[bricknblock]

being such a small landscape installer, I work out of my home office, as I expect most small companies do...I don't list my address on my cards, or any advertising because I was advised it's best not to when working out of a home office (you never know who's gonna show up at your door)....is it best to get a PO Box so that I have an address listed? is this really any better in the eyes of potential clients?
my main concern is I don't want to come across as some "fly by night" type of company, but I don't see myself getting an office outside my home anytime in the near future
what's your thoughts?

[cgland]

We've had our P.O. Box from day one. The only problem we are having now is that the volume of mail we get is getting outrageous, so the post office wants us to get a bigger box, which in turn will change our P.O. Box #... (it's on ALL of our stuff) So we are changing the address to our new facility.

Chris

[start2finish]

I have had a PO BOX ever since my house burned down. I had to have a safe place to get mail while rebuilding. I like the fact that checks are in a secure place. Although it is sometimes inconvient to drive to the post office, we will keep it for now.

as for your question, I list my physical address when required for finanicial documents and such and list PO box for all billing addresses as well as my cards. There are plenty of other areas to worry about your image without worrying about a po box. but your concern is on the right track. image is everything.

[HRLand]

A friend of mine rents a box at a UPS store type of place and it shows as a physical address. I've used a po box for the past 9 years and don't think it makes any difference to potential clients.

[Fine Edge]

I've never had a PO box and just list my address on everything.
Nobody has ever "showed up " at my door because there would be no reason for them to do so. Plus, I don't need an extra stop everyday just to get my mail, I'm busy enough as it is.
But, to each their own!!!

[Matt Kulp]

Have had a P.O. Box since the beginning and the only reason I have done that, is because we were always moving something (home office to office park, really small shop to small shop, etc..) and I did not want to be constantly changing my address. We are moving into a large facility this year and our office and shop will be combined, so we will nix the Po box.

[cutntrim]

I've used a UPS store address since day one. (Actually it used to be "Mailboxes Etc..." store then was bought out by UPS.) Anyway, my personal address has changed three times since I've been in business so that's one advantage to having the UPS address. Occasionally a customer will try and find my "office" address and get all confused, but that's rare. It probably has helped to keep solicitors away as well, since they don't have my actual address to cold-call me. Telemarketing is another story...