What is a Virtual Office and How Does it Work?
A virtual office is a company that operates as one unit and has a physical mailing address, but does not exist in one specific location. A virtual office system is a service that provides businesses with a mailable address and complementary office support – without the physical office space. A virtual office allows businesses and individuals to work from anywhere using their smartphone, computer, laptop, and internet. Virtual offices allow organizations to maintain a professional presence in markets around the world without renting commercial space in every location.
With a virtual office, employees can work from anywhere but still have things like a mailing address, phone answering services, meeting rooms, and video conferencing. The costs of operating a virtual office are much less than a traditional office.
How Does a Virtual Office Work?
Virtual offices operate as one unit to serve customers but do not exist in a fixed location. You can easily rent a virtual office on a subscription basis with simple monthly payments. As virtual office systems packages are rented on a month-to-month basis for ultimate flexibility and affordability. When you sign up for a virtual office package, you can immediately start using the business address, phone number, and support services.
You can work from your desired location – be it at home or remotely. Meeting rooms at the coworking space are available on booking.
Coming out of lockdown, many entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, and freelancers are choosing to opt for virtual office space.
What are the Key Benefits of a Virtual Office Address
These are the key benefits of having a virtual office
- Professionalism: It shows professionalism between corporate clients, to have a dedicated office address and contact details.
- State-of-the-art meeting facilities: Provide access to high-quality meeting spaces for face-to-face client meetings and conference calls.
- Flexibility: Business owners have the option to hot-desk from multiple locations, either locally or internationally.
- Efficiency: Working from home while using a virtual office address saves time and money that would otherwise be spent on a daily commute.
- Budget: A virtual office solution saves on overheads, as there is no need to rent physical space, buy equipment and furniture, or hire a receptionist.
- Communication: A dedicated business telephone number, answered by a professional receptionist, ensures smooth communication with all clients. Call forwarding, post and parcels can also be handled by a virtual office reception service.
- Official Address: Virtual office spaces provide you with a registered office address that you can use for all legalities and as address proof of your business. They also help you with NOCs and utility bills for your records and use
- Courier Management: The main reason for having a mailing address is to communicate using physical mails, and your physical mails need to be managed in your absence. Virtual office service providers manage your mails and couriers seamlessly when you are working remotely
- Affordability: As the services are offered at low rates, they do not make a hole in your pocket and still offer you the same perks as that of traditional office spaces
- No commitments: Unlike traditional office spaces, virtual offices do not require a long term commitment and lock-in period. Therefore, they enable you to to choose the services as per your needs and time
- Hire Talent: Hire talent across different locations.
What Does a Virtual Office Include?
Every virtual office package is different as they are personalized to your business needs. However, a basic virtual office package will include the following services:
- A business address to use for business registration and licensing purpose.
- A business address to use on your website and marketing collateral.
- A mail handling service for collecting and forwarding your mail.
- A local phone number and dedicated receptionist to answer calls.
- Beneficial rates on coworking spaces and private offices.
Is virtual office is suitable for me
A virtual office gives you all the services of a managed office space without the physical space. This is suitable for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses, who might not be able to afford to rent the physical office space. Moreover, a virtual office can also be a beneficial solution if a company wants to establish a business presence in a foreign market or other Indian state and they’re not ready to open an actual office yet.
Virtual office saves you from the hassles of owning an office space and adds mobility to your business. You don’t have to restrict yourself anywhere and can work from any location with the virtual office communication address.
Ideal for companies who work out in the field, meet with clients or work from home. Virtual offices are the most affordable office type because you’re not renting actual desk space.
Read – What Should you Choose – Buy or Lease a Commercial Property?
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Virtual Office
A virtual office supports remote workers. It reduces the fixed cost. The second virtual office provides a commercially recognized address, and even a prestigious address in an upmarket part of town, adds credibility to your business. It helps your business appear established, professional, and even larger than it actually is.
Users may find the lack of flexibility limiting and inconvenient.
There is also the potential for distractions that come with working from home and therefore some workers might not be as productive when operating in a virtual office environment.
A virtual office isn’t necessarily a short-term solution. They are not suitable for centralized teams.
Things to keep in mind before searching virtual office
there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you start searching for your first virtual office location
1. Why do you need a virtual office?
2. Develop a customer service plan
3. Keep your budget in mind
4. Choose a virtual office provider who covers everything you need
