How much is a PO box?

Business processes have become increasingly digitized in the last few years, but it isn’t uncommon to have important documents sent by mail — especially originals. If you don't have a suitable business address, you may be considering opening a PO box for your company.

In this article, we'll explain how much a PO box and go over some alternatives such as virtual mailboxes. Firstbase Mailroom offers unlimited digitized mail and other powerful features for just $35 per month or $350 per year.

How much is a PO box? 

Getting a PO box to manage your incoming mail is fairly inexpensive. The USPS gives the following starting monthly rates:

• 3” x 5.5”: $4.67
• 5” x 5.5”: $6.00
• 5.5” x 11”: $9.00
• 11” x 11”: $13.33
• 12” x 22.5”: $23.67

Keep in mind that prices may be higher depending on your location.

What are the benefits?

In addition to being cost-effective, PO boxes also come with 24/7 access and are available in many convenient locations. To make things easier, you have the option to keep your signature on file, reducing friction when picking up packages. 

Still, while there are good reasons to use a PO box, there are also limitations.

What are the disadvantages? 

There are multiple disadvantages to using a PO box as your company’s point of contact. The most important drawbacks are the loss of time and a potential lack of professionalism. 

Loss of time

The low cost of PO boxes in the US is commendable. On the other hand, you’ll likely rack up a cost of a different kind: time. PO boxes have a limit on how much mail they can hold, and for how long, so you could be making multiple trips to the post office each week. 

If your business primarily uses physical mail, you may even end up having to hire an additional staff member to keep up with your clients. That’s a problem no business wants to have. 

Lack of professionalism

Similar to using your home address on your business card, using a PO box can give clients, investors, and other businesses the impression that your venture isn’t a serious one. This could create serious friction as you work to develop your company.

If you aren’t able to purchase property to retain a street address, you might think you have no other option. Fortunately, this is no longer the case.

What about virtual mailboxes?

One of the key markers of a successful entrepreneur is their ability to innovate and come up with solutions to common issues in their business. As we’ve seen, PO boxes pose a convenient solution for receiving mail, but the disadvantages might not be worth it. The solution? A virtual mailbox. 

A virtual mailbox (or virtual mailing address) is a service that allows you to receive physical mail at an address of your choice without being there in person. When mail comes to that address, high-resolution PDFs are scanned to your email. You decide whether they are kept, forwarded, or shredded at the click of a button.

This allows your business to avoid all of the common pitfalls of using a PO box. You retain a professional impression and gain back valuable time to focus on making profits. 

Firstbase Mailroom

Firstbase Mailroom is our virtual mailing service, giving you a US street address plus the ability to easily manage your mail from any location. Save time and money while presenting a professional client-facing image.

For only $35 per month — or $29 on an annual plan — we think that’s money well spent. Let us take care of the details of your business, and you take care of the vision. Click here to learn more.