Virtual Office vs. PO Box

What is the difference between a virtual office address and a PO box?

A PO Box is a physical lockbox that you can obtain at any local post office location. A virtual mailbox or virtual business address is a service by a third-party company that uses a real street address to receive mail on behalf of the business owner. A virtual mailbox usually also provides digital copies of mail received, forwarding services, and possibly other business management features. 

(photo of a PO Box)

Key Difference:

PO Boxes and virtual mailboxes are often seen as one and the same. In reality, they are significantly different. There are some significant limitations that a PO Box holds. First, PO Boxes are not real street addresses, because of this they cannot receive mail from outside mail providers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL or packages. On the other hand, virtual mailboxes are real street addresses, so they can accept mail from all mailing services and they can receive packages! This is the largest difference between the two mailboxes.

Another issue that can come up when using a PO Box for your business’s mailing address is if you are trying to incorporate your business with this as your only address, it is not an accepted real street address. Just a PO Box often isn't an accepted address for various business registration needs, such as opening businesses in different states, filing certain tax reports, or opening a business bank account. A virtual office address is often a more viable option as they use real street addresses, but sometimes, based on what requirements are needing to be fulfilled, even a virtual office may not be accepted as a physical address to register your business. 

As virtual addresses can usually digitize your mail for easy access to mail and documents, a PO Box address cannot do this. A PO Box is also not allowed to be listed as a business address on Google. 

Virtual Office pros:

Better mail management is one of the biggest upsides to a virtual address. As mentioned before, many virtual office providers will upload copies of your mail online where it can be accessed. They also often sort out junk mail, keep things organized, and limit you from having to go check your mail in person. 

With all your mail and important documents being uploaded onto an online portal, this allows you and your business to access the documents from anywhere in the world. As long as you have online access you can see what mail you have received at any time. The option of mail forwarding that virtual addresses offer also eliminates a lot of stress and allows you to have businesses in different areas of the country without having to physically be present in that city. 

Having a virtual address that is a real street address increases the appearance of professionalism and credibility of your business. When potential customers or clients look up your business and see a true address as opposed to a PO Box, this appeals to the validity of your business and leaves little space for the questions of legitimacy. It also looks good to potential partners or businesses you may work with. Having an address in a certain city can also help legitimize and raise recognition for your business in local areas. 

Overall, there are pros and cons to both PO Boxes and virtual addresses. But when it comes to a business mailing address, for many people a virtual office address provides more benefits and flexibility in comparison to a PO Box. Always make sure to weigh your options and take in all factors to determine which option is best suited for you and your business. 

If you are looking for virtual address services, you can visit our website at smkbizsolutions.com to explore what options we have to offer.