Using a virtual business address?

[MarcusUK21]

Morning ALL.
Will be launching a new online store shortly and to fall in line with online selling laws I must state a business address. I am a sole trader for now and reluctant to use my personal address. Is it permissible to use an alternate address? I want to keep expenses low just wondered if anyone knows a cheap service. thanks.

 

[fisicx]

Why don’t you want to use your personal address? People need to know where to send their returns so a virtual address isn’t much use.

And people check addresses before ordering. If it’s a newsagents in Hackney they won’t buy.

 

[MarcusUK21]

Why don’t you want to use your personal address? People need to know where to send their returns so a virtual address isn’t much use.

And people check addresses before ordering. If it’s a newsagents in Hackney they won’t buy.

I don’t believe you need to have to sho your home address. If it’s a ship dropping service the suppliers handle returns.

 

[Solve My Problem]

It's a waste of money and not worth it. Use your home address.

Use your home address, but also consider what you are selling and the comeback. A ltd company is often a better option.

 

[MarcusUK21]

It's a waste of money and not worth it. Use your home address.

Use your home address, but also consider what you are selling and the comeback. A ltd company is often a better option.

My suppliers handle returns which means I do not need any items returned to my own address. I can’t go ltd yet until it’s viable and worth it later down the line.

 

[Solve My Problem]

My suppliers handle returns which means I do not need any items returned to my own address. I can’t go ltd yet until it’s viable and worth it later down the line.

Like I said, it depends what you are selling. If you sell something that turns out to be dangerous. you are the one who will be taken to court. This is where ltd comes in.

No one will care about your home address, focus on the business and not the small things. Every expense needs to be justified, this has no justification.

 

[fisicx]

I don’t believe you need to have to sho your home address. If it’s a ship dropping service the suppliers handle returns.

Makes no difference. I’m buying from you, I want to see your name, address, telephone. When my order doesn’t arrive I’ll be calling you to complain. It’s a trust thing, a real address engenders trust, ticks Google’s boxes and confers legitimacy.

If you plan to dropship you have far bigger things to worry about than an address.

 

[MarcusUK21]

I disagree there’s 1000’s of businesses that do not use their personal address hence limited companies directors for one. Many sole traders use virtual addresses. Has for far bigger problems no more than any business. Doom snd gloom! Be positive!

 

[fisicx]

Limited companies are often registered with their accountants or solicitors. Virtual address have more negatives than positives.

I’ve been using my home address for years, never had a problem.

 

[The Byre]

EVERY trader, sole, Ltd., LLP, whatever MUST show a physical address. It is the law.

 

[MarcusUK21]

EVERY trader, sole, Ltd., LLP, whatever MUST show a physical address. It is the law.

I think you are all missing the point. You can use a company address which you pay for in London or anywhere. There are many businesses offering this service. I know every company has to have a registered address.

 

[wayzgoose]

Stop trying to hide even before you get going! I've been selling using dropshipping for around 12 years and never had a problem with using my home address. All helps to get the customer to trust you. Doesn't matter what all those other companies do.

 

[MarcusUK21]

Stop trying to hide even before you get going! I've been selling using dropshipping for around 12 years and never had a problem with using my home address. All helps to get the customer to trust you. Doesn't matter what all those other companies do.

I think your response is rude! You do not know my personal circumstances to make such a remark!

 

[MarcusUK21]

I think your response is rude! You do not know my personal circumstances to make such a remark!

I have a fulltime job hence my reasons for trying to be discreet. I’m not trying to hide I am like many more people starting a new business. It may have worked for you but you should be more considerate when giving advice.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

I think there i s nothing wrong with using a virtual office if your returns are going to the drop shipper .
It is best to limit the post and make sure no returns go to that address.
You will have to supply your personal address to the virtual office company.
Using your home address is simpler but this looks like the best solution for you
The costs are around £30 to £50 a month

 

[MarcusUK21]

I think there i s nothing wrong with using a virtual office if your returns are going to the drop shipper .
It is best to limit the post and make sure no returns go to that address.
You will have to supply your personal address to the virtual office company.
Using your home address is simpler but this looks like the best solution for you
The costs are around £30 to £50 a month

Thank you for you advice. This is what I was trying to state earlier but sadly got some negative replies. Thank you for yours.

 

[fisicx]

You got negative replies because using a virtual address isn’t a good idea. I understand about your full time job but if you want the business to succeed you need transparency. Dropshipping is hard enough, if you then add a layer of anonymity you make it even harder.

