Not wanting to use a home address on website

[Frimley111R]

We're starting a niche electrical contracting company and our website is nearly ready but we don't want to put our home address as the business address as it could look unprofessional.

Are we being overly sensitive to this or not and if not, what would you recommend as the best option for us?

 

[Jo Friend]

I also didn't want to use my personal address when I first set up my business. My accountant provides a service whereby clients can use their office address as a business address. It may also be worth checking if you have a local business hub that provides the same service. Where I'm based in Somerset there's a local hub which provides a paid service where local businesses can use the business hub address on all company literature, websites etc.. The hub additionally stores any business post that comes in until people can go in and collect it.

 

[Remford]

I think people can be overly sensitive about it. Chances are people aren't going to notice it unless they're really interested and use google street view to see where you are located.

Your other option is to pay for a mail forwarding address, your accountant may be able to help you with something like this (many businesses are registered at their accountants offices).

 

[Alan]

Yes you probably are being overly sensitive. No one really will care that much. Millions of fair sized businesses operate from residential addresses.

 

[TotalWebSolutions]

Unless you are adverse to displaying your home address (potentially having customers on your doorstep) then it shouldn't matter.

 

[webgeek]

Virtual office for the win. Get your business mailing address, have it automatically forwarded each week and don't worry about stan's showing up at your house in the middle of the night.

 

[Frimley111R]

Thanks all, perhaps we are being a bit overly sensitive. I'll use my home address for now.

 

[fisicx]

A home address adds trust. A virtual office (and people do check these things) looks like you have something to hide.

 

[Gecko001]

I think using your home address gives the impression of dependability and trustworthiness. Having a virtual address, or using your accountant's or solicitor's address could give the opposite impression in my view.

 

[stender]

I think it depends on the type of business. If I were spending tens of thousands on an extension for example I personally wouldn't be putting my business via someone registered at a house.

 

[webgeek]

There's nothing wrong with a virtual office address, unless it's a PO Box.

A home address, shared publicly, is a great way to expose yourself, and your family to unnecessary risks.

Back in the day, I sold stuff on eBay. Was a Powerseller Gold, selling quite a few of a select few items. Lo and behold, I got a visitor wanting to discuss one of their purchases, at my front door, at 8pm.

For me, I do not go out of my way to publish my home details - especially if I'm offering services or selling products directly to consumers. Heck, I don't even publish my home phone number - so why would I want to expose my family home address?

Sorry folks, this is no longer the age where you can safely leave your car unlocked, front door unlocked or put your full personal details on the web, without fear of car theft, home burglary, or identity theft. It's a sad truth.

 

[Anon2734]

Some formations companies if you go limited will allow you to use a generic location.
Its not expensive and registers you with companies house

 

[splashweb]

Don't overlook the local SEO aspects of having your location on your website, assuming that's relevant to you. Otherwise it's a trust factor for potential clients. Both of these issues override concerns I have about privacy.

 

[Diesel]

Swings and roundabouts - finding a generic or 'masking' address that dozens of companies use will have a far more negative effect to anyone researching you prior to placing business with you imho. I dont even like phone numbers designed to hide where businesses are (unless you are Aviva or Bosch of course) However this is not quite as bad as people who decline to even even STATE their address on websites (one recently I saw was a car valeter - yep hand over my car keys to someone who I know via a hotmail & mobile number!!!).

Certain types of businesses absolutely do need a 'proper' address and premises but many service based ones don't and could well prove more competitive.

 

[GazNicki]

People seldom contact a business through snail mail anymore, so your address is irrelevant. You could call your home address something else if it made you feel better.

Something like
Electrical House
1 street name


Don't worry too much about it.

 

[sjbeale]

For a professional image a virtual office address is best.