On average, you’ll pay between $25 to 75 a year for a small PO box. It can be a cheap solution to get your mail, but it comes with several drawbacks.
For example, there’s limited space (even if you rent a large one), and your box isn’t always accessible. Also, there are restrictions to what you can receive.
You might’ve given PO boxes a try and found that it’s not for you. So what are some PO box alternatives you can consider? Keep reading to see what options are available.
Your Home Address With a Business Name
One of the most obvious PO box alternatives for business is your own home address. The biggest advantage to this route is you won’t have to pay for a mailbox or service.
If you already have a small business, then you can use your home address as your business one by registering a “doing business as” (DBA) with your local government. This means that it’s a good solution for freelancers, sole proprietors, or small business owners who work from home and don’t need a separate physical address. It’s a low-cost option too since it costs between $10 to $100 to register a DBA, depending on your location.
This might sound like a great idea, but it comes at a cost: using your home address can compromise privacy. In addition, it won’t look very professional to have a residential address. So it may be worth it to pay a little more for one of the other choices on this list.
Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces usually cater to freelancers, remote workers, and small businesses. Generally, you’d pay a monthly subscription and you’ll receive access to a wide range of services, including a physical working space and mail handling services.
Subscribing to a coworking space can cost as little as $50 a month for a basic plan. But if you want full office access membership, then this will cost significantly more.
If you need a professional address and would like shared office space, as well as networking opportunities, then this can be a promising option. However, it can be pricey if you don’t need frequent access to a physical space, as this is what the services mainly offer. In that case, you can save some money by working at home and choosing an alternative.
UPS Mailboxes
UPS mailboxes are very similar to traditional PO boxes, but you get much more flexibility with them. The best part is that instead of an impersonal PO box address, you’ll get a real street address that can receive packages from any carrier. So if you’re specifically looking for PO box alternatives for packages, then this is a good one.
When you sign up for a UPS mailbox at your local store, you’ll pay a setup fee plus monthly rental fees. You’ll be assigned a street address that looks like a suite number, and your mail will be stored there securely. Depending on the plan you get, you might get package receipt notifications, mail forwarding, and 24/7 access.
UPS mailboxes are ideal for small business owners and others who want a reliable place for package deliveries. They’re also great for people who want more privacy and security than a home address.
Private Mailbox Providers (PMBs)
PMBs are similar to UPS mailboxes, but you’re not restricted to renting from UPS. Instead, you’re free to rent from independent mail and parcel shops.
When you sign up, you’ll receive a street address with a PMB or suite number. The store will receive your mail and packages, and you can then retrieve them at your convenience. However, you may be limited to their operating hours, which can be frustrating if you have a full schedule.
Plus, the costs will vary depending on the location and service level. If you opt for additional features like mail forwarding, package notifications, and extended storage, you’ll have to pay more for those as well.
Otherwise, if you want a local presence and more hands-on customer service, PMBs may be something to consider.
Virtual Mailboxes
Out of all the choices on this list, a virtual mailbox is probably your best bet. You’ll get a real street address where you can receive both mail and packages.
However, you’re not tied down to one location. You can pick an address when you sign up for a virtual mailbox, and your mail will arrive there.
The service will then open and scan your mail, and then upload it to a dashboard where you can decide to have it forwarded or shredded. They can also forward your package to anywhere you are.
Because you get 24/7 access to mail and don’t have to get it yourself, it’s no wonder that virtual mailboxes are popular with people who travel frequently, such as digital nomads.
Most services offer tiered pricing based on the volume of mail and additional services you’d like. But here at Business Anywhere, our tiers are simple: you get unlimited mail, packages, and scans, but the difference is how many recipients you’d like. Our plans start at $20 per month, so they’re very affordable.
Registered Agent Services
Registered agent services are mainly used by businesses that need an official address to receive legal documents. If you’re forming a limited liability company (LLC), then you’re required to have a registered agent, which is an individual or entity that receives official documents on your behalf.
You don’t technically get an address to use yourself, as you’d be assigning a registered agent to get your mail. For this reason, it’s perfect for entrepreneurs and business owners. You can use these services to shield your home address from public records.
We at Business Anywhere also offer registered agent services, and you’ll pay as low as $147 a year. We’ll handle the administrative tasks so you don’t have to.
Weigh Up These PO Box Alternatives
A cheap PO box may do in a pinch when you need an address to receive mail and packages. However, the multiple disadvantages can be annoying, so it’s reasonable to consider other choices.
The good news is that there are a few PO box alternatives you can use and make life easier. Weigh up the features and prices to determine which will work best for you.
Sign up with Business Anywhere today if you’d like to hear more about our virtual mailbox and registered agent services. We can also register your business for free if you haven’t done so already!
