Starting a business is one of the best ways to become financially independent while supporting your family. Forming an LLC to protect your ideas and assets is an excellent first step toward joining the 21 million existing LLCs in the US, but you need an address to do so. Using your home address is viable, but you risk your property and privacy.
A virtual mailbox is a terrific way to maintain your privacy and establish your business without purchasing or renting commercial real estate to run your business out of. Learning how to set up a virtual mailbox will save you money and time as your brand spreads its roots.
Luckily, you’ve discovered the perfect guide to learning more about using a virtual address to your company’s benefit. Continue reading to move forward and enjoy the virtual mailbox benefits today!
Find the Perfect Provider
The first step to take when setting up a virtual mailbox for your business is to explore your options for providers. Several services provide virtual mailbox benefits; the only way to narrow your options is through research and comparisons. Each service offers different packages and price points.
Your business budget is one of the most significant criteria for comparing options. It’s best to work with a virtual mailbox provider that can accommodate your needs and fit within your budget. Consider a provider that allows for receiving and forwarding packages and mail.
Create a shortlist of companies and determine which ones offer the best customer service. It’s also wise to find a service that makes it straightforward to cancel your account. Online reviews are a fantastic resource to narrow your options and find the perfect fit.
Choose Your Mailing Address
The next step involves choosing the mailing address you want for your LLC. One of the most significant benefits of using a virtual address is choosing an address anywhere in the US. You want to select a physical address near your business’s market.
An address nationwide could make your target audience question your brand’s authenticity. Choose an address in the appropriate state and city to build customer credibility. You can expand your company’s reach by using addresses in new markets you grow into.
Pick a Plan
Many virtual mailbox services provide subscription plans to make using your virtual address a breeze. Expect to find several tiers of service you can purchase to enjoy the virtual mailbox benefits for your LLC. Most pricing options are determined by the amount of mail your business receives.
The type of mail you’re getting, and the features you’re using will also impact what you pay for your virtual mailbox rental. Your research will determine if you’ve discovered a plan that meets all your needs. Finding a program that provides flexibility to change the plan as your business operations evolve is helpful.
Mail scanning is one of the most prominent features when choosing a virtual address provider. The service will open and scan your mail to send it to you. You’ll have a copy of each critical document and package you receive.
They’ll also sustainably handle mail shredding and disposal on your behalf. It’s one of the best options for getting your LLC off the ground. It’s wise to invest in a virtual mailbox for my business.
Pay for the Plan
After submitting payment to the service provider, you can complete setting up a virtual mailbox. It’s the best time to read more reviews and determine if the provider you’ve chosen to work with is reputable. Handing over your payment information before verifying the legitimate service is risky and could bankrupt your brand before you start.
There are also ways to save money when signing up and paying for the service. Most providers offer free trials and promotional discounts you can use to save a percentage of the monthly fee. It’s one of the most effective ways to try the service to get hands-on experience with the virtual mailbox service before committing to the total price long-term.
If you can’t find any promotional discounts online, reach out to the service via email. It’s worth the extra effort to save your business money and learn more about the service’s customer service and support.
Fill Out Postal Form 1583
The United States Postal Service requires you to relinquish the rights to your mail to the commercial mail receiving service. You’ll handle that step by filling out the document and having it notarized by a notary in your state. You’ll then submit the completed and notarized form to the postal service to permit the virtual mail service to handle your mail.
Downloading and filling out the form is easy, but you’ll need to find a notary nearby to complete the process. Allow yourself time to find a notary. Many local banks provide free notary services to help you notarize and submit your form when learning how to set up a virtual mailbox.
Receive Your Mail
Upon submitting Form 1583 to the US Postal Service, you can begin receiving mail in your virtual mailbox. Getting familiar with the online portal you’ll use to read your delivered mail is helpful. Learn how to use the online features to get the most from your investment.
You should have access to a user portal that makes logging into your account a breeze. The best services allow you to access your account from mobile devices, computers, and tablets. The service will scan the outside of each document you receive and send you a notification.
You can open, shred, read, or forward the delivered mail. You can also choose to store the mail when you receive packages.
Create Your Virtual Mailbox Today
A virtual mailbox is a perfect solution for aspiring business owners that can’t justify renting a commercial space to run their business. Your virtual address provides everything you’ll need to set up an LLC without risking your privacy and assets. Search for a service that matches your needs and budget, and complete Form 1583 with the US Postal Service to enjoy the virtual mailbox benefits.
Starting and operating a business is a monumental challenge, but the best advice will help you find success. Explore more of our engaging Business blog content for the best industry advice for a thriving brand!