An online Virtual Office is a decreased package of services that includes a company mailing address, mail handling, meeting room access, day desks, and telephone answering. It’s an excellent way to start a company while keeping costs down and projecting a professional image to consumers and clients.
Not all companies are able to work from a distance. A successful virtual office package would cover this by giving you access to meeting rooms and day desks, but this might not be enough for certain companies. Consider the conditions that allow you or your team to be most effective. Is it necessary for them to collaborate on a regular basis in order to complete tasks? Is it necessary to have regular face-to-face meetings? Is it difficult to operate remotely due to a lack of space or bad internet? If this is the case, you should consider renting a private office room.
When you sign up for a virtual office, you’re registering your company at that address and putting that address on all of your marketing materials, such as business cards. The last thing you want is for your provider to go out of business, requiring you to start over with a new address. If you need to change your business address unexpectedly, it can be expensive to reprint and edit marketing materials. It’s vital to know that your provider will be around for the long haul, so find out how long they’ve been in operation. You may also inquire as to whether they rent or own the space in which they work.
Consider whether the address accurately represents your company. Certain parts of Dublin city, for example, are synonymous with financial services, while others are more artistic. Consider what your virtual office says about you and your company to your clients. Examine if the chosen location is suitable for you and your future team. Is the address near by and available by public transportation, for example, if you need to use a conference room or a day desk?
Digital office providers are not all the same. Virtual Office providers in Ireland, for example, must be approved by the Department of Justice and Equality. Digital office providers must send a formal application to the Department and then go through an extensive vetting process to receive this license. The Department will also conduct an audit to ensure that the provider is following the regulations. So, first and foremost, confirm that the Dublin Virtual Office provider is approved, and if appropriate, request a copy of the license.
Make sure you’re aware of the Virtual Office’s other facilities and that all of your office needs are met. Is there a postal system, phone service, conference rooms, co-working space, or shared office space that you can rent in the future if your team grows? You may not need these extras right now, but if business goes well, you will most likely need them in the future. Checking now will save you the time and effort of having to start over with a new address.
