PO Box vs UPS Store vs Virtual Mailbox for Your Small Business

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  • Опубликовано: 28 янв 2025

Комментарии • 127

  • @spraycandy01
    @spraycandy01 Год назад +42

    I’m setting up a shopify right now and ran into the issue of having my home address displayed to any potential customers which was very concerning and I wasn’t sure what to do. This video was very helpful and you did a great job of outlining the pros and cons of each option in an honest way. Thank you so much for this video, I feel a lot less overwhelmed.

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад +2

      Great to hear!!

    • @worldaroundyounearyou
      @worldaroundyounearyou Год назад

      I use to have shoppyfy and they close my store when someone spend more than 300$ never gave me a reason why they close my account

    • @stinkydanlucas
      @stinkydanlucas 10 месяцев назад +2

      same here...Which service did you decide on?

    • @spraycandy01
      @spraycandy01 10 месяцев назад +4

      @@stinkydanlucas I went for the UPS mailbox and started with the three month plan to try it out and just updated to the 6 month plan which I paid about $125 for. It’s pricier for sure but I feel it comes off more professional to have a street address.

    • @stinkydanlucas
      @stinkydanlucas 9 месяцев назад

      @@spraycandy01 I ended up going with Ipostal. I got a local street address and nearby office. It has app access too

  • @TeedyASMR
    @TeedyASMR 11 месяцев назад +15

    man i'm so glad there's videos for nearly everything these days. thank you for making this comparison vid!!

  • @rogerfarley3300
    @rogerfarley3300 11 месяцев назад +11

    An added value to UPS is... you can also use their physical delivery access for your local address, which I need for Shopify returns... many business services will not accept a PO Box as an address. Great video!

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  11 месяцев назад

      Good point about UPS stores!

    • @amberzappotta6668
      @amberzappotta6668 9 месяцев назад

      UPS stores are terrible, they only offer UPS. Go to an independent mailing store that offers all of the carriers and services plus more at a discounted price. Lol, this must be someone paid by UPS to make think you are getting great service. Most independent ship & pack locations offer these services at a discounted price.

    • @Xiosoranox
      @Xiosoranox 9 месяцев назад

      @@amberzappotta6668 UPS IS an independent mailing store. It's not that anyone's getting paid, it's that most USPS locations don't have a physical address associated with P.O. Boxes. Banks, insurance companies and many other businesses will not accept P.O. Boxes as a mailing option so you literally have to go with UPS because your mailbox is listed as a physical address with them.

    • @TechyGamerVibeZ
      @TechyGamerVibeZ 8 месяцев назад

      @@amberzappotta6668 UPS STORE IS BETTER!

    • @Darkness-ie2yl
      @Darkness-ie2yl 6 месяцев назад

      prices bro. prices

  • @N-SS
    @N-SS 11 месяцев назад +7

    Finally, a video that was helpful, informative, detailed and easy to understand. I was already aware of the differences, but you gave much more clarity. Thank you Elizabeth!

  • @mmitra72
    @mmitra72 11 месяцев назад +5

    Very well explained. Super Informative.

  • @Rae-sy6tx
    @Rae-sy6tx 5 месяцев назад +3

    Thank you so much! This video has answered my question I needed answered. UPS mail box will be the best fit for my business.

  • @ianfung503
    @ianfung503 Год назад +6

    Hi Elizabeth! Another great package of info you’ve presented here. I was just wondering if one can use a Virtual Mailbox to setup an LLC for privacy.

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад +6

      You can use the virtual mailbox for the mailing address. For the registered agent and the physical location address, they want a street address where someone is located -- but you can hire a registered agent for that

  • @isactucker3788
    @isactucker3788 11 месяцев назад +7

    Don't forget about independent mail stores with boxes :).

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  11 месяцев назад

      Thanks for the reminder!

  • @essentiallyyvonne
    @essentiallyyvonne 2 месяца назад

    Very well explained. After a few videos searching for a good overall understanding this video did just that! Thank you!