 

[WaveJumper]

Jeremy’s advice is quite straight forward nothing to stop you having a registered office address, virtual or wherever you may find the cheapest option that suits your needs and then the returns address for customers will be your drop shippers. However, it is also true as other have pointed out a trust issue for some potential clients, you mention you have a full time job are you sure there is no conflict contractually for you to be running a business on the side have you checked ?

 

[MarcusUK21]

You got negative replies because using a virtual address isn’t a good idea. I understand about your full time job but if you want the business to succeed you need transparency. Dropshipping is hard enough, if you then add a layer of anonymity you make it even harder.

I don’t think customers look that close at a business to be honest. They look at the product price and any returns policy a company has. Transparency about refunds or returns is what they look for. Dropship companies have supplier returns addresses where goods can be returned.

 

[fisicx]

I don’t think customers look that close at a business to be honest.

Many do. It’s because so many dropshippers trade from China that people like to be sure they are dealing with a someone in the UK. A check on the trading address is an easy thing to do.

 

[The Byre]

I don’t think customers look that close at a business to be honest.

I do basic due diligence on any purchase of significant value. That means name, address, other companies involved, past history of owners and directors. It is all just one click away.

 

[antropy]

Why don’t you want to use your personal address?

Indeed, there are probably going to be difficult customers and some who might even turn up if you (legally) refuse their refunds, but that's what the Police are for.

Paul.

 

[MarcusUK21]

Jeremy’s advice is quite straight forward nothing to stop you having a registered office address, virtual or wherever you may find the cheapest option that suits your needs and then the returns address for customers will be your drop shippers. However, it is also true as other have pointed out a trust issue for some potential clients, you mention you have a full time job are you sure there is no conflict contractually for you to be running a business on the side have you checked ?

Thank you for the reply. Good points you raised too which are helpful. My employment contract states you can’t be employed with another employer unless it is approved. It does not state self employed. My business is using UK suppliers and only sells to UK customers. I know some customers check out a business as I do too. Many sole traders use their accountants address too. A virtual address looks more professional and protects me in many ways. People on here raise valid points too. This business is automated to an extent using AVASAM who only use reputable suppliers in the UK. If the business does well I will then go limited. I do have an accountant to help me.

 

[Mark T Jones]

There might be some ambiguity in the term virtual address.

It is perfectly acceptable to use a serviced address - but it is important that you can trust them to actually do the job properly. If you chose well, it can reflect well on the overall business image.

It isn't allowed to only use a PO, or non-physical address.

Like others on here, I always pay attention to these things when buying online.

 

[fisicx]

A virtual address looks more professional...

I’d suggest the opposite. When checking who I’m buying from I google the address. If the results list 197 businesses you lose all credibility. Even using the dropshipper to manage your returns could hurt when I do the same check. If the address is for some generic warehouse in Huddersfield I know it’s not you. And if the support number on your website is a call forwarding service or your mobile you drop even further down the list of preferred suppliers.

You won’t be the only person setting the products. Won’t take potential customers long to find someone more trustworthy.

 

[MarcusUK21]

There might be some ambiguity in the term virtual address.

It is perfectly acceptable to use a serviced address - but it is important that you can trust them to actually do the job properly. If you chose well, it can reflect well on the overall business image.

It isn't allowed to only use a PO, or non-physical address.

Like others on here, I always pay attention to these things when buying online.

Thanks Mark I agree yes when I say virtual I mean a serviced business address that offers this function. As you say though you need to be sure that it is handled correctly. My accountant does offer this service for £10 a month.

 

[MarcusUK21]

There might be some ambiguity in the term virtual address.

It is perfectly acceptable to use a serviced address - but it is important that you can trust them to actually do the job properly. If you chose well, it can reflect well on the overall business image.

It isn't allowed to only use a PO, or non-physical address.

Like others on here, I always pay attention to these things when buying online.

I think what most customers look at these days are the reviews from other customers. You can’t beat them no matter where you are located. Reviews build trust.

 

[WaveJumper]

I think your wrong most customers look at reviews with totally distrust these days

 

[fisicx]

Reviews build trust.

Yes they can do for some products or services. But they are increasingly difficult to get. Because more and more people buy online from multiple suppliers leaving a review has become tiresome. There needs to be a real incentive to do so. The more disposable or generic the product the harder it is to offer an incentive.

I brought some toothpaste last week and was asked to leave a review. That’s just not going to happen.

 

[MarcusUK21]

Yes they can do for some products or services. But they are increasingly difficult to get. Because more and more people buy online from multiple suppliers leaving a review has become tiresome. There needs to be a real incentive to do so. The more disposable or generic the product the harder it is to offer an incentive.

