Home address use on stationery

[mark_s]

Ok so this time I have spelt 'stationery' correctly, never knew there were two ways to spell it until today!

Anyway, now that I have a few clients I'm currently setting up the business properly, getting business cards, letterheads, website done etc but I'm currently still working from home. All the business cards I've looked at recently have an address on them but I don't think for my type of business (events management) this looks very professional. Now I could put my home address on the stationery as I'm sure many people do but if all goes well over the next 6 months I will be renting a small unit and I could use this as my address for anything business related. If I do this then I would have to change and reprint all my business cards etc.

Would I be better trying to get a virtual address in my town? I doubt if much or any of my work will be local if this makes any difference.

Also slightly off topic, what should I put as my job title on the business card. Currently its just myself apart from when I have a job on when I use some casual staff for that specific event.

Apologies now for any misspelling / bad grammer etc but I've been up 20ish hours and am about to go out and do another 24.

 

[michaelag]

Can I suggest that for now you perhaps put the stationery, business cards on hold until you have a more permanent business address.

You could even just get fewer printed for now, or just include your Email address and Telephone number on your business cards.

As long as clients can contact you by email or telephone, you can then pass on your address if it is necessary.

As for a title, it's your business so, I would go with Managing Director.

Regards
Michael

 

[Alan]

In my opinion, don't bother with any other stationery at first apart from business cards.

The cost of business cards isn't that expensive, and initially you probably don't need to worry abou them being top quailty, as they are just for dishing out when you network.

As for title, you can go 'cool' and not have one, or anything you fancy. It makes very little differences as people you will be talking to and then giving your card will know what you do.

 

[mark_s]

In my opinion, don't bother with any other stationery at first apart from business cards.

The cost of business cards isn't that expensive, and initially you probably don't need to worry abou them being top quailty, as they are just for dishing out when you network.

As for title, you can go 'cool' and not have one, or anything you fancy. It makes very little differences as people you will be talking to and then giving your card will know what you do.

Thanks for the advice but I need stationery sooner rather than later as I have invoices to send at the end of the month. I am currently replying to quotes by email with the quote in the email body, it would be nice to attach proper pdf letterheaded quotes to my clients.

 

[Talay]

So knock up a MS Word document and save as PDF. Job done.

Pick out a formal letter you receive through the post and use that as a starting idea.

 

[Alan]

Agreed, just down load a letter head template from microsfoft http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/templates/results.aspx?ctags=CT010104326 drop your business name & a logo on it. Print as PDF, done.

 

[cashx]

Just get a PO box with a street name. Example:

My Business Name
45-123 Derp St
Derp
DERP

When the PO box mgr received the mail, sees #45 and the biz name, puts it in your box. There's plenty of virtual office mail drops available online and on craigslist too. Or don't use an address at all, put your website name and phone number on everything

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

I don't see a problem with you using a home address. Most people in business recognise a PO box is a disguised home address and most of the virtual office addresses are fairly well know.

But I really wouldnt get cheap/poor quality cards and letterheads. I think it's worth spending a decent amount. People will judge you on what they look like.

Good luck

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

If you have an accountant ask him if he charges to use his address as a mailing address.

Business cards - ideal for networking and passing on for word of mouth.

Other stationery - knock something up with MSword, have a play around with it yourself, don't bother wasting money on these just yet.

 

[Graphics & Print]

Only place your address where it has to be like on invoices & letterheads. Business cards do not necessarily need an address on them. Alot of people when they start out put their home address as head office as this is where the company is usually registered & leave the address of advertising material. When you get a business address you can then over print the business address on as well. Some people get their stationery printed with no address then overprinr on their pc's the address details.
This makes it a more cost effective way of ordering print if you know the details are going to change in a short amount of time.

 

[Talay]

If your address is 23 St John Street, then on your business cards you can simply put XYZ Ltd, St John Street, Anytown etc.

Stick a plaque outside your home if you want to but a half decent postie would know after a while it was your address.

You won't get any mail in any case if you think about directing all responses to email or the phone.

 

[jollygreengiant]

You should search the internet for virtual offices in your area.

I know they are normally about £20 per month but for very little outlay your getting a very proffessional address which can be right in the heart of a city centre.

Even if your not expecting much mail I still feel it makes your business look so much more proffessional.

 

[thelegalstop]

What if you don`t put an address - e-mail telephones, website (if any) ? The idea for a virtual office is also good.

 

[jollygreengiant]

When deciding you should consider when your taking payment from customers.

Its ok saying dont put address on but if customers are paying you money in advance of your services they would probably prefer an address. It makes them feel more confident that they are not going to be ripped off.

 

[TODonnell]

I'm biased, of course, but I wouldn't put my home address on my advertising. It makes it too easy for trouble to find you.

Keep home and business separate, I say.

 

[CWMLtd]

Thanks for the advice but I need stationery sooner rather than later as I have invoices to send at the end of the month. I am currently replying to quotes by email with the quote in the email body, it would be nice to attach proper pdf letterheaded quotes to my clients.

agree, i had the same issue but i now use Free Agent as my accounting package and you can raise quotes and estimates and invoices using their standard templates which i think look professional. I email all my invoices and quotes with no problems and free agent also logs when you email and you can mark them as authorised once the client agrees to them and convert quotes to invoices at a touch of a button.

Worth a thought