Advice on virtual office

[Gia]

I can't run a business from my home as im not allowed to use the address.
I was thinking, of renting a virtual office.
I have seen there are 2 different types.
One that gives you the address, and you dont have to physically be at the office.
And the one where you are.
I was wondering what would be the best, i also don't want to get in trouble.
So anyone who, has had the same situation, or knows about working under a virtual office.
Your advice will be appreciated.

 

[estwig]

Whether you want to work from an office or work from home, is for you to decide. A virtual office, be careful of signing a contract and hidden extras, like paying everytime they forward mail. Depending on your line of work, a VA address can look like you may disappear at any time, this may not be a good image.
If you have an accountant, they often offer the service of a VA and play a lot fairer than most, ask them.

If you say a bit more about what you do, or want to do, people may be better able to advise......

 

[Gia]

I make candles.
Oils.
And handmade items.Like fans.

 

[estwig]

Can you not use a friend, family members address to trade from?
Paying for a VA for a hobby business could be expensive.

 

[ffox]

Asking family or friends is a big ask. If things go wrong and bad debts are incurred it can rub off on your host through their postcode.

Lots of people use virtual offices - just Google it and see what comes up. Just be diligent with the terms and make sure you know what you are getting for the money.

 

[Gia]

I cant ask anyone.And even if i could i would not do it.
I only need an address where i can register my business, so my home address is not on.
I have been looking a different ones.
Im just not sure if just the address will be fine.
Or i should go for the physical one, where i could work from there.
I sell online.So all my work is done by PC
Except when i have to go to the post office to mail items.
Thank you for your help.
I will have a look into it.
Hope i can find a good one.

 

[BusterBloodvessel]

What do you mean by your opening comment "not allowed to use the address" ? Says who?

 

[Gia]

Is in my tenancy agreement.

 

[leadresults]

Have used VA for two businesses in the past without a problem. They both cost around £15 - £25 pm + VAT and we have either collected post for free or had it forwarded for a small charge. The first business we had 9 years ago we run from a home office and just used the VA to look more official. As mentioned no problem and if you don't want the expense of office space it is a good idea. Once we got bigger we moved to an actual office. Good luck!

 

[Gia]

Thank you.
I contacted a several that provide the service.
Found a few that are about that same price a month.

 

[Michael-Roth]

Hi there - There is a company called cheapvirtualoffice.co.uk. They are one of the cheapest companies in the market. I would highly recommend using them.

- Michael

 

[shumicps]

If you are a start up businessmen and can’t afford to hire a team, pissed off managing documents, don’t have a professional address then virtual office will provide you all kinds of help in your circumstances. But make sure about their authenticity.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

I think you should go for a VA if there are no other options
Some times in business you have to throw money at things that you would rather not but you have no option if you cant trade from home

 

[TODonnell]

I would have thought a service where they allowed you to work there would be a good deal more expensive than just a 'virtual' address?

If you can work from home, and you don't need to be in a particular post-code for your job, the only advantage to a co-working space is that it gets you out of the house and into someplace you can bounce ideas off people and also work quietly.

That may not be worth £XX - £XXX per month.

 

[DG web consultancy]

Disclaimer: my advice probably shouldn't be followed. Do your own due diligence. Etc.

I thought concern of running a business from home in tenancy agreements usually is regarding the matter of somewhere open to the general public, or something that will be otherwise disruptive to your neighbors (e.g.: industrial equipment, transporting trade goods, noise, odors, etc). Insurance also would factor in but I don't know the details.

My assumption is you're starting on a small scale meaning you wont be selling millions to start with. Speaking for myself I would run it from home regardless as long as it doesn't cause any disruption or harm to the home or neighbors. To start with I don't see how it'd be much worse then selling something personal on ebay and then once your business gets more momentum worry more about the details.

Although that approach not technically above board I think the chances of getting in trouble for it are very low and if you do likely would get a warning first.

If you're in the camp of better safe than sorry, a virtual office sounds like the better approach.

Might be worth asking the landlord about making an exception, though don't know if would have to draw up a new contract.

 

[Michael-Roth]

There are lots of virtual office providers. Be very careful the one you use.

 

[sr123]

Being involved in property letting in the past I wouldn't envisage a problem using the home address, as long as it wasn't providing a noise or nuisance to your neighbors(which it doesn't sound like it would) ,a quick phone call to sound them out about your proposal would confirm. What's the worst that can happen you say no and go to a VA that suits your requirements. I have used VA in the past and would never pay more than £30 p/m inc VAT

 

[Hahnbeck]

Virtual office addresses can be completely legit and are commonly accepted now. If you decide to set up a limited company that is different - you will need a registered office address - but a virtual business address where you can receive mail is an established solution.