Virtual Address vs. UPS Store Mailbox:  Which is Better for Businesses?

Business success can be hard to come by if the market doesn’t think you’re the real deal. And if your business doesn’t sound, look, and feel legitimate, you’re bound to lose money. In business, reputation builds brands. Credibility sustains success.

A business address is one way that your business can establish credibility. And a business address tells your customers and competitors that you’re a legitimate entity. However, if you manage your business from home, using your personal address doesn’t exactly convey a professional or credible image. Not to mention, it’s a significant security risk as well.

The two top business address options that will earn you credibility are a virtual address and a UPS Store Mailbox. Let’s explore their differences and determine which one is better suited for your businesses.

What Is a Virtual Address?

A virtual address is a real street address or location that you can use as a mailing address. A virtual mailbox service enables a business to use a street address to receive mail without requiring a physical presence at that location. Pack-and-ship centers or coworking spaces typically offer virtual address services.

Benefits of a Virtual Address for Businesses

Affordable: A virtual address is a much less expensive alternative to renting a traditional physical space for business.

Privacy: Instead of using your home address for business, a virtual address protects your personal information and keeps your home and family safe.

Credibility: Virtual addresses are often in prestigious commercial spaces. A home address for business doesn’t exactly scream professional or credible.

Additional Services: Most virtual address providers also offer services beyond the location. Some offer mail forwarding services and virtual phones as well.

Disadvantages of a Virtual Address for Businesses

Lack of Physical Space: For occasions when you need to meet with clients or store your products, a virtual address can’t help you.

Limited Service: Only certain virtual address providers offer services that you may need for your business, such as shipping, forwarding, or virtual phone lines.

What is a UPS Store Mailbox?

A UPS Store Mailbox is a mail service offered by UPS. It is an actual box that you rent and can personally access, just like a USPS PO Box.

A UPS Store Mailbox is a physical street address that you can use as a mailing address for both business and personal purposes. You can sign up for a UPS Store Mailbox at a UPS location, but keep in mind, not all UPS locations offer UPS Store Mailbox services.

Benefits of a UPS Store Mailbox for Businesses

Affordable: Just like renting a virtual address, a UPS Store Mailbox is cheaper than a traditional office space for your business.

Privacy: When used as a business mailing address, the service provides security and privacy protection.

Mail Services: By default, a UPS Store Mailbox comes with mail services that can be helpful. You can receive important mail or packages and keep them secure in your personal mailbox.

Credibility: UPS Stores are located in business centers. A UPS Store mailbox’s actual street address lends credibility to your business.

Disadvantages of a UPS Store Mailbox for Businesses

Lack of Physical Space: It doesn’t offer a physical space for real-life meetings.

Availability: Not all UPS Stores offer a mailbox service.

Mailbox Size Limitation: UPS Store Mailboxes have set sizes. This may prove a disadvantage, especially if you receive large parcels for your business.

ATMB Offers the Best of Both Worlds

So, which is better for businesses? A virtual address or a UPS Store Mailbox? Either works, depending on your business needs.

If you only need a credible business address to include on your business cards, a virtual address may be suitable for you.

However, a better answer would be a service that offers the best of both worlds: A virtual mailbox. Anytime Mailbox virtual mailbox is the perfect combination of the best virtual address and UPS Store Mailbox features. And for business credibility, it won’t let you down.

ATMB vs virtual address vs UPS Store Mailbox

Anytime Mailbox

Virtual Address

UPS Store Mailbox

Real Street Address

Yes

Yes

Yes

Affordable Plans

Plans start at $9.99

Rates vary per service provider

Rates vary per location

Availability

Over 2,500 locations worldwide

Depends on the service provider

Not offered in all UPS Stores

Mail Services

Open & scan, forwarding, junk mail handling, storage

Not provided by all service providers, some offer a virtual address only

Available as part of the UPS Store service

Physical Space

Available from coworking spaces that offer Anytime Mailbox

Available from coworking spaces or flex work providers

Not available

Remote Mail Access

Yes, with a mobile phone app or web portal

Depends on the service provider

No app or web platform, only mail or text alerts.

Business Credibility with ATMB

Prestige: An Anytime Mailbox virtual mailbox provides your business with a prestigious business address. You can pick a virtual mailbox in a respected commercial center, a retail district, or a coworking space.

Global Reach: Choose a real street address from over 2,500 global locations. Want to look global and reach a wide audience? An Anytime Mailbox in another city, country, or continent is the key.

More Tools for Success: With Anytime Mailbox you also have the opportunity to utilize tools designed by business builders for business builders. Anytime Phones, for example, is a virtual phone system that allows users to make and receive phone calls over the internet. A separate phone line for business makes you look more professional and contributes to a better work-life balance.

How to Sign up for an ATMB Virtual Mailbox

Explore available locations here.

Sign up for the location or plan that suits your needs.

Submit the required documents and verify identity via online notary.

Start using your virtual mailbox for your business after we confirm your account.

Closing Thoughts

Business credibility is the currency for success, and your business address plays a critical role in establishing your professional and trustworthy reputation. If you’re a home-based business or a one-person operation, using your home address for your business isn’t the best way to go.

Instead, your best options for a secure business address are a virtual address or a UPS Store Mailbox. Both services come with their own pros and cons. If you want both services in one platform, however, an Anytime Mailbox is your answer.