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Tammy Newell
Tammy Newell
  • 2 Minute Read
  • 26th October 2011

A Guide To Virtual Offices

What are Virtual Offices?
In basic terms, a Virtual Office is a combination of address services and off-site live communications that reduce the cost of traditional office space rental. Services include telephone answering, email services and direct mail, along with the option of reception staff, all without the need of an actual office space - a great solution for start-up businesses, which have a more limited budget.

Why choose a Virtual Office?

If your business wishes to avoid significant overheads such as maintaining and renting office space, whilst reaping the benefits of a fully functioning business, with a strong industry presence, then a virtual office could be the way forward.

Communication Services:

ยท Remote Receptionists
A team of trained staff working remotely, using high-tech Integration software that allows them to answer phones, reply/send emails, direct mail, and direct enquiries. This replaces the need for a traditional in-house receptionist.

  • Phone Answering Services
    Call Centre staff operating from a centralised location of your choice, to receive and transmit requests by telephone, thus bridging the gap between you and your clients.
  • Voicemail
    A low cost technology system that stores voice messages electronically.

Space Services:

  • Professional Address
    Your company can create a presence and reputation for themselves based on location and address.
  • Mailing Address
    The professional address can be used for receiving, sending and forwarding correspondence onto customers and clients.
  • On-site Receptionist
    If the business address includes serviced office space, there will often be a manned reception area. Depending on your VO package, receptionists can sign for mail deliveries and provide document pick up and drop off services.
  • Meeting and Conference Rooms
    If you would like an area to use for a face-to-face meeting, then most business centres provide meeting room rental on an hourly or daily rate basis.
  • On-site Amenities
    Some business centres offer 24 hour access to individually assigned mailboxes so you can collect your mail at any time, along with broadband, video and conference calling, and fax machine facilities.

Users:

Virtual Offices are not just an option for start-up businesses. Whether you work from home, or are an established company looking to test a new market, virtual offices are on hand to help your business become a success on a low budget. An added benefit is the short-term contracts and commitment, along with traditional burdens such as payroll, insurance and rent.