having a post office box is extremely useful in the united states. Provides you with a permanent mailing and shipping address so you can be sure your mail is protected even if you’ve traveled out of the country, temporarily changed your location, or lived in a remote location.
A PO Box gives you a more flexible solution to your mail needs and gives you peace of mind knowing your mail is protected from theft and privacy abusers.
Just like anything else, a PO Box has its drawbacks, including limited access, limited storage, and the inability to receive email from some service providers.
but then what is a better alternative? a mailbox with a postal address is the answer to this question.
what is a mailbox?
A mailbox is a receptacle for receiving mail in a private or commercial place. It’s similar to a post office box, but a private mailbox gives you a real address, not a post office address. This is a great advantage as it will give your new or home business a more professional appearance in the eyes of customers.
mail service providers, such as post office, provide private mailbox rental services.
These service providers have a wide range of options for users who want more flexible control over their emails. Options include a virtual mailbox that allows you to check your mail 24/7 from the comfort of your room via an internet connection.
Why is a mailbox with a postal address better than a post office box?
Suppose your small business doesn’t have a physical location or you’re too busy to get mail delivered to your office. in that case, you have two alternatives: a post office box at a post office or a mailbox with a street address at a private mailbox rental provider. but then, a private mailbox is considered a better option. why? here are some reasons:
1. gives you a proper mailing address
One of the main differences between a PO Box and a PMB is that a private mailbox provides your business with a real physical address. A PO Box may not be used as a professional mailing address on your website, advertisements, or filing documents. On the other hand, a mailbox gives your business a real address that can be used anywhere and add value to your business.
2. gives you a permanent address
A separate business address from your residential address ensures continuity even if you move. Instead of bothering to inform customers that your location has changed, you can continue to receive mail through your mailbox without interruption or missed deliveries.
check: how much does a post office box cost
3. you can receive mail and packages from different carriers
one of the major drawbacks of post office boxes is that you will only be able to receive emails from the usps. if you regularly receive mail from other providers, you will have problems. on the other hand, the mailboxes allow packages and correspondence to be received from different carriers, providing reliability and versatility.
4. gives you a more convenient notification option
if you have a post office box, you should visit the post office before you know if you have new mail. On the other hand, private mailboxes often offer convenient notification services, such as sending you an SMS or email every time you receive a new mail or package. some providers also give you a line you can always call to find out if you have new mail or not.
Some mail service providers, such as postscan mail, offer the option of a virtual mailbox, which is 100% virtual and allows you to receive, scan, forward or shred your mail online.
5. provides you with mail forwarding option
Running a small business could mean always being on the road. So there are plenty of times when you don’t want to lose touch with your emails when you’re not around. Private mailbox providers have a mail forwarding service that allows you to receive your mail wherever you are.
6. gives you more flexible storage space
PO boxes have limited storage space, so if you frequently receive packages that are larger than your mailbox, they will be held in a post office locker for you to pick up and you will be prompted to upgrade the size of your box on the other hand, using a private box gives you access to more storage space.
7. 24-hour access to your emails
If you have a PO Box, you will only be able to access your mail during Post Office business hours. But if you have a private mailbox with UPS, you’ll have more flexible access, while a virtual mailbox with a street address gives you 24/7 access to your mail via the Internet.
the benefits of renting a private mailbox
these are some of the benefits of using pmb rental:
- keeps your residential address private
- the versatility to accept deliveries from any carrier
- the privilege of picking up your mail at any time
- greater security and tranquility.
How can I rent a mailbox with a postal address?
1- rent a private mailbox at the ups store:
ups mailbox rental stores are everywhere in the united states. You can easily find a UPS drop box near your workplace.
If you rent a mailbox from ups, you will use the store mailing address as your mailing address. and you will be able to receive packages from different carriers like fedex, usps, dhl and others, not just ups.
Some small business owners even use this UPS mailbox as their business mail for added flexibility. once you have a new mail, you will receive a mail; then you can request to pick it up or forward it.
since you’re considering a mailbox rental service near you, it’s good to know that there are different types of ups mailboxes you can use. for example, there is a personal mailbox and a business mailbox.
A personal mailbox is one that people have and use to receive their mail and packages. A business mailbox, on the other hand, is one that gives a business an edge with a real physical address, and is used by business owners.
how much does an ups mailbox cost?
The average cost of a UPS mailbox is $10 to $50, but this largely depends on your location, the size of the mailbox, and the rental period. check the official ups website for more information on renting a private mailbox with them.
2-get a virtual mailbox with a postal address:
A more convenient and affordable solution is to get a virtual mailbox. Not only does this give you a real address, but it also allows you to access your mail using your phone or any device.
A virtual mailbox is an online digital mailbox that allows you to access your mail anytime, anywhere.
Once you receive an email, it will be scanned by secure mail facilities and uploaded to your mailbox.
You will receive a text message or email notification every time you receive an email so you can log in to your mailbox and view it.
a virtual mailbox also allows you to handle requests such as open and scan, forward, recycle, archive, shred or delete.
Reliable, certified mail facilities will handle your mail and packages. They also provide mail forwarding service, allowing your mails to be delivered wherever you are.
renting your virtual mailbox can be done in 4 easy steps:
- first, choose your preferred plans and a mailbox address for as little as $15 per month
- then fill out usps form 1583, a postal constant that allows a third party to receive and handle your mail.
- When completed, notarize your Form 1583 and return it by mail with two forms of identification.
- then request a change of address with usps so that all your mail is delivered to your new mailbox. change of address costs $1.
read about: how to request a change of address from usps
summary:
A virtual mailbox can be used as a virtual business address, shared on your website and social media platforms, and shared with your clients and investors.
renting a mailbox with a postal address is as simple as abc and can be done in less than a day with postal mail.