How A Virtual Address Works

Virtual Address

The Virtual Office (VO) concept and the way a virtual address works can trace their roots back to the Industrial Revolution. According to the top business consultant and author, William Bridges, “Even at the end of the 19th century – at the height of the Industrial Revolution – more than half the population still worked from home. Farmers, medical doctors, blacksmiths, and small-time retailers lived and slogged in combined business and domestic units. A steady career in an organization is a recent invention.” That’s when the parallels between our current working styles, particularly the whole notion of “a job/career,” as a central fixture of life, and “working from home/remotely,” first appeared.

Fast-forward to more recent times, and we have the early predecessor of the virtual office: the traditional executive suite, which you’ll sometimes find in hotels with several fully furnished executive apartments. During the second part of the 20th century, executives began to analyze alternative options, making more efficient use of their capital amid rising costs for real estate, maintenance, personnel, and other similar expenses. The examination ended with the introduction of virtual offices.

Simply put, Virtual Offices provide a combination of services to businesses and professionals at only a fraction of the cost. Especially when compared to the price of owning or leasing a traditional office. Among these services are mail handling, phone service, and assistants. The most basic service virtual offices provide clients is an address. The address acts as the company’s official mailing address. You can receive mail at this address and use it for your website, email signatures, letterheads, etc.

How It Works

A virtual address is an excellent option for early-stage startups, self-employed professionals, and other organizations. No problem if you can’t yet afford or don’t want to own or rent a brick-and-mortar office. Below are some ways a virtual office address works for your business.

• They Help with Licensing and Registration –

  Most businesses require a physical mailing address to be licensed and registered with the proper governing authorities. As such, a P.O. box will not be a viable option. Home addresses can sometimes be used, but some municipalities and homeowners’ associations (HOAs) have zoning regulations. In these cases, a virtual office address is the most cost-effective alternative.

• They offer a Desirable Location –

  Aside from helping you set up your business legally, the VO address can provide much-needed credibility. Some virtual office businesses shop around, but more credible VOs offer a mailing address in a known commercial district. In addition, you can have office addresses in more than one location.

• They Help Improve Your Brand –

  Home addresses rarely convey a sense of success for any company, regardless of its stage of development. However, an address like Fifth Avenue, NYC, could offer a significant brand image.

• Mail Handling –

  Whenever you receive mail at your virtual address, it can be forwarded to you at any location. Having your mail forwarded saves you time and effort.

About Us

BSSI Virtual Office CoFounder

With 25 years of experience in business, sales, and marketing, I have dedicated my career to driving startup growth. After successfully selling my first business, I co-founded BSSI Virtual Office in 2007.

See Full Bio