Why Would I Need Mail Forwarding Services?
A mail forwarding service comes in handy during an extended period of travelling, or whilst setting up in a new location and resident in temporary accommodation for an indefinite period.
If you run a home business but prefer to keep your home address details private, a mail forwarding service is also ideal as you receive all your correspondence without publishing your address on your business stationary and website.
Similarly, such a service allows a small business or a company during the start up phase to register a prestigious address in a major city without having a physical office in that location. This service provides a business with a virtual trading address, a good image, and makes a company seem larger than it is in reality, offering a better platform to deal with larger customers and companies.
The same applies to companies wanting to expand their operations into new regions or countries without high start up costs. A mail forwarding service allows you to minimise the risk and financial outlay whilst testing a new market from your existing premises.
Another reason for using a mail forwarding service is if you regularly do business with, or make regular purchases from the United States. Many US companies do not offer international shipping, but there are companies that offer a US address from which you can have your mail forwarded to you. Multiple purchases can be bundled together so that you save money on the total international shipping fees. This offers solutions to issues such as magazine or journal subscriptions in the US that are not available for international customers, making it a perfect solution for American expats.
What can I expect from a Mail Forwarding Service?
There is a range of mail forwarding services on offer which you can opt for. Quite simply you can arrange for your service provider to forward post to you using the country’s standard mail service to any worldwide location, or choose to have your mail held for you to pick up. You can also choose the frequency that the company ships mail to you. However, you can also opt for a more comprehensive service, so that your provider sorts your mail for you before forwarding the items.
Many services go further still. Companies can scan all correspondences and email them to you. In practice, your mail forwarding company scans the outside of the envelope or package, sends you the image and asks you what you would like them to do with the mail – forward it on to you or open it, scan it and send it in an online format to you. An email or mobile text message will notify you when new mail arrives for you. You may also choose, once you have seen the contents, to have the mail forwarded to a third party such as your tax advisor or lawyer. Another advantage of having your mail opened for you is that junk mail can be instantly recycled.
If you choose to receive your mail electronically only, the original mail will be recycled, shredded or archived for you depending on your wishes and the confidentiality of the mail.
A mail forwarding service may also sign and take delivery of parcels for you.
Choosing a comprehensive mail forwarding service means you have access to your post wherever you are in the world as long as you have internet access, offering a perfect solution for expats or business owners who are on the move.
Comparing Services
When you are comparing mail forwarding services, check that you are weighing up similar service provisions. Look for sign up fees and the level of deposit required to cover the postage and handling costs to you. Make sure you choose a reputable company.
Consider also the opening hours of customer service and their methods of contact. If you are dealing with significant time differences, ensure that you are able to contact your provider when it is convenient for you and factor in that online communication is much more cost effective than making international phone calls.
Article by Amanda van Mulligen
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