Virtual Addresses: What They Are, and How to Get One

For solopreneurs, location rebels, and other remote professionals, a virtual office can be an ace in the hole. A virtual office provides the advantages of a permanent address, without the cost that usually comes with it. For those who need a business address to attach to their professional endeavors, but prefer to work where they please, it can be a perfect solution.

You might be wondering, though, where should I get one, and how do I choose the right one?

As a virtual office provider, we have some insight to offer on the subject. Below, we’ll look at virtual office basics, where to get one, and how you might sign up for one. So if you’ve been considering a virtual office and just didn’t know where to start, here are the answers you’ve been looking for.

What Is a Virtual Office?

A virtual office is, at its core, a fully functional business address that you rent for your company. It can receive mail, it can be used to apply for licenses and certifications, and it can be leveraged on business cards or other marketing materials. In some ways, it’s similar to a P.O. box, the primary difference being that it looks just like a physical address.

Why is a Virtual Business Address Necessary?

Why use a virtual office or get a virtual business address? One of the biggest reasons is to demonstrate that you run a legitimate business. You may know that you’re a professional and that what you do is a real job, but potential clients and partners may not see that when you hand them a business card that lists a residential address. Virtual offices offer a solution to this common business problem.

The right virtual business address can also give your business a level of prestige. A downtown address leaves a good impression, but those are hard to come by (and are very expensive). If you choose a virtual office provider with a location in the heart of the city, you can get the business address you want, for a fraction of the cost. 

Virtual addresses can also receive mail, and many virtual office providers also offer mail forwarding (so you don’t have to drive all the way into the city center to pick it up), along with a host of other virtual office features and amenities, depending on the provider. 

How Does a Virtual Business Address Work and How Do I Choose One?

Choosing a virtual business address is all about meeting your business’s needs. If all you need is an address that will receive mail for you, just about any location will do. Most of the time, business needs are a little more nuanced than that—take time to consider which virtual office amenities and available services would be valuable to you. 

For example, look at the industry you’re in. Would on-demand office space be valuable to your company? If so, will a coworking space suffice, or would you need a day office rental? 

Do you need some help managing inbound calls and setting appointments? You could look for a virtual office provider that offers virtual receptionist support to handle those inbound calls and setting appointments.

Do you occasionally need somewhere professional to meet with clients? Look for a virtual office provider that offers on-demand meeting space rentals, especially ones that furnish their meeting rooms and conference rooms with things like presentation and A/V equipment. 

The best virtual address providers offer a whole range of features, with premium services or amenities added on an as-needed basis. 

Lastly, you’ll want to consider location. Beyond the factors of legitimacy and prestige, you’ll want to think about how far away you are from the location you’ve chosen, and how frequently you may need to visit the location. Obviously, there’s no requirement that you actually have to be present at the location to receive mail or do your work, but if you need other amenities (like on-demand office or meeting space), you may want to choose a location with a shorter commute.

How Do I Set Up a Virtual Address for Business?

While we can’t speak to the onboarding process with other virtual address providers, our process here at Davinci for obtaining a virtual address is remarkably simple and easy. First, search our site for a virtual office location that matches your business' needs. Davinci has thousands of  locations worldwide so you’ll be sure to find the perfect location.  After purchasing your virtual business address, you'll fill out the Commercial Mail Receiving Agency form (US Postal Form 1583), and submit it to us online or via email. Your complimentary notarization of this document is included in the price for the virtual address.

Next, you’ll need to submit your mail handling preferences to us, also via email. This determines what we do with mail we receive for you, whether we forward it to you, hold it and wait for pickup, or some other action. 

Lastly, once we’ve received your paperwork and mail handling instructions, one of our representatives will contact you to discuss any additional details and finalize the activation of your account. It’s as simple as that. 

Get your virtual business address now!

A virtual address is one of those rare opportunities to have the best of both worlds. It’s the value of a real address with the convenience of a P.O. box. It’s simple, it’s easy, and it’s significantly cheaper than paying for a permanent office space. And here at Davinci, we offer every additional service and amenity you could possibly need. We even offer on-demand office and meeting space for those who need it, all around the world. 

So whether you’re at home in your bed, or traveling to London for a work meeting, we can help you conduct business professionally, and effectively. Contact us today, and let us help your business do its very best.

About Coco Quillen

Coco is the Chief Operating Officer at Davinci Virtual Office Solutions. She manages the strategic development and operational implementation of services for Davinci. She works closely with all teams to ensure customers are well taken care of.