  • @PostalMateTraining
    @PostalMateTraining 9 месяцев назад +9

    You can also get a Private Mailbox from your local Mom and Pop pack and ship store! You can receive any type of package from these stores, even Amazon and you can support small businesses in your area! Some are even as inexpensive as the US Postal Boxes and A lot of these stores also have virtual mailbox services that they offer as well!

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  8 месяцев назад +1

      Yep, most of the places on anytimemailbox and ipostal1 are little mom and pop shops

  • @Tiffany-RemoteOfficeGirl
    @Tiffany-RemoteOfficeGirl 9 месяцев назад

    Thanks!🖥

  • @jdotcelis
    @jdotcelis Год назад

    Thank you so much for this video! Without much research I chose Virtual but you basically clarified it and im glad i chose it! Thank you! Can’t wait for the next video to see which virtual mailbox is best fit!

  • @dreamcatcherjulie1
    @dreamcatcherjulie1 22 дня назад

    Great info. thank you.

  • @kyrareneeLOA
    @kyrareneeLOA 8 месяцев назад +3

    What was not talked about is the independent mail box rental stores... To me they are the best, if your city has some. I had 4 independent stores, never lost mail. always a great owner... but it depends

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  7 месяцев назад +1

      I did multiple videos about this topic, and do talk about them in other videos. But yes in certain situations they can be a great solution

  • @erkle93
    @erkle93 Год назад +1

    Hi Elizabeth - THANK YOU! This was super helpful for me - especially as I'm starting a new online business.
    I'd like the option for a PO Box/virtual mailbox to simply to attach a return address to my shipping labels and anonymize my actual address from customers - I don't plan on receiving mail (aside from returns) to that address. Does a virtual mailbox give you the flexibility to ship/send from that address while still receiving mail from my home address?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад

      Some virtual mailboxes charge you extra for receiving boxes. So it really depends. I'd say that usually a PO Box or a UPS Store box is best for returns (until you are big enough to use a fulfillment service)

  • @Native722
    @Native722 Месяц назад +1

    I'm sorry if you mentioned this already, but can we drop off packages to be delivered at virtual mailboxes?
    I just need a good for selling things online like ebay and accepting returns from buyers.

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Месяц назад +1

      It depends on the place, but usually yes most have outgoing mail - also watch out though for returns because some charge by the package, by the day, so if you get lots of returns that could add up. Every place has different calculations

  • @meatykins
    @meatykins 11 месяцев назад

    Super informative, thank you!

  • @definecoco27
    @definecoco27 11 месяцев назад +1

    I'm a small business owner so what would you prefer?
    I trying to kick start on esty. So I want to do some price difference and check with them.

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  11 месяцев назад +1

      If you need to be able to accept returns, look at either the PO Box or UPS Store

    • @definecoco27
      @definecoco27 11 месяцев назад

      @@ElizabethPW
      Thank you mam!
      I will take a look at USPS
      And also register with them.

  • @marcfruchtman9473
    @marcfruchtman9473 Год назад +2

    Thank you for the video! I didn't know about all the different services other than PO Box.
    Re: PO Boxes, as you mentioned, a PO Box is not considered a "physical street address", and one of the downsides of that is certain companies will not allow delivering packages to PO Boxes. Another example is when something requires a signature, the mail cannot be sent to a PO Box.
    I don't quite understand the utility of the "Virtual" mailing address with regard to packages or mail that I want to have forwarded to me. Wouldn't that markedly increase the cost over PO Box and UPS since I would have to pay again to have it delivered?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад

      There are some PO Boxes that have a street address, but not all of them. But yes if you are getting lots of non-USPS packages then I'd guess a UPS Store would work best (but you'd need to pick up in person).

  • @abelvaldivia6132
    @abelvaldivia6132 5 месяцев назад

    Amazing Explanation!

  • @wreckgirl
    @wreckgirl Год назад

    Thanks! Very much appreciate the concise info.

