Hello fellow Real Estate Pros!  I am debating the benefits of receiving mail at a PO Box vs. a Private Mail Box.  The PO Boxes are at the U.S. Post Office and the PMBs are at private stores, such as PostNet, Mail Box etc. and The UPS Store.

Work-from-home professionals need a mailbox address to protect their privacy and security.  Did you know that ANYONE can find your Dept. of Real Estate mailing address online?!?  I certainly don't want everyone to know my home address with my family!

PO Boxes

Benefits:

  • 24-hour access
  • Inexpensive
  • Can easily get stamps & send out mail also
  • More anonymous than PMB store
  • Buy stamps at cost

Drawbacks:

  • Not a street address, may also need to give out your street
  • Limited services (see benefits of PMB

Private Mail Boxes

Benefits:

  • Can receive private shipping, such as FedEx & UPS
  • Can receive large packages without hassle
  • Can send out private shipping, such as FedEx & UPS
  • Can easily get stamps, send out mail, and do other services, such as: faxing, copying, purchasing office supplies
  • Staff will gladly pack your shipping boxes for you if needed (extra cost)
  • May be able to set up a monthly charge account, and pay for all services once per month
  • Small staff, get to know them well, they will do extra favors for you
  • You can call in and ask what's in your mailbox (before making the trip down to pick it up)
  • Staff can call you if you receive a fax, package, etc.
  • May be able to get mail early due to personalized service

Drawbacks:

  • May not offer 24-hour access (although most do)
  • PMB slightly more expensive than PO Box
  • Mailing services are more expensive
  • The owner may move or close their store, leaving you in limbo
  • Mail delivery in boxes may depend on staff workload (early AM or late PM)

What experiences have you had with either PO Boxes or PMBs?  Please share your thoughts, we'd love to hear from you!

Join my NEW group for professionals who work from their home office at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice

Regina P. Brown
Allison James Estates & Homes
www.ReginaBrown.AllisonJamesInc.com

Regina P. Brown
Broker, Realtor®, e-Pro
California DRE # 00983670
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8 Comments on What's Better, PO Box or PMB? Need your Input

NOV
26
2008
184,726 Points 3 Featured Posts

I really believe if they want you address they are going to find it anyway. I had a client show up at my house and my home address was not posted anywhere.
8:05pm • #1
316,622 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Marty, I agree that privacy is a obsolete in our "technology" information age.  Anyone can find anything on the internet, with a little persistence.

Regina P. Brown
Allison James Estates & Homes
www.ReginaBrown.AllisonJamesInc.com
8:26pm • #2
JAN
02
2009
570,582 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Regina,  If you are working out of your home, eventually the very most industrious may find you, but most won't bother.  A PO Box or PMB will give you a large degree of privacy.  I personally prefer the private mailbox.  In most cases, that will give you an actual street and suite number address, which makes people feel more secure. 

Or if there are any executive suites in your area, that is an even better solution.  When I first was practicing law and couldn't afford a big swanky office of my own, I rented two rooms in an executive suite - one for me and one for my secretary.  They had a conference room, receptionist, and a gal who did typing and other clerical chores, and my neighbors in other rooms were in every kind of business imaginable.  It gave me a great office atmosphere at very low cost, and 24 hour access. 

At even lower cost were those people who didn't even rent rooms, but just got their mail there.  The receptionist sorted all incoming mail into cubbyholes at her desk, and some folks would simply come by daily and pick theirs up.  If they needed to meet with clients, they could use the conference room if it wasn't in use, and it didn't cost much more than a Mail Boxes, Etc.  If someone dropped in to meet with one of the mail drop folks, the receptionist would simply say "He's not in right now. May I take a message?"  This makes you seem more substantial and therefore more trustworthy to some people.
9:47pm • #3
JAN
03
2009

Another option is a mail forwarding service.  I found the one I use through by searching for a virutal office solution.  The mail forwarding service is more expensive that both the PO Box and the PMB solution.  I personally use all three for different reasons however the reality has previously been spoken which is that in our current age if someone wants to find you they will.

Best of Luck,

Mike Chouinard

http://www.delmaeproperties.com

 
12:20am • #4
316,622 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Susan, that is a lot of good insight, thank you for your comments.
2:34am • #5
316,622 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Mike, that solution sounds a little bit complicated, but it works for you!
2:35am • #6
206,053 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Seriously, it's not hard to find you anywhere.  IF you own real estate your address is public record and that you own the property.  I just don't worry about people finding me, I'm helping buyers and sellers, not arresting criminals or anything like that.  Just believe that if they want to find you that bad, it's really easy.  They may not know if your address is a home or building situation if that concerns you then go with one of the choices.  Either works, perception wise, people know when it's a PO box that you probably have a home office.  Whatever you need to do is what you should do and don't worry.
3:01am • #7
316,622 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Terrylynn, thanks for the update.  As J.J. Luna says, privacy is the casualty of our information age!
3:03am • #8


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Regina P. Brown, e-Pro Realtor®

San Luis Obispo, CA

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California Coast & Country Homes, Inc.

Address: California Coast & Country Homes, Inc.

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Top California Broker and Realtor Regina P. Brown writes articles and blogs about local real estate trends, houses for sale, and tips for home buyers.


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