In the world of business, not all addresses are created equal – different addresses can have different purposes. Think of giant retail brands that have their headquarters in one location and their retail stores scattered across the world. Then, consider companies that not only have different addresses for various departments but also one that’s reserved solely for processing mail. The latter is what we call the mailing address, and it is distinct from the company’s physical address in that it is used for correspondence only.
So, what’s the deal with physical and mailing addresses? Is it worth having both? Let’s figure that out.
What is a physical address?
A physical address is where you conduct your business operations, whether that’s a downtown office or the comfort of your home. It is a fixed location containing all the necessary information to identify your business’s offices or facilities, including the street name and number, zip code, city, and state. Simply put, it’s the address where you or your office are physically located. It is also what’s required to register your business, which you can’t do with a mailing address alone.
What is a mailing address?
As its name suggests, the primary function of a mailing address is sending and receiving letters, packages, bills, and other types of correspondence. This address can be a post office box, a different office, or a third-party mail service where the business prefers to receive deliveries.
A P.O. box is a practical option for keeping correspondence separate from the rest of your business operations. It’s not a physical address but a mailbox at the post office that you can rent to receive mail and packages. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may collect your deliveries from a lockable mailbox or opt for their mail forwarding services.
Here, it’s important to note that only USPS carriers can deliver shipments to post office boxes, excluding private carriers such as FedEx, DHL, or UPS. The latter can only deliver packages to physical addresses.
Physical address vs. mailing address – should you have both?
The answer is, it depends. Typically, any company that wants to keep its physical address private or to ensure the secure receipt of mail could benefit from having a separate mailing address.
This may or may not be the same as a physical address, which is what usually causes confusion.
Large corporations are a good example of something where the physical and mailing addresses coincide. An established company with an expansive office rarely needs to keep mail separate, as there’s plenty of space in its building for a dedicated mailroom.
In contrast, it is more common for smaller enterprises to have separate physical and mailing addresses. This is especially true if you’re a business owner working primarily from home. You may pop into coworking spaces every now and then to network or to meet clients, but most of your work happens in your home office. In this case, you’ll find it useful to set up a mailing address that creates a clear separation between your personal and business affairs. This way, you’ll preserve the privacy of your home while all the paperwork associated with your company is mailed to a different address.
More than this, choosing a mailing address in a prestigious area automatically boosts your brand image and visibility. Not to mention that you get to do that without the costs of renting or purchasing a pricey office at a premium address. You could argue that a P.O. box does not normally increase one’s credibility and professionalism, and you’re not wrong there. Luckily, there’s still a way for you to run your startup from your home office while having a separate address in a reputable area for mail deliveries.
Virtual office – the ideal mailing address
An address can say a lot about your business, so it’s understandable that you’d want to choose one in a sought-after location that leaves a positive impression on future customers, investors, and potential new hires alike. If strengthening your brand image is a priority for you, you already know that a P.O. box just won’t cut it.
This is where virtual offices come into play. In today’s remote work scene, this service is becoming more and more popular among business owners who are always on the go or prefer their work-from-home setup to a costly workspace downtown. With a WeWork Business Address membership, you can create a strong commercial presence in any of the 175+ locations in select countries at a reasonable price. This way, you not only benefit from professional mail and package handling services, but you’ll also enjoy the perks associated with a well-situated address.
Nowadays, flexible options that suit your business model are available at every corner, whether you’re a budding startup or an established enterprise. In the meantime, the choice between a physical and mailing address will depend on your company’s specific needs.
