Your Business Address

[cypress]

Hi everyone,

I just have question and this is mainly geared to those without a storefront location; those that are mobile or work from home.

Do you put an address on your business cards and website? If so, what address are you using? PO Box? Personal home address?

Reason I ask is I am updating my business cards since I am getting the logo designed and I am also finishing up my website. Before I launch everything and get the cards printed I want to know what address I should be putting.

Previously in the past I would used my address from my previous home. Never was an issue. I could still techincally use that address since it my parents home, but I am unsure of what to use now.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Martyn]

I work from home. I don't have my home address on my business card although I do have it on my website. I also have visitors by appointment only. I think there is enough information on a business card without trying to cram in an address.

 

[Markverhyden]

My b-cards have never had the physical address (my home). But I do have it listed in some places online like G+. As with Martyn it's by appointment only. But I have never had to do that.

 

[mraikes]

IMO business cards with no address present a less legitimate feel than those that include addresses. It doesn't usually take "cramming" to fit an address onto one. But even if it did - no one ever threw away a business card because it contained too much appropriate information.

I use my home address (on my website also) and like Martyn, customer visits are by appointment only. Even publicizing my address, in the last 5-6 years I haven't had even one unannounced drop-in.

There are already too many mystery and fly-by-night repair businesses out there with no addresses on websites, cell phone numbers, little info on the owner. I don't want to miss any opportunity to differentiate myself from them. And being "physically real and permanent" is part of that differentiation.

 

[colonydata]

I just have my PO box listed on my cards and website.

 

[JustInspired]

I work from home. I don't have my home address on my business card although I do have it on my website. I also have visitors by appointment only. I think there is enough information on a business card without trying to cram in an address.

Same here. Appointments only.I can direct people to my address and map on my website when needed but I don't have the address on my cards. Especially as I have them in little acrylic holders in businesses all around the town. We do get the occasional unannounced caller, mostly due to Google's 'help' [emoji1]
Also, I need to go talk to the mobile phone shop who keep sending people to us.

 

[CompConfig]

Depending on where you are located, I'm in NYC. There are mailbox places with "real" addresses if you are so inclined. They will also accept all packages and are not expensive.

 

[cypress]

I work from home. I don't have my home address on my business card although I do have it on my website. I also have visitors by appointment only. I think there is enough information on a business card without trying to cram in an address.

I agree. I am trying to keep the business card simple and to the point. I really don't want to put my home address on business card, but it does make sense to put it on the website.

My b-cards have never had the physical address (my home). But I do have it listed in some places online like G+. As with Martyn it's by appointment only. But I have never had to do that.

Appointment only makes sense. Do you list that on the website or just let the customers know that when they ask?

IMO business cards with no address present a less legitimate feel than those that include addresses. It doesn't usually take "cramming" to fit an address onto one. But even if it did - no one ever threw away a business card because it contained too much appropriate information.

I use my home address (on my website also) and like Martyn, customer visits are by appointment only. Even publicizing my address, in the last 5-6 years I haven't had even one unannounced drop-in.

There are already too many mystery and fly-by-night repair businesses out there with no addresses on websites, cell phone numbers, little info on the owner. I don't want to miss any opportunity to differentiate myself from them. And being "physically real and permanent" is part of that differentiation.

This is what I am trying to avoid. I want them to know I am legitimate and not feel I am fly by the night type of business lol. I browsed your website, and I didn't see anything about Appointment Only. Did you list it on your card?

I just have my PO box listed on my cards and website.

Yeah I have looked into that, still pondering what I should do.

 

[Markverhyden]

Depending on where you are located, I'm in NYC. There are mailbox places with "real" addresses if you are so inclined. They will also accept all packages and are not expensive.

UPS Store (the franchise). Personally I would not use them. When they google the address they will see it's a PO Box kind of place. Does not exactly instill confidence in my opinion. A lot different than if you have one of those rent an office places.

 

[mraikes]

...snipped...

This is what I am trying to avoid. I want them to know I am legitimate and not feel I am fly by the night type of business lol. I browsed your website, and I didn't see anything about Appointment Only. Did you list it on your card?

..snipped..

Nope - I just don't get drop ins. Everyone calls, texts, emails or submits my web contact form first.

Although I suppose if people did drive on over without calling first and then decided not to stop because it's a residence, I wouldn't know about it. And I'm OK with that.

 

[Krynn72]

Although I suppose if people did drive on over without calling first and then decided not to stop because it's a residence, I wouldn't know about it. And I'm OK with that.

Hrm, I have been planning my move to running my own mobile business, and have been seriously considering what to do about drop-offs and people randomly showing up where I live.

Its good to know that its not been an issue for you guys. And that bit there makes me feel better about it actually, because I'd probably be operating out of an apartment, so random show-ups are likely going to be too put-off to even ring the bell lol.

 

[cypress]

Browsing the forums and looking over past business cards that have been posted a high majority of them don't post their address on their business cards. But I do see that it makes sense to post it on the website or at least if you are going to post it that would be the place to put it at.

 

[Martyn]

Never had anyone turn up at the house in 4 years without prior arrangement.

 

[cypress]

Never had anyone turn up at the house in 4 years without prior arrangement.

That is great to hear. I used my home address on my first business cards that I printed 5 years ago. But the last ones I did last year I did not have the home address. Now this time that i will be having a website I figure it may just be better to put it on there and put other information on the business card.

 

[Martyn]

That is great to hear. I used my home address on my first business cards that I printed 5 years ago. But the last ones I did last year I did not have the home address. Now this time that i will be having a website I figure it may just be better to put it on there and put other information on the business card.

Exactly. As for being professional they can visit your website for that. On mine you can read about me, my testimonials, see me and see my vehicle complete with advertising.

 

[Moltuae]

Never had anyone turn up at the house in 4 years without prior arrangement.

I send them away if they do.

Even friends and family!


No appointment; no answer.
I plan my daily schedule too tightly to allow unsolicited interruptions.

 

[PCSupportGlasgow]

Never had anyone turn up at the house in 4 years without prior arrangement.

Reminds me of when we first started out and didn't have an office.

some drunk turned up at door about 10pm and got rather annoyed when was told "no i wont go round and collect your computer tonight and certainly not delivering you home either". office space was quickly purchased very soon afterwards. Strangely 10 years later we still get the odd call asking are you at xyz street.

 

[Moltuae]

some drunk turned up at door about 10pm and got rather annoyed when was told "no i wont go round and collect your computer tonight and certainly not delivering you home either".

Apologies in advance for my stereotyping but, being from Glasgow, I can't help picturing the drunk as Rab C Nesbitt

 

[glricht]

We're onsite only and have always had our address on our cards. I just think it's more professional looking.

Since the business started in 2003, have had only 3 people simply drop by, and they were neighbors down the street in our subdivision that saw the wrap on my parked car!

 

[cypress]

I send them away if they do.

Even friends and family!


No appointment; no answer.
I plan my daily schedule too tightly to allow unsolicited interruptions.

Sadly this is me too.