  • @RaisingLittleLearners
    @RaisingLittleLearners Год назад +1

    Hello, I’m considering getting an llc and adding to my TikTok shop. I don’t want customers having my personal address. Would UPS be the best option since I can get a real address instead of a P.O. Box?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад +1

      For an LLC you'd need a registered agent address (where a person is there) for the RA address. You could us a PO Box or UPS Store for your mailing address but the RA needs to be a human person there. Typically best idea is a service like www.northwestregisteredagent.com/

  • @jenniferc2030
    @jenniferc2030 Год назад +1

    Thank you for the video, Elizabeth. Can I use a UPS mailbox address to register on trademark application as my mailing address?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад +1

      Yes you can use the UPS mailbox address as the mailing address

    • @Whocasperrantz
      @Whocasperrantz 8 месяцев назад

      @@ElizabethPW so does this mean that I am able to use a ups mailbox for all of my website and business info?
      I’m just now starting my business and I want to use an ups store but I do not know the limitations of using ups instead of virtual.

  • @MyVoiceWorksManagement
    @MyVoiceWorksManagement Год назад

    Elizabeth, so glad I found your YT channel. I am at the point where I am frustrated and have switched back and forth from USPS and UPS. I was looking at the Virtual Mailbox option. But I just need a physical address for my business (IRS and Banks, etc) hence I got the UPS box, but it is 4 times more $$$ than PO Box. My question is, I get checks so I need an inperson box. But can I get a virtual box and have them forward to my PO BOX? Thank you in advance and I have subscribed to your channel its very helpful!

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад

      Hm it depends on the virtual mailbox. Some only forward to your actual address and some forward to anywhere you want. You may need to ask them to find out

  • @MohammadNaeemkanyar
    @MohammadNaeemkanyar Год назад +1

    Thank you for ur helpful information, but could you inform me about, can I use a CA virtual address for my Delaware LLC and EIN formation?? Or is there any tax issue from CA state??

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад +1

      Whether you'd need to pay taxes in CA isn't about just using a virtual address there -- you'd need other physical apsects for "nexus" like employees, inventory, an office, etc.

  • @leoking_88
    @leoking_88 5 месяцев назад

    Hi Elizabeth, thanks for the informative videos! I’m thinking about getting a Private Mailbox from the UPS Store to use as the address for opening a bank account with BoA. In your experience, would this be more likely to be accepted at a BoA branch compared to a PO Box or virtual addresses from services like AnytimeMailbox, EarthClassMail, or iPostal1?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  5 месяцев назад +1

      Hm they will not accept a PO Box but yes they might for a UPS store or other virtual mailbox - if anyone looks it up (even on Google maps), it’s very easy to tell it’s not a real location, though

  • @ThComedy_
    @ThComedy_ Год назад

    Hello, which virtual box do you use? Thank you!

    • @ThComedy_
      @ThComedy_ Год назад

      Oop! I see you have another video for this!

  • @Rick-gv7uk
    @Rick-gv7uk Год назад

    Hi Elizabeth, Thank you for the video! Do you know if the city of San Francisco and the California Secretary of State will generally accept the use of a virtual mailbox from Anytime mailbox or Ipostal1 as a physical address for foreign qualification e registration? In theory they are a real physical address with a # number at the end, right? Thanks!

  • @andrecarvalho3376
    @andrecarvalho3376 Год назад

    Hello Elizabeth, thanks for the video! I'm not from the USA, and I'll be there on vacation in November. I’ll be for very few days, and one day I'll pass nearby Delaware, which doesn’t have taxes, so I'm planning to buy some stuff online (Amazon, Best Buy, New Egg) and send it to one place like P.O. Box, UPS Store, or Virtual Mailbox. It looks like the size of the products does not fit the Amazon locker. Which service would you recommend to send the packages and local pickup (since I'm using a lot of AIRBNB on this trip, I won't have the hotel to receive the packages)?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад

      Hm to accept a bunch of packages, UPS Store is best. But you may have trouble opening it online vs anytime mailbox

  • @leephan590
    @leephan590 Месяц назад

    If I am sending out mailers to homeowners, should I get a pô box?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Месяц назад

      Might be good if you are going to get a lot of returns.

