Just wanted some insight from my VAF colleagues:
In the past couple of weeks I have received several emails from potential clients inquiring about mail services. They are looking for two different types of services:
1) providing a PO Box where their customers can send mail to and then I forward the important stuff to them (checked with post office and clerk warned against this unless I knew the company because I would have to open the PO Box under my name and thus would be ultimately responsible for bills or any illegal activity)
2) the company emails me stuff that I print out and send out on their behalf.
Has anyone else been contacted recently about these types of services? Does anyone provide these types of mail services to their clients? All of the inquiries are from other potential clients in other countries and say they are trying to save money on postage while maintaining a United States address.
I've never been contacted. However, I have seen it done. The P.O. Box can be opened in the name of the client and/or the company and give you authorization to retrieve the mail. There are a number of "offices" in the Dallas area that provide this as a part of their "concierge" service.
__________________ Shellye L. Lyons, Business/Marketing Manager ~~ The Lyons Group, LLC
Be CAREFUL. Only do this if you know the company and are comfortable with their legitimacy. Some companies will use this as a scam (potential money laundering) to have you collect their payments, then send them to their real or other mailing address. A scam company may also use this to avoid liability or being "found" by their clients or legal agencies.
Thanks for your input ladies! I have seen the concierge-type mail acceptance services before too - I guess they are willing to take on the responsibility for whatever their clients receive in the mail.
What do you ladies think about the second scenario? Do you think that one is a scam too?
The second scenario would depend on the content of what they want you to mail. If you do, make sure the mailed material is "acceptable" and that the return address is from your Client Company NOT your company. Remember to bill them for postage fees.
Providing Mail Services
Shellye L. Lyons, Business/Marketing Manager ~~ 
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