I brought some toothpaste last week and was asked to leave a review. That’s just not going to happen.

Lol not something you can get your teeth in to pardon the punt. Yes true sometimes becomes a pain.

 

[fisicx]

Lol not something you can get your teeth in to pardon the punt. Yes true sometimes becomes a pain.

How many reviews do you leave for the stuff you buy online?

 

[The Byre]

I loved the Amazon review of a rubber horse-head for costume parties - "Seven weeks in and already the horses are beginning to see me as one of their own!"

 

[MarcusUK21]

How many reviews do you leave for the stuff you buy online?

Hard to say but if I’m not happy I will post a true review of service. Likewise if it’s a good service too! I don’t review all items.

 

[fisicx]

Hard to say but if I’m not happy I will post a true review of service. Likewise if it’s a good service too! I don’t review all items.

And that’s what will happen with your store. Very few customers will ever leave a review. Everyone is used to next day delivery, it’s just normal service.

 

[Karimbo]

Morning ALL.
Will be launching a new online store shortly and to fall in line with online selling laws I must state a business address. I am a sole trader for now and reluctant to use my personal address. Is it permissible to use an alternate address? I want to keep expenses low just wondered if anyone knows a cheap service. thanks.

I used a ltd company registered address (with business service address add-on). The add on doesnt cost much and will allow you to use the registered address on websites, stationary etc. I paid £120 pa for registered address, directors service address, business address and mail forwarding.

I then upgraded to a shared desk space which includes mail handling.I paid £225pcm to have a desk at a shared desk space so I can cowork with others. Which paid for itself and more because I could be more productive in a dedicated work space.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I have to say my experience has been completely different to the people above. The average customer has no idea that an address is a mail forwarding or a registered address service. In fact loads of business premisis are named houses. Maxwell house and others.

I have seen loads of very successful competitors who have shopify sites without any address at all anywhere on their websites. They don't even mentioned that they're ltd company. I glean that by searching for the site name on companies house and got their details.

Returns can be handled very easily. Just put a note on the site saying not for returns above or underneath the address and ask customers to RMA before sending the items back and you can include the returns instructions.

You can have your actual home address on the paperwork in the packing slip if you want to. Along with a returns slip detailing the address to return to, requirement to RMA before sending items back etc.

 

[MarcusUK21]

I used a ltd company registered address (with business service address add-on). The add on doesnt cost much and will allow you to use the registered address on websites, stationary etc. I paid £120 pa for registered address, directors service address, business address and mail forwarding.

I then upgraded to a shared desk space which includes mail handling.I paid £225pcm to have a desk at a shared desk space so I can cowork with others. Which paid for itself and more because I could be more productive in a dedicated work space.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I have to say my experience has been completely different to the people listed above. The average customer has no idea that an address is a mail forwarding or a registered address service. In fact loads of business premisis are named houses. Maxwell house and others.

Returns can be handled very easily. Just put a note on the site saying not for returns above or underneath the address and ask customers to RMA before sending the items back and you can include the returns instructions.

You can have your actual home address on the paperwork in the packing slip if you want to. Along with a returns slip detailing the address to return to, requirement to RMA before sending items back etc.

Marimbo I was beginning to think I was alone! I agree most customers know what they want and all they are focused on is the product,price and speedy delivery. I have a returns clause on my website with instructions to request a return. Again virtual serviced address is an expanding business and chose correctly can make your business look more professional. We all have opinions here and agree to differ where we don’t agree.

 

[yyovvo]

I have a fulltime job hence my reasons for trying to be discreet. I’m not trying to hide I am like many more people starting a new business. It may have worked for you but you should be more considerate when giving advice.

don’t let anyone feel you are wrong if you do not want to use your personal address for personal reasons. Use a virtual office/address, that’s what they were invented for. We now live in a virtual world. Don’t worry about those who can’t/don’t want to adapt modern trends, they are becoming evolutionaly extinct.

 

[fisicx]

It’s got nothing to do with modern trends. It’s all about trust. People check locations to check legitimacy.

 

[MarcusUK21]

It’s got nothing to do with modern trends. It’s all about trust. People check locations to check legitimacy.

I disagree most shoppers search for a product they then compare prices and order. Reviews are helpful but in today’s modern world they don’t give a hoot about the registered company address. Yes they sometimes will check returns policy but as long as this is explained clearly they will order.

 

[MarcusUK21]

It’s got nothing to do with modern trends. It’s all about trust. People check locations to check legitimacy.

I agree I never check the address when buying online I just order. May look at reviews or returns policy but never look too in-depth at registered address etc.