    • @leephan590
      @leephan590 Месяц назад

      @@ElizabethPWwould you recommend cold calling or mailing to homeowners?

  • @kelleebethel3284
    @kelleebethel3284 7 месяцев назад

    😢ty for this information. My question is I need to get my business license but I can't use a PO box, will a UPS mailbox work?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  7 месяцев назад

      Depends on the city -- some look it up (and see that it is a UPS store) and some do not.

  • @alansnyder8448
    @alansnyder8448 Год назад

    Where can I learn more about virtual mailboxes?
    Thanks for this video. I'm right now facing this choice for the first time. I'm my case I have an LLC which is a holding company for my patents and software I write. I will get almost no mail, but when I do it would be a contract that might arrive by FedEx or UPS. I think for me this eliminates the P.O. Box.
    But still leaves the UPS Mailbox (which is a real address) and a virtual mailbox.
    Right now I know I have a UPS Store close by and convenient but it will be very expensive. I'm just today learning about the Virtual Mailbox, so need to do more research on that.
    What is the best way to figure out if the virtual mailbox is right for my case?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад +1

      Check out the local virtual mailbox addresses to make sure they have the features you want (such as getting fedex & ups) - they would be cheaper than UPS store but only are good if they have what you want

    • @alansnyder8448
      @alansnyder8448 Год назад

      @@ElizabethPW Thanks. I've done some research on Thursday and Friday and right now, I'm trying to decide between (a) iPostal1 with a premium address which would be about 60ish, and using the address of a local workspace which would be a much better address if anyone were to google the address.
      I don't expect a lot of mail but want to work with some big companies and wonder if a better mail address might result in a few better leads. I'm not sure, but once you get an address it seems hard to change it.

  • @SooperTrooper100
    @SooperTrooper100 10 месяцев назад

    I am considering a UPS Store box. The closest one asks for 2 forms of ID but doesn’t say what I need to bring with me to get set up. I did email them this afternoon and I hope to read their response tomorrow but thought I would ask here also. I do have my drivers license but wonder what the second form of ID needs to be.

    • @phototristan
      @phototristan 10 месяцев назад +1

      Passport or birth certificate

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  10 месяцев назад

      One photo ID and one can be a non-photo ID. Call them to ask to make sure, but the other one should be something that has your address, like a utility bill, car insurance card, etc.

  • @Darkness-ie2yl
    @Darkness-ie2yl 6 месяцев назад

    I like the Amazon box in the back

  • @shawnagustafson1628
    @shawnagustafson1628 Год назад +1

    My local PO box costs over $90 every 6 months for the smallest option. Is that normal?

    • @shawnagustafson1628
      @shawnagustafson1628 Год назад +1

      I sell on etsy and am just looking for a way to have my return address me something other than my home. It would be very rare for me to get mail, but still need to have a return address in case something gets lost or someone needs to make a return.

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад

      Typically a PO Box is the cheapest, and yes that sounds typical

    • @PatienceMelissa
      @PatienceMelissa Год назад

      Mine costs $222/year!

    • @gorkyd7912
      @gorkyd7912 Год назад

      Yes, they costed $100 every 6 months for me and then they lie to me saying they closed my box because I didn't pay. There are tons of cheaper virtual mailbox services in the $99 - $150/year range that will forward mail, scan contents, deposit checks, etc. PO boxes will do none of these things and frankly I think they're a scam.

