Looking for a virtual business solution in the U.S.? Here’s the deal: BusinessAnywhere and Earthclass Mail both cater to remote entrepreneurs, but they serve different needs. BusinessAnywhere offers a full suite of services like business registration, registered agent support, and virtual mailboxes. Earthclass Mail focuses solely on mail management with features like mail scanning, forwarding, and check deposits.
Key Takeaways:
- BusinessAnywhere: Ideal for new entrepreneurs needing business formation, compliance tools, and same-day mail processing. Plans start at $20/month.
- Earthclass Mail: Best for businesses prioritizing high-volume mail handling and cloud integrations. Plans start at $29/month but may include extra fees.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | BusinessAnywhere | Earthclass Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $20–$65/month | $29–$79/month |
| Mail Processing | Same-day | 1–2 days (reports of delays) |
| Address Type | Real street addresses | Mix of street addresses & PO boxes |
| Check Deposits | Included in plans | $10/check or $39/month |
| Business Services | LLC/Corp formation, compliance | Mail services only |
| Customer Reviews | 5/5 Google rating | 1.5/5 Trustpilot rating (50 reviews) |
Bottom Line: If you’re starting a business or need an all-in-one solution, go with BusinessAnywhere. If you only need mail management, Earthclass Mail could work – but watch for hidden fees and slower processing.
BusinessAnywhere: Features and Benefits
Launched in 2021 by Bobby Casey, BusinessAnywhere provides essential U.S.-based business services tailored for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, real estate investors, and expats. Its solutions are designed to help users manage U.S. businesses remotely and efficiently. Below, we’ll explore the platform’s core services and the advantages they bring to virtual business owners.
Core Services of BusinessAnywhere
BusinessAnywhere simplifies business management through a user-friendly dashboard that combines four key services: company formation, registered agent service, virtual mailbox, and online notary. By consolidating these offerings, it eliminates the hassle of dealing with multiple providers.
- Business Registration: Available in all 50 states, this service supports various entity types like LLCs, corporations, and PLLCs. Notably, it includes a $0 business formation option, where users only pay state filing fees. Additional features include EIN applications and S-Corp tax filings.
- Registered Agent Service: This service provides a legally required registered address in any state, protecting business owners’ privacy by keeping personal addresses off public records.
- Virtual Mailbox: With locations in 16 states this service handles mail and packages, offers unlimited scanning, and provides worldwide forwarding options. It’s especially useful for international entrepreneurs establishing a U.S. presence.
- Online Notary: For $37 per document, users can access remote notarization services accepted in all U.S. states. Other offerings include compliance alerts, BOIR (Beneficial Ownership Information Report) filing, and services like bookkeeping, accounting, and trademark filings.
Benefits for Entrepreneurs
BusinessAnywhere tackles key challenges like legal compliance and privacy, offering practical solutions for remote business owners. Here are the platform’s standout advantages:
- Location Independence: Entrepreneurs can manage their U.S. business operations entirely online, no matter where they are. Whether you’re a digital nomad in Southeast Asia or an expat in Europe, BusinessAnywhere ensures seamless remote access to your business.
- Privacy Protection: By using the registered agent service and virtual mailbox, personal addresses remain private, which is ideal for home-based entrepreneurs or those frequently on the move.
- All-in-One Convenience: Instead of maintaining separate accounts with various providers, BusinessAnywhere offers everything on one platform, accessible 24/7.
Additionally, the platform promotes eco-friendly practices like digital document management and mail scanning, reducing paper waste – a feature that resonates with entrepreneurs who value sustainability.
Pricing and Plans
BusinessAnywhere keeps its pricing straightforward and budget-friendly, offering tiered plans for different needs. Here’s a breakdown:
| Service | Plan | Price (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Mailbox | Basic | $20/month | Up to 2 recipients, unlimited mail/packages/scans |
| Premium | $30/month | Up to 5 recipients, unlimited mail/packages/scans | |
| Advanced | $65/month | Up to 20 recipients, unlimited mail/packages/scans | |
| Registered Agent | Annual Service | $149/year | Legal document handling, compliance reminders (free first year with registration) |
| Online Notary | Per Document | $37 | Remote notarization, valid in all states |
The $0 business formation option is a major draw, especially when paired with the free first-year registered agent service (a $147 value). This makes starting a business cost-effective for entrepreneurs on a tight budget.
For those with greater mail-handling needs, the virtual mailbox plans scale well. Solo entrepreneurs may find the $20/month Basic plan sufficient, while the $65/month Advanced plan accommodates larger teams with up to 20 recipients.
Customer reviews frequently highlight the platform’s affordability and responsive support team, with many praising its smooth processes and transparent pricing. Google reviews consistently average 5/5 stars, reinforcing its reputation.
Lastly, BusinessAnywhere offers a Digital Nomad Kit, bundling several services at discounted rates – $3,070 for U.S. citizens and $3,200 for non-U.S. persons. This package provides significant savings compared to purchasing services individually, making it an attractive option for remote entrepreneurs.
