I need a PO Box for my business, but non-USPS deliveries aren't accepted. Will this be a problem? How often do clients deliver things via UPS?

[number1pencil]

I'm just starting my own business, but I can't run it out of my apartment. Do clients deliver stuff via UPS/Fedex? Thanks,

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

For me, almost never. About the only thing would be architect plans, and those come to me in pdf form now.
I have PO Box, it gets very little mail, but I can put it on the appraisal instead of my home address. That is my only reason to keep it.
You can go Mailboxes etc and receive anything, I think. It costs more though last I checked.

 

[Sid Holderly]

In the past some AMC would not accept a PO Box only, You had to have a physical address of your business on the appraisal. I work out of my home, but home businesses for many professionals is allowed by zoning.

 

[Elliott]

Never. I have all kinds of "delivery" problems because I don't have USPS address except a post office box, and of course the situs doesn't show up as a delivery address for some 'shippers.' You'd think after 911 they would have resolve all of this, but nope.

The only thing lenders and AMCs send me are checks.

 

[WestMichiganCG]

You might consider getting a small office. There is one near me that rents out fractional pieces of a larger office. There is a person in the front to take packages and you get a small office space (10' x 10') and access to a conference room if you reserve it.

 

[number1pencil]

In the past some AMC would not accept a PO Box only, You had to have a physical address of your business on the appraisal. I work out of my home, but home businesses for many professionals is allowed by zoning.

I'm fine with putting my address for AMCs. Some even have an 'order address' field separate from the business address. I know the AMC my old bank uses prioritizes based on distance from subject.

Thanks everyone, I'll just get a PO box. I ran a shop for someone else a while ago and I forgot if UPS/fedex was a thing.

 

[spittman]

I've used a PO Box for years. I got it for the portability when I realized it was a lot easier not having to update all my clients if I should ever move. The post office has a new thing now where you can sign up for a "virtual" street address to be associated with your PO Box, but I have not tried it yet. Good idea for those clients that need a physical address so you might want to Q&A that when you sign up for one. There are different size boxes you can get. I have the smallest size box. I rarely get anything other than letter size envelopes (checks) from clients, but when I have gotten something that didn't fit they will either put a key in your box that will open a larger safety box in their holding section or a notice to pick it up at the desk.

 

[KHS445]

The firm I am associated with has had the same PO Box for more than 40 years. Reports and invoices use to include a physical address, but that was dropped almost 20 years ago.

 

[Walter Kirk]

I have used a P.O. Box for three years, since selling my office building with no problems with deliveries. If someone wants to send me something via UPS or Fedex I give them my home address.