  • @varun25p
    @varun25p Год назад

    Hi EliZabeth, I am planning to open a LLC and have below questions. I don't want to use my Home address for LLC formation. Please clarify on the below.
    1. Can i use UPS Mail Box street address for my Business Physical Address, Mailing Address and for EIN filing with IRS?
    2. Can i use Registered agent by myself with my Home address? By using home address for Registered agent show up in the public?
    3. Does Banks allow using UPS Mail Box street address for opening Business Bank Accounts?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад +1

      You can use a UPS store box for mailing address, but registered agent address and physical location address needs to be a physical location where you are actually located. The bank will accept the UPS mailbox for your mailing address but will likely want the real location address for the owners/officers who are signing on the account

    • @rafraf715
      @rafraf715 Год назад

      @@ElizabethPW to clarify on this we cannot use a UPS physical address as the business address? how come there are conflicting answers from lawyers regarding this physical address for the business? Even though our place of business will be technically at home since we will only be selling online and amazon will handle returns as well. i called secretary of state and i spoke with someone at their corporate line and they mentioned just as long as UPS has a physical address and is NOT a P.O. box then they will accept and process this as business address and mailing address...

  • @antoinette-mays
    @antoinette-mays Год назад

    When you have the mail at a virtual address “forwarded” so you can open it, is there generally a fee involved? I know there’s a fee to pickup.

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад +1

      Typically yes, you pay for shipping and sometimes another fee (but sometimes the first x number is no fee)

  • @kingdomimage
    @kingdomimage 10 месяцев назад

    hello, do you know if a PO Box can be used as a principal business address in Georgia?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  9 месяцев назад

      I don't know about Georgia, but usually a PO Box is a mailing address, not a principal place of business (which is a location)

  • @judykristensen6113
    @judykristensen6113 Год назад

    So I’m a micro I fluencer and get packages sent to me from fans and have to have my address fully private. Would you recommend a virtual box and if so which one that completely hides my address. I just want a fake address I can give to my viewers but have the box show up at my house.

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад

      Hm I don't know of one where they automatically forward boxes to your house. If you get UPS Store or USPS they will accept the boxes but you have to pick it up. If you use a virtual they will forward boxes but it is really expensive (you are paying for that shipping)

  • @rafraf715
    @rafraf715 Год назад

    hi elizabeth. we are wondering if you can use a UPS address as both the business address and mailing address here in california to form an LLC? privacy wise we are not comfortable putting our homes as the place of business.. we will be planning on just selling online through amazon FBA..

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад +2

      So you might be able to do that with the current bizfile system, but the registeted agent needs to be an address that is a physical location where an agent of the company can accept legal documents (like be served with a lawsuit), so a UPS store won't work for that.

    • @maia-33300
      @maia-33300 4 месяца назад

      @@ElizabethPW wow. Great point thank you so much for this!

  • @thanoviceinvestor
    @thanoviceinvestor Год назад

    Hi! Thanks for the awesome content. I started a new LLC and used a vurtual addresss. I intend to sell on Amazon so my biz will be completely online. Question: Can I use a virtual address for a business license and application for reseller permit? My virtual address is in a different city from my home.

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад +1

      It depends on the city where you are getting the biz license. For the sellers permit they sometimes look up the address so they might reject a virtual one

    • @thanoviceinvestor
      @thanoviceinvestor Год назад

      @@ElizabethPW thank you! How about the business license. Are you saying that if the City is ok with it I can use a virtual address (in a different city than my residence) for an online business license?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад +1

      Some cities are okay with it yes because they are more concerned about taxes versus zoning / permitting certain business activities

  • @goodnatured3925
    @goodnatured3925 7 месяцев назад

    People can track you through Amazon if I order something for the business or personal?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  7 месяцев назад

      Not sure what you mean

  • @shermekagordon6890
    @shermekagordon6890 Год назад

    Whats best for business accounts?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад

      I'd have the same answer for a business account as I said in the video -- the answer is to pick which one satisfies your needs

  • @natalieschannel4508
    @natalieschannel4508 10 месяцев назад

    I would like to know if I can use the virtual address, which will be my business address to ship products? Also, can I mail off my shipments to my customers by taking the packages to the U.S. post office and mailing them using the virtual address?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  10 месяцев назад +1

      Well you can use a virtual address as the return address, in theory, but you have to check with the virtual address company to see what happens to returned mail -- they may charge a lot for it

    • @natalieschannel4508
      @natalieschannel4508 10 месяцев назад

      @ElizabethPW OK thanks.