Earthclass Mail: Features and Benefits
Earthclass Mail is a service dedicated to virtual mailbox solutions. With an impressive track record of processing over 23 million pieces of mail and handling $4.6 billion in checks, it offers extensive experience in digitizing and managing physical mail for businesses and individuals alike.
Key Services of Earthclass Mail
Earthclass Mail simplifies mail management, making it an essential tool for businesses that want to maintain a professional U.S. presence remotely. The service transforms physical mail into high-resolution PDFs, which users can access through an online dashboard. Key features include remote check deposit, mail forwarding, and secure shredding. It also integrates with popular cloud storage platforms and financial tools. By using a virtual address, customers can keep their home addresses private and off public records, adding an extra layer of security.
Operations and Security Features
Security is a top priority for Earthclass Mail. All mail-handling staff undergo criminal background checks. The platform uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect payment card data during transmission and conducts regular system checks to identify potential vulnerabilities. To enhance account protection, users are encouraged to set strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. A dedicated privacy and security team is available to address any concerns, and customers can report issues via the support channel provided.
Pricing and Plans
Earthclass Mail offers pricing options tailored to different business needs and mail volumes. Here’s a breakdown of the business-focused plans:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Recipients | Mail Items | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter MailBox | $29 | 2 | 5 items | 1 business address, basic scanning |
| Essentials MailBox | $39 | 5 | 25 items | 1 business address, increased volume |
| Premium MailBox | $79 | 20 | 50 items | 1 business address, high volume |
The check deposit service is available as part of a $39 monthly subscription, which includes 5 checks (with additional checks costing $2 each). Alternatively, customers can opt for a pay-as-you-go option at $10 per check. Additional fees apply for extra addresses and recipients.
While Earthclass Mail provides a range of features, some users have expressed concerns about unexpected charges and billing practices. The platform currently holds a Value for Money rating of 1.5 out of 5, based on 50 reviews, reflecting negative feedback regarding its pricing and billing transparency.
sbb-itb-ba0a4be
Feature and Pricing Comparison
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Here’s a closer look at how BusinessAnywhere and Earthclass Mail stack up in terms of features and pricing. The differences are clear when you examine the specifics.
Address Quality and Quantity
BusinessAnywhere offers real street addresses in 16 states- ideal for business registration and banking. On the other hand, Earthclass Mail provides around 80 addresses, but more than half are USPS PO boxes, which cannot be used for business registration.
Mail Processing Speed
BusinessAnywhere processes mail the same day it arrives, often within just a few hours. By contrast, Earthclass Mail sends incoming mail to processing hubs in Beaverton, Oregon, or New York City, which can lead to delays. Users have reported waiting up to twenty days for mail processing.
| Feature | BusinessAnywhere | Earthclass Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Range (Monthly) | $20–$65 | $29–$229 |
| Address Type | Real street addresses | Mix of street addresses and PO boxes |
| Mail Processing | Same day | 1–2 days (reports of up to 20 days) |
| Check Deposits | Included in plans | $10 per check or $39/month subscription |
| Business Registration Support | Full LLC/Corp formation ($0 + state fees) | Mail services only |
| Registered Agent | Free first year; then $147/year | Not offered |
| Recipients | 2–20 depending on plan | 2–unlimited depending on plan |
Business Formation Services
BusinessAnywhere goes beyond mail services by offering LLC and corporation formation for $0 (plus state fees) and includes registered agent support. Earthclass Mail, meanwhile, focuses exclusively on mail handling.
Check Deposit Fees
For businesses that handle checks, BusinessAnywhere includes deposit services in its plans. Earthclass Mail charges $10 per check or offers a $39 monthly subscription for a set number of deposits.
These key differences highlight the unique strengths and limitations of each service.
Strengths and Weaknesses
BusinessAnywhere’s Strengths
BusinessAnywhere takes an all-in-one approach, combining virtual mailbox services with tools for business formation. Features like same-day mail processing, real street addresses, and integrated support make it a reliable choice for managing business operations efficiently.
BusinessAnywhere’s Limitations
While the platform offers a lot, its address network is smaller compared to some competitors. Additionally, as a newer player in the market, it primarily focuses on U.S.-based business formation.
Earthclass Mail’s Strengths
Earthclass Mail brings years of experience, having processed over 23 million pieces of mail and handled $4.6 billion in checks. It also integrates with cloud storage and financial tools like Box, Xero, and QuickBooks, which appeals to businesses prioritizing mail digitization.
Earthclass Mail’s Weaknesses
Since being acquired by LegalZoom, Earthclass Mail has faced challenges. Customer satisfaction has dropped significantly, reflected in a Trustpilot rating of 1.5 out of 5, compared to competitors with ratings around 4.4. Reports of address instability have also surfaced. For example, US Global Mail noted that Earthclass Mail "frequently shuts PO-box based addresses. From Dallas to Beaverton – sudden moves, sudden fees, no warning". Additionally, Earthclass Mail’s pricing model includes extra fees for additional recipients ($5/month), mail overages ($3 per item), and extra page scans ($0.10–$0.15 per page) [14, 19].
