Are you wondering how to set up a PO Box? PO Boxes have multiple advantages, like keeping your mail secure and allowing you to receive it at your own convenience. As you’ll learn in this article, setting up a PO box is a fast and affordable.
What is a PO Box?
A PO Box is a lockable box with a unique address. They are also called postal boxes or post office boxes. They are typically located in the lobbies of post offices, but you will also find them sprinkled around urban areas set up as PO Box rentals.
Furthermore, PO Boxes can be provided by private companies. This includes virtual PO boxes that allow you to receive mail from anywhere in the world. This is ideal for businesses that prefer to receive physical mail in a digital format.
Does this sound like a service that will help your business? Then check out the virtual mailbox services here at Business Anywhere to get started.
How to Get a PO Box
You can complete the PO Box setup process in person at your local postal office or online. When choosing the United States Postal Office for a PO Box, you’ll need to complete the PS Form 1093.
It’s possible to submit this form using a self-service kiosk at any UPS location. To speed up the process, consider printing the form off and filling it out at home. Furthermore, you can choose to apply for a PO Box at a different location than you are submitting the application.
You can look at the USPS website for the available postal offices and PO Boxes in your local area. Then you’ll need to decide on how you will complete the payment. USPS requires that automatic payments are set up when choosing the subscription option.
How Much Does it cost to Set Up a PO Box and more
During the PO Box setup process, you’ll need to make a few decisions we will cover in this section. This will help you when using PO Box for LLC:
- Size: You’ll need to select the PO Box size that matches your business needs. Hence, you’ll need to select a bigger size if your business receives a lot of physical mail. Not sure how much space you need? Then consider choosing a virtual mailbox instead of PO Boxes since you can access more storage space at a lower cost.
- Location: Choose a PO Box that is convenient to visit on a regular basis. This means you don’t have to travel fast to receive your physical mail. This could be next to transportation hubs you regularly visit or close to your place of business. However, you also need to consider states where you can not use a PO Box for an LLC.
- Cost: Compare the cost of PO Box services to ensure you pay a competitive rate. The PO Box industry is growing, so there are an increasing number of options to choose from.
- Security: Find a PO Box service that offers secure storage. You wouldn’t want your important business mail to go missing.
Set Up PO Box Available Sizes
Now let’s look at the type PO Box for LLC sizes you can choose from. These vary for different services, but the figure will give you an idea of what’s available. Also, you may want to rent out PO Boxes of different sizes for letters and packages.
When choosing a PO Box with real address you can choose from:
- 5 inches wide and 5.5 inches long.
- 5.5 inches wide and 11 inches long.
- 11 inches wide and 11 inches long.
- 22.5 inches wide and 12 inches long.
Bigger sizes cost more, so make sure that you select a size that matches your requirements to save money.
Forms Of Identification Required
When setting up a PO Box for your business, you will need two forms of identification. The first is a photo ID, and it could be:
- Passport
- Driving license
- Government ID
You’ll also need another ID with your physical address. Here are a few examples of the types of documents you can use:
- Car insurance policy
- Utility till
- Mortgage
Note that UPS doesn’t accept birth certificates, social security cards, or credit cards as a form of ID.
Setting Up PO Boxes vs Virtual Mailbox Services
Before you take the step to set up a PO Box, have you considered the advantages of a virtual mailbox service? Virtual PO Box for LLC offers massive benefits for your business that will help scale your operation. That’s because virtual mailbox services can accept a large amount of mail, whereas PO Boxes have limited storage until you upgrade.
Also, you don’t need to interact physically with virtual mailbox services and they act as a business address for LLC. That’s because they can receive post on your behalf. In comparison, you or an employee of your business needs to visit PO Boxes.
Most virtual mailbox services will scan your post immediately, which reduces the amount of time it takes to read the mail. However, visiting PO Boxes and opening the mail yourself can be a much slower process.
Setting up a virtual mailbox service is just as easy as a PO Box. You will need to submit the USPS Form 1583 to give the service access for legally receiving your physical mailbox.
How to Get a Post Office Box Final Thoughts
The process of setting up a PO Box is fast and provides excellent advantages for your business. This includes privacy and security, a permanent address, or faster delivery times. Also, the cost of PO Boxes is relatively low for the service they provide.
However, PO Boxes have big limitations compared to virtual mailbox services, as mentioned in the previous section. Do you feel that a virtual mailbox service is the better option? Then choose Business Anywhere for professional virtual mailbox services to get started today.
