Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I`ve seen companies advertising this type of service that can give you the prestigious Manhattan address for example. Wouldnt it be better than listing my home address. You would think it would make your company look more professional and larger. Also, its a lot cheaper than leasing office space.What do you think?...

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Rich Sloan , Co-Founder, Chief Startupologist, StartupNation

Yea it def depends on the service you offer and the kind of customers you want to attract. If your customers are local then yea a home business address is fine, but if your targeting the larger client something like a virtual office in manhattan would probably help boost your image. It gives you that NYC presence that screams ligitamacy.

I wouldn`t use something like that because I always feel like I`ve been lied to when I discover that sort of thing. I think it`s sleazy.

I use my home address and it`s absolutely fine. I think there is no real stigma attached to having a home-based business... half of everyone I deal with is working from home too, it`d be silly if we were all trying to fake each other out. It`s much nicer to just openly visit each others` home offices.

—paula

Because e-commerce is conducted on the internet, you could keep up with business from your cell in the retreat house on Iona if you had the way to connect. Internet businesses need a "grounding" if you will.  That`s exactly the concept behind my creating the "virtual HQ" site using MSOffice. (http://www.lywalenterprises.com) It gives my etheral internet business weight--presence--reality. I do not use a "posh" Manhattan address. That seems too much like stuffing your top with gym socks. In a few words, I think this is the core of establishing legitimacy: real people. real service.

Home based businesses are streadily growing through out this country. People have taken a liking to this type of business. Using your home address should be fine afterall, its how you do business, not where you do business that counts.

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This brings up an interesting point.  If you intend to have customers contact you either in person or phone, you have to project the image of a well established business.  Without tooting my own horn here, this is where the virtual office products really shine.  My company, for instance, provides you with not only a 1-800 number, but virtual office solutions so that customers can reach you no matter where you are.  And you can manage your voice systems from anywhere in the wold with an internet connection.  There is nothing worse than calling what you think is a well established business and a kid answers the phone and hollers "Dad Phone for You".

Now on the topic of the address.  Depending on what you are selling, it is ok to use a home or PO Box.  If you are selling hard goods (clothes, widgets) you may want to consider a storefront of some sort if you think you may get a lot of local business.  This is a BIG investment and should only be considered if it can provide a good return on investment.



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Jason Hite, President
SoCal Voice Solutions
Toll-Free Voice Fax Hosted PBX Services

I don`t think virtual offices should be used strictly for address purposes, but they are a great alternative to having a regular office space if you just need a place to meet clients occasionally.

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Rebecka Melson | Virtual Business Services | www.vbsofok.com

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Deena B. Burgess, Esq.
www.ebusinesslawgroup.com
Offering Affordable Legal Solutions to Online Businesses
Check me out at Twitter and Linked In

I use a PO box as my business address. I work out of my home but I have to think about the protection of my kids and my family and not just put my home address "out there" for all to see. My clients all know I work out of my home and after I have established a personal relationship with them, if they need my home address, it`s no big deal. But for marketing and internet use I just use my PO Box.

I tend to agree with the poster who said they feel a little scammed when they find out a company is using a "shell" address. It makes me wonder if they`re doing an honest business because they might be trying to hide. I wouldn`t consider the Reno/Egypt office situation to fall into this category though.

Not that I would need someone to answer my calls necessarily, but it *does* seem like a neat idea to have a professional place to meet clients once in a while... maybe focus on a share-rental type situation rather than strictly an address rental.



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Marisa Snow, Snow Business Solutions
You run the business, we`ll run the numbers!
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