A PO Box, or Post Office Box, is an ever-present part of postal systems worldwide. For many years, post offices have provided these mailboxes to give individuals privacy and provide them with an address they can use for mail communications.
We’re often contacted by businesses who have heard of the term PO Box and want to understand whether it would work for them.
The short answer is yes, our virtual PO Boxes are suitable for business use, although there are some rules around what you can and cannot do.
Virtual addresses provide businesses with more flexibility and cost-savings, helping them manage their physical post digitally. Many different types of companies utilise virtual addresses for various reasons, with some examples being the points below.
Your business will need to provide an address while trading. Whether this is on invoices, at the bottom of your email or website, given to Companies House when registering your business, or anywhere else - there will be a time when an address is needed.
If your company does not have a UK address or you don’t wish to use your home address, a PO Box can be used in several ways:
However, there are a few restrictions on PO Boxes for business use. The following aren't available on PO Box plans as they require a physical address. If you need any of the following, our business address service can be used instead.
Virtual addresses are suitable for every UK business type. Even if your company changes legal status as it grows, your address will still offer value. Some examples of the types of businesses using virtual addresses include:
Many companies will use their home address when starting out, which can pose risks to the privacy of their address. No one wants unexpected visitors turning up or knowing their home address, regardless of the business size. A virtual address offers extra protection and security and ensures your home isn’t compromised.
Using a virtual address may be a more cost-effective way of fulfilling your business's address needs. Office and mailroom costs can be extremely high in prime locations, and a virtual address may allow you to say goodbye to the office and transition to a remote way of working.
You’ll also receive access to mail management services when you purchase a virtual business address. These services allow you to take complete control of your physical mail from anywhere in the world.
Our platform is just like having a post office in your pocket. You’ll have access to every tool you need to read, manage and store all of the mail your business receives. Some examples of the services you can utilise include:
We pride ourselves in providing excellent customer service, and we think our high Trustpilot score reflects our efforts in this respect. Our UK based team, is always on hand to speak with new and existing customers, answer their questions and look to solve any potential problems they may have.
A virtual PO Box is just like a PO Box, except you can manage your address and mail online from anywhere in the world. Learn more and how to get one in our blog.
In short, no, you can’t receive parcels at a PO Box. You can only use your PO Box to receive letters. However, our free courier point address can be used instead.
PO Box addresses have been around for as long as most of us can remember, but it’s only in the last decade that they’ve become cheaper & more accessible.
In this blog post we explain everything you need to know about PO Box Addresses in the UK, including what they cost & how to get one.