  • @JoE-fi6vv
    @JoE-fi6vv 11 месяцев назад

    Which of these services, if any, require an adult to sign up?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  11 месяцев назад +1

      Hm for all of them you must have a document notarized. That requires ID so the minor has to at least have a driver's license or other state ID. Or a passport. The USPS specifically says a minor can get a PO Box but you have to get it in person. Of course each virtual mailbox company can make their own rules so they could not allow until someone is 18.

    • @JoE-fi6vv
      @JoE-fi6vv 11 месяцев назад

      @@ElizabethPW thanks for the help

  • @vincenza2319
    @vincenza2319 Год назад

    Hi Elizabeth. I'm opening my own little business on Etsy and don't want to use home address as the return address for privacy purposes. Does having a P.O Box just to use solely as a return address only smart to have? My personal mail would come to my home address. Thank you!

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад +1

      Yes you can use a PO Box for returns but you typically have to input it as the street address for the PO Box (ask USPS about it)

    • @vincenza2319
      @vincenza2319 Год назад

      @@ElizabethPW Thank you!

  • @jeanetteagain6631
    @jeanetteagain6631 Год назад

    Thanks 🙏🏻😉

  • @sam10818
    @sam10818 7 месяцев назад

    Can government lookup the UPS mailbox address and figure out if it's not a physical/residence address?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  6 месяцев назад +1

      Yep!!! And they do.

    • @sam10818
      @sam10818 6 месяцев назад

      @@ElizabethPW so we shouldn't file our taxes on those addresses like not to use them as residential address?
      I'm asking because I'm thinking to live out of my car in the future, so just wondering. Please let me know

  • @123itsmejosh
    @123itsmejosh Год назад

    can i use the address of my Virtual Mailbox as the main address on my LLC so i don't have to use my home address?

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад

      You can for sure use it as your mailing address. For location/domicile address, it depends on who you are giving to, some places don't accept virtual for that

  • @jstl7957
    @jstl7957 10 месяцев назад +1

    I am sorry but I disagree when you said a PO Box is the cheapest way to get a mailing address. I have had my PO Box for decades and they keep raising the prices. For six months they used to charge about $48. However within the past few years their rates had been steadily rising. Now, March 9, 2024, they want $91 for that same box. That is certainly not cheap. Especially so when they are drop the ball on their service. For example: forgetting to put a yellow card in my box informing me a package has arrived, that will not fit in the box and that I need to go to the counter to pick it up. That is extremely annoying. What do they say? Short staffed. Well, I understand but that is not what I am paying for. Searching for an alternative.

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  10 месяцев назад

      Sorry you had troubles with them! Yes their fees are going up, but they may still be the least expensive compared to other solutions.

    • @jstl7957
      @jstl7957 10 месяцев назад

      Staples (office supply) will setup a box for someone and only charge $10/month vs. USPS whose rates come out to $15.17/month. For packages they may charge you $1 for each package. With your account you can logon see your mail and what you don't want they will shred for you no charge. Still checking alternatives. @@ElizabethPW

  • @robtxrealtor
    @robtxrealtor 6 месяцев назад

    All i need is an address that doesn't look like a PO box for my new real estae buisiness. I won't be getting much mail at all. Maybe once or twice a year Thx!

  • @Justbizness7777
    @Justbizness7777 Год назад

    I HEARD YOU NEED NOTORIZED FORMS TO OPEN A UPS BOX ACCOUNT.

    • @ElizabethPW
      @ElizabethPW  Год назад

      At the UPS Store they can help you with the forms