Business Address worries

[DarrenC]

I run my businesses at the comfort of my living room - the problem I have is that the property is rented, I am worried about causing problems with the landlord.

At my previous residence I wasn't fussed about using the address, as it was short term. I don't want people dropping by (which happened 3 times at the old property) and I don't want to use the address for business post.

I was thinking about getting a PO box - but have heard that many customers are suspicious about companies who used such a thing - I have thought about a virtual office, but post would still have to be forwarded to my home address.

Anyone have any comments on PO box addresses, or any other ideas to help me with this issue?

Darren

[Jayne]

I've got a PO Box, I cannot think why people think it's strange. You have to register with the post office anyway.

I got mine, because I didn't want strange people turning up at my door, not everyone can be trusted now a days and there is one or two nutters about.

British Gas uses a PO Box, Elec and Yorks' water, so why not me :D

Jayne

[cjd]

It's quite normal to have your company registered and addressed with your accountant....so long as s/he's local.

I agree with the PO worry - it would put me off too.

[DarrenC]

cjd, but I don't have an accountant, and I'm sure he/she wouldn't be pleased getting junk mail for me, and I have payments also sent to me via cheque.

jane, yes, true the utility companies have po boxes, and like you say I don't want holidaymakers popping by for a coffee asking me to look for them a holiday :lol:

Still interested hear peoples thoughts on po boxes and other ways of dealing with this issue.

Darren :)

[MinuWeb]

I don't have a problem with companies using PO boxes.

[cqueen]

If you're doing well you could rent yourself a bit of small office space.

[DarrenC]

cqueen, I wish :) Maybe one day, that would be my aim.

vshosting, thanks, just a few more non negative comments about po boxes and I might have found a solution :lol:

[creacom]

There are many companies now who specialise in renting out mail boxes for businesses. Whats good is that with them you can put something like :

Suite 17,
57 Great George Street
Leeds

Great George Street is actually the address of the company in Leeds who do it. Suite looks better and less obvious than PO box 17. They are called Mailboxes etc.

http://www.mbe.uk.com

I have friend who uses this and it works really well.

Hope it helps

Jacqui

[bwglaw]

Darren

I agree with Creacom - it is the best route. We are planning to do the same and would never return to a PO Box again

Jonathan

[DarrenC]

Thanks Jacqui / Jonathan.

Great George Street is perfect for me BUT can I pick up the post from that address?

[creacom]

Yeah you can or they send it out to you for the next day.

Jacqui

[bwglaw]

Word of advice Darren - check if they allow you to use it as a 'registered office' address in case you go Ltd. If they don't then you can use an Accountant's address, solicitors or us

Jonathan

PS. Thanks Jacqui - I was looking for an address in the Richmond region and the link you gave had Putney...close enough ;)

[DarrenC]

Thanks! Seems perfect, only stumbling block now is that they only accept credit card payments! argh! It's more expensive than a PO box, but I agree, it does look a lot more professional.

Darren

[creacom]

No problem Jonathan, always glad to be of assistance !

I think I will contact them and ask for commission...

Jacqui :D

[DarrenC]

Okay, I have emailed them to see if they accept other payment methods - if not I am back to the PO box scenario

Thanks for your help folks.

Darren

[creacom]

I know you can go in and pay in cash Darren so it shouldnt be a problem. I think you have to give 6 months in advance though.

Jacqui

[DarrenC]

That would'nt be a problem.

I am also looking to see if it's cost effective - I mean I don't get a great deal of post, and when it does arrive it's cheques.

What I am more concerned about is that I don't have an address on the website, and I believe that could cause concern amongst potential clients and holidaymakers.

Darren

[Pebble Communications]

There are lots of companies offering that service and it usually costs around £10-£15 per month + post cost of sending it all on to you. So if that company can't help try another one.

I loathe PO Box numbers, it makes me think the company is hiding. They are also quite popular with part-time pornos working from home.The sort of company that doesn't want 'Watchdog' to find it....(no offense to those of you with them, but I never use companies with PO Box numbers).

[creacom]

Well you could put something like Postal Address : and then the address of the mail box Suite 17 etc...

I would also state clearly that you like to meet your clients and for an appointment please feel free to get in touch or something like that.

Jacqui

[DarrenC]

Thanks Fiona.
I'll do a search for any other companies.

Darren

p.s. I don't work as a part time porno :lol:

[bwglaw]

Full-time aren't you Darren ;)

[DarrenC]

:lol: shush your giving away my new business venture.

[Greig]

Maybe a virtual office in London that comes with a nice address is what you need. Some even have large meeting rooms and offices you can use if you need to meet a client.

[DarrenC]

Greig, sounds nice but I live ooop north, so travelling would be difficult. Good suggestion though.

[Greig]

Greig, sounds nice but I live ooop north, so travelling would be difficult. Good suggestion though.

I'm sure there ould be some up your way that do the same thing:

Try these guys they have them all over the UK: www.regus.co.uk/virtual

[bwglaw]

Darren

I am sure you have seen the thread 'address accommodation' that I started in this forum and there are many links in there. You need to find a solution that suits your needs.

I have found one I want by putting the area+virtual offices in Google. The one I want costs 85/month and that suits my budget. There are many for 15/month

[bwglaw]

Darren

As I know where about you live in Leeds I have sent you a link with all the Business Centres in the vicinity!

Good luck


Jonathan

[Antonia @limeone.com]

Some of them do not allow you to use the address as your registered office so check this out too. We have a connection in London who provides address, registered office and mail forwarding for a nominal charge about £85 a quarter plus the mail. Let me know if you want more details, apart from Regus I don't any similarly costed service in the North.

[bwglaw]

Antonia

Why not put the info on here as several people are looking for this kind of service

Jonathan