What Should You Look for in a Virtual Office?

Before choosing one, businesses should evaluate the provider much as they would evaluate a physical office.

Is It a Real Business Facility?

Start by determining whether the address corresponds to an actual professionally managed business location.

Some services provide little more than mail processing.

Others are attached to active coworking and office environments where members can work and meet customers.

Neither model is inherently wrong, but businesses should know which they are purchasing.

How Is Mail Managed?

Ask:

• How frequently is mail sorted?

• How long is mail held?

• Are packages accepted?

• Are customers notified about packages?

• Is mail forwarding available?

• What are forwarding and handling charges?

• Are there size restrictions?

Can You Meet Customers There?

If client meetings are important, determine whether conference rooms or day offices are available.

Also ask whether visitors may arrive without an appointment and how reception is handled.

Understand Address Restrictions

A reputable provider should not promise that its address is automatically acceptable for every registration or online service.

Banks, government agencies, Google and licensing organizations may each apply their own rules.

Read the Cancellation Terms

Address changes take time.

Businesses may need to update websites, vendors, customers, banks and government registrations after leaving.

Understand:

• Notice requirements

• What happens to mail after cancellation

• Whether forwarding continues temporarily

• How quickly use of the address must cease

A virtual office should be evaluated as a business service relationship, not simply as an address rental.