers and potential investors. It also gives your clients peace of mind that they’re dealing with an established company.
Privacy: You won’t have to give out your address to customers, clients, or vendors, which is especially important if you work from home.
Location Flexibility: You can work from anywhere in the world and still have a professional business address in your choice of location.
Remote Mail Management: Your provider can receive, sort, and forward your mail to wherever you are in the world.
Save Cash: Renting a physical office space can be expensive, especially for small businesses or startups. A virtual address is a cost-effective alternative for your side hustle or business that can help you save money on rent, utilities, and other expenses.
Business Freedom: A virtual address allows you to expand your business presence to different cities or countries without setting up a physical office there.
Peace of Mind: You won’t have to worry about missing important mail or packages, as your virtual address provider will forward them to you promptly.

The 4-Step Process to Getting a Virtual Address for Your Business

1. Choose the Right Virtual Mailbox Provider

Look for providers that offer reliable mail management services and secure storage options and are the right fit for your business.
Check reviews and compare providers before signing up. Again, make sure the provider you choose meets your business needs.
- Some providers offer additional services like mail scanning, digital archiving, and shredding.
Because some mail contains sensitive personal information, be sure your provider has robust security measures in place.

2. Select Your Street Address

Your provider will have a list of available addresses; browse and pick one that suits your needs.
- Choose an address in a city close to your target customers to boost credibility and professionalism.
- You can also select an address that’s memorable or in an area of town that aligns with your brand.

3. Choose a Service Plan Based on the Features You Need

Most digital mailbox providers offer multiple service plans with varying features. Peruse the plans and go with the one that meets your requirements and budget.

Plans often include:

Mail forwarding
Scanning and digital archiving
Access to a secure online portal

If you have questions about a particular feature, contact the provider’s customer service team. Reputable virtual mailbox providers have competent and friendly customer service reps you can rely on.

4. Complete USPS Form 1583 and Start Your Subscription

Once you’ve chosen the right plan at your desired location, make payment, and then proceed to the next important steps:

Fill out the USPS Form 1583,
Have the form notarized, and
Submit it to your provider.

Form 1583 is a requirement by the USPS. It allows your virtual address provider to receive mail and packages on your behalf.

Typically, virtual mailbox providers will direct you to a remote online notary, which costs about $25. Some will provide a PDF you can download and get notarized yourself, but that means driving (or taking public transport), which can take a couple of hours. An online notary will take only minutes.

Once you’ve completed and submitted the notarized form, you can enjoy the benefits of having a virtual address. All your mail will be consolidated into one secure location, and the best part is that you can access it with a few taps on your phone or computer.

The World’s Your Oyster Without Spending a Lot of Clams

With a virtual mailbox, you can cost-effectively establish a professional presence for your business.

…anywhere.

Once established, you can run your business efficiently and successfully.

…from anywhere.

And all the while you can be unencumbered knowing that all your postal needs are at the tip of your fingers and just a few taps away.

With Anytime Mailbox, you have your choice of almost 2,000 actual street addresses in the USA and globally, along with a user-friendly interface and exceptional customer service.

For more info on how a virtual mailbox helps business owners, check out, 5 Benefits of Having a Virtual Business Address.