Hey,
I am wondering about a mailing address. I am uncomfortable with putting my home address out there and thought about getting a PO Box instead. I'm in Canada and I'm wondering if US clients would be unhappy about sending here? What does everyone else do as far as address, even within the US?

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Amy
www.porterofficesolutions.com

I have a P.O. Box and have had it since I started my business. I have never had any problems with it. I wouldn't put your home address. You wouldn't want people dropping by unexpectedly, not to mention being uncomfortable with the whole thing for various obvious reasons.

I am interested in hearing what others do, as well.

I use a PO Box. I would not use my home address. I have had no problems for the past few years since I had my PO Box. One tip is that I have all my PO Box mail forwarded to my home address so that I never have to go to the Post Office. That has worked out well. Last year I didn't do that and if I didn't have to go to the PO then it was just an extra trip I didn't need to make.

Janine

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New VAs: I personally recommend Become A Virtual Assistant to Get Started!

I agree with Michelle and Janine. I have a PO Box and that is where everything will go. I went to a UPS store so that they can also accept any packages sent Fed Ex, UPS or DSL. I don't want anyone knowing my personal home address.

Best of luck!

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Amy
TAG Virtual Office, LLC

I have a PO Box as well which is written as a physical address (ie, the box # is a suite #) which I like a lot more.

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April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

I used my address however I will be changing that soon to a PO Box. Only because we are moving again but it now makes sense for me.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I used to rent a mailbox from a local business (not a post office) and I was able to call and ask if I had mail so I wouldn't make unnecessary trips. They would also accept faxes and packages on my behalf and call me if I received one.

They stopped offering the service around the same time that I moved to a highrise, so I now use my home address, since people can't just drop by like they could in a house.

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Janet Barclay, MVA, Organized Assistant
Founder & Director, Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group

I rent a box as well in a store similar to the UPS Store. I prefer not to let any businesses/clients know my home address.

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

I love the idea of a box at the UPS store. That has worked very well for me before.

My UPS store sends me an email whenever I get mail so it is really nice. I don't have to worry about checking it every day.

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Amy
TAG Virtual Office, LLC

I'll have to see if my local UPS store does that. What a great service.

Yes, I too use a PO Box address. It's a street address and you can use it as Post Office Box address or with suite number.......very professional. I absolutely am uncomfortable with using my home address; however, I find that many clients ask to meet at my home especially when they get to know you better. I understand that building relationships is key, but I just prefer the local coffee shop, book store, etc. for meetings, but some insist on meeting me at my home by asking what area and I live in and saying that they are going to be nearby. How would any of you handle clients that put you in this type of dilemma?

yoursvirtually: I would simply state that you do not conduct meetings from your home, but then positively offer other options - such as you said - meeting at a coffee shop or otherwise. I am sure they will meet you wherever you need them to. You can also meet them at their office, if that's an option. It is your choice whether or not to do this. I wouldn't and have not ever conducted meetings from my home, either. Why? Well, simply because it's my HOME.

Sometimes we really just need to make it clear on what we will and will not do from the absolute beginning stages of the relationship. I know it can be tricky when we have local clients. I would absolutely keep my foot down on that one, though, if I were you.

Best of luck!

I love the UPS store idea...and that they will alert you when you have mail is terrific. I must check that out here in my area. I now have a USPS P.O. Box, but UPS sounds much better and no wasted trips to check your box.

Thanks ladies

Betty "The Smart Choice"

In my previous city I had a UPS mailbox so there was a physical street address as there seems to be a general feeling that anyone with a P.O. Box has something to hide ... just stuff I've read. Moving to a new city at the end of 09 I put my address on business cards, which I regret.

Taking a few months off before launching in my new city, I'm doing a makeover of everything, including a photo shoot for a classy picture to put on the website, business cards and marketing materials. I will use a UPS store as an "address" - with an 84 year old frail parent and 2 dogs who will scream blue murder I will not have anyone coming to the house.

I'm in Canada also and a UPS mailbox is about $200 a year. You can leave your business cards there too so it's a place to advertise.

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The Wordpro Wizard
www.wordprowizard.com