You Got Mail! 5 Reasons Your Small Business Should Rent a PO Box
The US Postal Service has over 21 million PO boxes.
If you own a small business, you may be wondering how a PO box could help protect your privacy. Here are some reasons to look into securing one for your company.
1. Privacy
A destination that is just for your business mail can help you maintain privacy. Your customers will not know your personal address.
This is especially helpful if you are a landlord receiving rent from tenants. If eviction is necessary, your personal space is key. People will not be showing up at your home if they are unhappy.
Contracts and checks can remain confidential with a PO box. You can also be confident that your mail will be securely monitored in a locked box inside a post office. No one will be able to take your mail as they are walking past.
2. Convenience
While your post office is only open at certain times, some have extended business hours so you can pick it up at any time. All PO boxes reside on the premises of the post office they belong to.
You can get a PO box at your local post office. It is possible, however, to get one in another city if that is the address you prefer.
The minimum PO box rental is three months. You can, however, secure it for up to a year. PO boxes come in a variety of sizes, depending upon your needs and budget.
Extra-small PO boxes have a measurement of one to three inches by five-and-a-half inches. They are big enough to accommodate letter-sized envelopes, or up to two rolled magazines. The cost is $58 for a six-month rental.
Small PO boxes are two-and-a-half inches by five-and-a-half inches. They can accommodate ten to fifteen letters and up to five rolled magazines. A small PO box will cost about $88 for six months.
Medium PO boxes are eleven inches by five-and-a-half inches. Large envelopes and magazines can be stacked without needing to be rolled. A medium PO box is around $156 for six months.
Large PO boxes are eleven inches by eleven inches. They can easily fit two shoeboxes, with leftover room for ten to fifteen letters. Large PO boxes are around $319 for six months.
Extra-large PO boxes are the largest option. They measure twenty-two-and-a-half inches by twelve inches. Extra-large PO boxes can fit flat boxes and large parcels. They cost about $513 for six months. The exact fee will depend upon your location.
If you receive a package larger than your PO Box, you will get a note that it is waiting safely at the post office window for pickup.
3. It Looks Professional
Many folks with home businesses and offices would like to keep their business mail separate from their personal information. Clients and business associates may view a PO box as more professional than a home address.
You may want to use your PO box to receive statements, invoices, payments, and bills. A PO box can be used to file contracts and licenses and to get permits. It can even help you get your business listed in online directories.
It is also possible to use a PO box for sending certified mail.
A PO box shows customers that your business is more than just a hobby. It is an organization that distributes and receives important documentation on a regular basis.
4. You Get a Permanent Address
If you change your residence, you may not want to have to switch all of your business documentation along with your personal mail. You can keep your PO box address the same, no matter where you live.
Relocating means that all of your credit card bills, bank information, and other personal documents will need to be redirected. If something sent to the wrong address, you could become a victim of identity theft.
With a PO box, you can keep your business documents safe from even if you move to another city.
5. You Get Your Mail Faster
Your usps track certified mail will get delivered to a PO box faster than it would get delivered to your home because you will not be waiting for the postman to get it out for delivery. It will likely be available before noon. This is particularly convenient if you are waiting for something that requires same-day mail-out.
If you are a full-time home professional, a trip to the post office can give you a change of scenery and a chance to stretch your legs. If you need to have someone else pick up your mail for you, they can do so without needing to know where you live.
Obtaining a PO Box
You can apply for a PO Box online or apply for one at your local post office. You will be asked to choose a location and size. Most people receive less than six pieces of mail per week.
Most small boxes are sufficient for people who pick up their mail once a week. If you pick up once a month, you may want a medium box.
Whether you apply in-person or online, you will be required to produce two forms of ID, one of which has your photo on it. Once you have filled out your rental form, you can go to the PO box counter and pick up the key to your new mailbox.
Mailing It In
If you are a small business owner, a PO box can provide you with the privacy, professionalism, and convenience you need for great document delivery.
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