Customer Service Quality
BusinessAnywhere emphasizes direct and responsive customer support, which aligns well with its focus on reliability. In contrast, Earthclass Mail has faced criticism for its customer service. Users have reported communication issues and concerns about the reliability of its integrations, particularly after its merger with LegalZoom.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business
Factors to Consider
Picking the right virtual business service is all about matching the solution to your specific needs. By understanding the key factors involved, you can make smarter decisions that help your business thrive.
Business Type and Compliance Requirements
The type of business you run and the legal requirements you need to meet play a big part in finding the right service. For example, if you’re starting a new LLC or corporation, BusinessAnywhere offers a $0 business formation option (plus state fees), which combines company registration with a virtual mailbox service – a great way to save time and money. For established companies that only need mail handling, the focus should shift to how reliable and efficient the mail processing service is. Another bonus of using a virtual mailing address is that it keeps your home address private, which is especially important for entrepreneurs and remote workers.
Budget and Pricing Structure
Take a close look at both upfront and ongoing costs. BusinessAnywhere’s virtual mailbox plans range from $20 to $65 per month, while basic virtual mailing services across the industry are typically priced between $10 and $25 per month. If you need additional features like mail scanning, forwarding, or check deposit services, expect to pay between $25 and $50 monthly for most competitors. Don’t forget BusinessAnywhere has unlimited mail scanning and forwarding services and absolutely no extra fees.
Mail Processing Speed and Reliability
When dealing with time-sensitive documents, same-day mail processing can make a big difference. Look for a service that prioritizes speed and reliability to avoid unnecessary delays.
Scalability and Growth Plans
Think about where your business is headed. As your company grows, your virtual mail service should be able to grow with you. With remote work becoming more common, having reliable virtual business services is more important than ever. Plus, with 81% of brands planning to increase their direct mail budgets by 2025, mail volumes are expected to rise. Maintaining a physical address in a well-regarded location can also boost your business’s credibility and reputation.
Customer Service Quality
Good customer support is critical when your business relies on timely and accurate mail handling. Before committing, check customer reviews and ratings to ensure the service can handle important tasks like compliance issues and time-sensitive mail effectively.
Final Recommendations
Based on these considerations, here are some tailored recommendations to help you make the best choice.
Choose BusinessAnywhere if you need:
- A complete solution that includes business formation services
- Same-day mail processing to keep operations running smoothly
- Integrated features like registered agent and online notary services
- Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees
- Dependable customer support for handling critical tasks
Consider Earthclass Mail if you prioritize:
- A variety of address options (just be sure to verify the address types)
- Strong integrations with cloud storage and accounting software
- A system built to handle high mail volumes efficiently
Key Decision Points
For new entrepreneurs and digital nomads, BusinessAnywhere’s all-in-one platform offers a strong mix of essential services, saving you time and simplifying your workflow. On the other hand, if you’re running an established business with existing systems, Earthclass Mail’s integrations might be worth exploring – just weigh whether they’re enough to offset potential delays or customer service concerns.
Many providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so take advantage of these to test how well the service handles mail processing, customer support, and overall quality. Keep in mind that switching providers later can disrupt your operations, so it’s worth choosing carefully from the start.
FAQs
What services does BusinessAnywhere offer compared to Earthclass Mail?
BusinessAnywhere offers a range of services tailored for entrepreneurs and small business owners. These include virtual business addresses, mail management, and assistance with business formation and compliance. Their goal is to make running a virtual office easier and to simplify administrative responsibilities.
Earthclass Mail, on the other hand, specializes in mail scanning, forwarding, secure storage, and check deposit services, making it ideal for those who need efficient digital mail management and remote access. While both platforms handle mail services, BusinessAnywhere sets itself apart by focusing on virtual office solutions and providing support for business formation.
What should I consider when choosing a BusinessAnywhere plan, and how does its pricing compare to similar services?
BusinessAnywhere provides plans starting at $20 per month, offering features like unlimited mail scanning and registered agent support. When choosing the right plan, think about factors such as how much mail you expect to handle, whether you need extra services like compliance tools, and if features like unlimited scanning fit your business requirements.
Prioritizing the essentials for your operations can help you pick a plan that not only saves money but also simplifies managing your virtual business.
What are the key advantages of using BusinessAnywhere for business formation and mail management as a digital nomad or expat?
BusinessAnywhere provides digital nomads and expats with a hassle-free way to manage their business operations from anywhere. With a virtual business address, you can securely handle your mail no matter where you are, ensuring you stay on top of important correspondence without being tied to a physical location.
This service not only removes the need for a traditional office but also helps protect your privacy while simplifying business formation and compliance. It’s a smart and efficient solution to keep your business running smoothly, letting you focus on growth wherever life takes you.
