You’ve heard of a traditional office and a coworking office, but what’s involved with virtual office services? And who are they right for? Virtual offices are a subscription-based service that allow businesses to have a virtual address. The address is ‘virtual’ because you can use the address to register your business but you’re not using the physical space as your main office.
Virtual office services will come with other features as well. The main features you’ll find across most virtual office packages include mail scanning, mail forwarding, a phone number, and other administrative support. However, the features you get access to will depend on the company and which level of service you pick.
In this article, we’ll be going through how a virtual office works, the features, and what to consider before getting a virtual office. At the end, we’ll give some quick answers to some more frequently asked questions about virtual offices. Feel free to use the navigation below to click through to a certain section.
- Why do I need a virtual address?
- Who should use virtual office services?
- How does mail scanning and mail forwarding work?
- Can I use a virtual office as an alternative to a P.O. box?
- Do I get a landline or phone number?
- Do I get access to any physical spaces?
- What to consider before getting a virtual office
- Quick answers to virtual office FAQs
Why do I need a virtual address?
If you’re a freelancer, sole trader or starting a business, there are many benefits to having a virtual address. A lot of the time, you won’t have the need to work in an expensive office in the city. However, without a premium address, potential customers are less likely to see you or your business as reputable.
Plus, you need a proper address, not a post office address, in order to register your business with ASIC, on Google Maps and other map providers. Using your home address can create a lot of privacy concerns. Fortunately, with virtual office services, you get to use the given business address for these purposes.
At Workit Spaces, our packages come with a Sydney virtual address with packaging starting from only $65/month plus GST. As an added bonus, you get access to member exclusive benefits such as to our coworking desks, meeting rooms, parking spaces, discounts, and Workit business services.
Who should use virtual office services?
Virtual offices services are suitable for a wide range of people. People who want to register their business without using their home address would be ideal for a virtual office. Virtual offices could also be ideal for businesses expanding into a new state or country but aren’t ready for a full-time space.
Other situations where you might need a virtual address include professionals who work from multiple locations, sales teams that are on the go but need a physical space sometimes, social media influencers, or anyone that needs a premium address. With COVID-19 still active, a virtual office could be perfect for those who aren’t ready to commit to a physical space.
Virtual office services for eCommerce businesses
At Workit, we offer a unique package for eCommerce businesses, for $250/month plus GST, in addition to our usual virtual office services. On top of all the typical features, you can get small packages shipped to our eCommerce Hub. Additionally, we can receive and store one pallet from your manufacturer every month.
You get 12 hours of free access every month to our coworking desks, meeting rooms, photography studio and parking spaces. If you’re working from here, you can use our WiFi, and printing, scanning, and copying facilities. You’ll also find business strategy support. If your business is outgrowing your home or garage, you can look into our eCommerce storage and coworking space solutions.
Virtual office services for photographers
Another unique package we offer is ideal for photographers, costing $370/month plus GST. You get all the same benefits as with our Virtual Standard package. Additionally, you get 16 hours of free access to our photography studio (W 4.5m x H 3m x D 4m) and other physical spaces. You can also use our change room, hair and makeup stations, and shower facilities.
You could be saving a lot of money if you know you need a basic photography studio a couple times a month. Not only would you be saving on the photography studio, you get access to discounts from companies in the Workit coworking space. For example, you can get 20% of Camera Hire who provides cinema, video and stills equipment rental.
How does mail scanning and mail forwarding work?
Whenever you get mail sent to your address, the service provider will take care of mail scanning and mail forwarding. With Workit virtual office services, we can open your mail, scan it, and then email the files to you. We keep your physical mail in a private letter box so that you can come and pick it up whenever you want.
Can I use a virtual office as an alternative to a P.O. box?
A virtual office can be a great alternative to P.O. boxes. You’ll find that not all couriers and companies will deliver to a P.O, whereas they will to a physical address. At Workit, we offer more premium packages that actually allow you to receive packages and pallets. You won’t get these unique services anywhere else.
Do I get a landline or phone number?
Yes! You can get a landline or phone number with a virtual office. Depending on the type of package you opt for, you can even have a real person take your calls rather than a machine. It’s like having your own receptionist! They can take messages for you, send you voicemails, or forward the calls depending on urgency. This could save you a significant amount of time.
Do I get access to any physical spaces?
Unfortunately, even though you get to use a physical address, you won’t always get access to any physical spaces. However, you do with Workit! Even with our Virtual Standard package, you get 4 hours of free access to our Sydney-based coworking spaces including desks, meeting rooms, and parking spaces every month. Our Virtual Premium package comes with 12 hours of free access every month.
As mentioned earlier, we offer speciality packages for eCommerce businesses and photographers. However, anyone can use these services if it fits your needs. Our eCommerce Premium package allows you to receive and store one pallet per month. Our Photography Premium package gives you 16 hours of free access to a photography studio and change rooms, on top of our other physical spaces.
What to consider before getting a virtual office
Getting a virtual office could be a big commitment for you. There are a few things you’ll want to consider before deciding what option is right for you. First and foremost, what do you get for the price that you pay? Do you get to scout out the benefits before committing? And are you locked into a contract?
The next most important factor is customer service. How easy is it for you to get in contact with the team? Do they answer your questions quickly? Ask them how long it takes for certain features to get set up. In the best case scenario, processes will be mostly automated and you’ll be able to get started straight away.
Finally, if you’re intending to use any physical spaces on offer, you’ll want to look into those. See if you see the space in person. Does the environment seem productive? Would you be happy to bring potential clients to the space? These are all important factors to consider before deciding on a virtual office package, especially if you’re interested in a more expensive option.
Quick answers to virtual office FAQs
Yes! You can get your mail scanned and forwarded to your email address with the Workit virtual office services.
By signing up to our Virtual Premium package with Workit, you can get set up with a local telephone number. You can get calls forwarded and get voicemails sent to your email.
Yes! High-quality virtual office providers will have a dedicated person managing your mails, calls etc. The sign-up process with Workit virtual offices is easy and takes less than 5 minutes.
Certain virtual office providers will give you access to meeting rooms. With Workit, you can get 4 to 16 hours of access every month to one of our multiple meeting rooms. The booking process is all online.
Workit Spaces virtual office solutions have no lock in contracts. You can cancel your agreement online any time.
You can find an affordable virtual office solution with Workit Spaces. Our Virtual Standard package is only $65/month plus GST. Get a Sydney virtual address, mail forwarding, mail scanning, and adminstrative support.
