Why You Need a Virtual Mailbox Location for Your Side Hustle

 Whether it’s to earn additional income, explore new career areas, expand skill sets or simply a desire to be your own boss, starting a side hustle is more accessible and popular than ever.

According to Inc.com, an estimated 44 million people in the U.S. have a side hustle; which is more than six times the number of workers who hold multiple jobs.

In many cases, it’s possible to leverage existing an existing network of contacts, specialized knowledge, talent, personal or professional resources to build a second income stream.

However, one aspect of a side hustle that should remain separate from other parts of your life is a mailing address.

While using a company or home address might seem like an inexpensive and convenient solution when setting up a side hustle, in reality it can invite unwanted scrutiny that result in negative consequences. 

One simple way to avoid any potential conflicts betweens your current job and side hustle is with a Davinci Virtual Address. With prices beginning as low as $50 per month, and more than 1,500 locations around the globe, a virtual mailbox is an affordable way to set up a side business. 

A virtual address also can provide numerous advantages to a startup business.

1. It provides a secure, safe and professional street address.

To minimize fraud and to verify identity, many blog platforms require that a street address be published. LIkewise many email subscription providers require users to post an actual street address to prevent against bots or other automated span generators.

Publishing a home address for any type of online forum is fraught with security risks.  And for current employees, using a company address for personal pursuits may be non-compliance to contract terms and lead to disciplinary and even legal action.

However, a virtual address from Davinci is a safe, secure and widely available solution that provides a street address – not a Post Office Box – that can be associated with any business, large or small, startup or established.

2. Convenient mail and package shipping and delivery.

With minimal startup expense, ecommerce is one of the most popular side hustles. Many startups choose to handle their own fulfillment, particularly in the early stages. With materials and packaging materials coming in, and assembled and wrapped orders going out, levels of mail will significantly increase.

Some municipalities, homeowners association and rental communities limit or prohibit some home-based businesses. A vastly higher volume of mail can invite scrutiny that could result in fines or other consequences.

Using an offsite mailing address eliminates such risks while also providing a professional business address to receive packages. Many Davinci centers offer alerts to users when mail or packages arrive.

Additionally, many centers offer administrative support for mailing and fulfillment, allowing budding entrepreneurs to outsource labor-intensive tasks on a project basis, minimizing expense and hiring hassles.

3. Access to meeting rooms and office space.

While many side hustles begin at a kitchen table or in a spare bedroom, at some point entrepreneurs need to meet in person with partners, attorneys, accountants or potential employees or vendors. Maintaining a mailing address with Davinci allows access to the more than 1,500 offices of all sizes and locations around the world. Entrepreneurs can book just what they need, whether it’s workspace for a day, a meeting room for an hour, or a combination.

4. Virtual mailboxes keep expenses low.

One of the rules of thumb of a successful side hustle is don't spend money the customer won't see.

While employees of a large organization might enjoy a well-furnished office and expansive amenities provided by their employer, large real estate expenses and high fixed costs have no place in a side hustle. Experts suggest that before spending money on a side hustle, ask: “Does this touch the customer?” And if the answer is no, then don’t buy or commit to it.

Early stage organizations can remain lean by buying only the office space or services they need when they need it, an option easily customized when using a virtual mailing address through Davinci.

5. Virtual offices provide ultimate flexibility.

Launching a side hustle may involve several stages, the timing of which may not be predictable. 

Davinci’s model allows users to expand and contract services and spaces on a short-term basis, offering the optimal flexibility to entrepreneurs who may not be sure when a fund-raising campaign will materialize, or additional hiring will be needed.

Entrepreneurs can start small, committing to just a virtual address. Then, as things grow, additional administrative services can be utilized and additional office or meeting space contracted. 

6. Wide geographic networks save commuting and travel time.

Since side hustles are typically done in one’s spare hours, maximizing efficiency and time management is paramount.

Davinci’s 1,500 global locations mean that side hustlers can likely find a location within a short distance of their home and/or office, achieving precious time savings and avoiding driving to a distant warehouse, or commuting to a crowded downtown restaurant for a meeting.

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Additionally, some locations have evening and weekend access, helping side hustlers fit their outside business pursuits around their day job.

7. Services available on a pay-as-you-go basis.

When opting for a virtual office, obtaining a professional business address with mail receipt and forwarding services is a given.

What entrepreneurs might not know is that networks such as Davinci Virtual Offices also provide access to a  vast array of business support services on an a la carte basis, meaning lean startups only need to pay for what they need.

Besides access to meeting and workspace, Davinci locations often include lobby directory listings, entity formation services and a lobby greeter for visitors.

8. Access to event space and services.

At some point, a side hustle may become a full-blown launch. At that point, a live event may be required to introduce the business to media, investors, partners, customers or more.

Many of Davinci Virtual Offices have not only conference rooms suitable for small, medium or large groups, but also a team of professionals and tools to help host successful events, such as catering series, presentation tools and administrative support.

About Carolyn Cirillo

Carolyn Cirillo is a writer and researcher focused on the built environment. As a trend-watching journalist, she reports on the future of work, design and the flexible workplace. As a market researcher, she helps leading A&D brands explore new markets. And as a content creator, she develops white papers and case studies to build thought leadership and client engagement.