P.O. VS Virtual Mailbox – Which is Better for Business?

P.O. vs Virtual Mailbox: As a business owner, you may find yourself facing the issue of keeping your mail secure. Most people don’t go into business wanting to spend their time on simple administration work, like forwarding mail and shredding documents. However, when every piece of mail you receive is important, you want to choose the best mail handling option for your business. With options like a P.O. box and a virtual mailbox, you might not know which to choose. This might lead you to ask:

What are the differences between a P.O. and a virtual mailbox, and which one is better?

Main Differences Between a P.O. Box and a Virtual Mailbox

1. Type of Address

• P.O. Box: Provides a box number at a post office, which is not a real street address.
• Virtual Mailbox: Gives you a real street address that looks more professional and can be used for business.

2. Mail Scanning

• P.O. Box: No scanning services are available. You must visit to see what’s in your mailbox.
• Virtual Mailbox: You can opt for a service that scans your mail and lets you view it online.

3. Mail Forwarding

• P.O. Box: The forwarding options are limited. This is mainly handled by the United States Postal Service (USPS).
• Virtual Mailbox: It’s easy to forward your mail to any address. You can also ask the service provider to shred your mail if you don’t need it.

4. Delivery Services

• P.O. Box: OSPS is the only carrier that delivers to a P.O. box.
• Virtual Mailbox: Accepts packages and mail from all carriers, including FedEx, UPS, and USPS.

5. Use for Business

• P.O. Box: Not ideal for business use. The IRS, along with some other government agencies and companies, doesn’t accept P.O. Box addresses.
• Virtual Mailbox: Great for business purposes. You can use the address to register your business and appear more professional.

6. Extra Features

• P.O. Box: Provides only basic service, just mail collection and storage.
• Virtual Mailbox: Often includes digital mail scans, access to meeting rooms, and other business tools.

Which One Is Better for Business?

P.O. vs Virtual Mailbox: If you’re starting a business, especially from home, a virtual mailbox is usually the better option. Here’s why:

A virtual mailbox provides a real street address:

Which looks more professional on business cards and on your website? In many states, you can also use this address to register your business. With the help of experienced staff, you can see and manage your mail online when you opt in to scanning services. If you don’t need mail, many service providers will shred it for free. Finally, when you need a place to meet with clients or business partners, you can rent meeting rooms or office space at some locations if required.

Comparatively, P.O. boxes don’t provide a business-ready address, don’t have staff available to assist with your mail, and have more limits when it comes to shipping and services. While P.O. boxes can be cost-effective, the limits outweigh the benefits. For modern businesses that value flexibility, professionalism, and convenience, a virtual mailbox is clearly the more intelligent choice.

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Since 2007, Virtual Offices of Las Vegas has been helping businesses thrive. With a proven track record of excellence and an A+ rating from the BBB, we’ve built a reputation for superior customer service. Our team of experts in Las Vegas is passionate about simplifying your business needs. Visit our FAQ page for quick answers to common questions.