Have you checked your mail recently? More and more people stay connected with friends and business through the Internet. If somebody asks you this, your answer will be likely connected with your email. However, "snail mail" is still a fact of life and business is still booming for post offices and post office box rentals.

For businesses, not everything can be done electronically. Many contract documents require original signatures and therefore have to be sent by mail. A business post office box is convenient and secure and documents remain safe even if you aren't there to receive them. Check out the reasons to rent a post office box - it's an excellent option for any size business.

You don't have to have a business to find a post office box useful. People who travel frequently find them convenient for receiving and holding mail and packages during long periods of absence. Landlords use them to protect their privacy. People who frequently move like the convenience of an address they don't need to change.

In short, don't expect to see an end to postal service and post office boxes any time soon!

United States Postal Service (USPS) Post Office Box

The USPS rents out post office boxes at most of its stations. In some locations, demand is so high, there is a waiting list that stretches into years and many people take great care to pay their post office box rent so as not to lose a box rental in a high-demand location. In other locations, residents may qualify for a free USPS post office box.

Rental rates for a USPS post office box can range from $10 and up per month, depending on size and location. The USPS used to charge one rate for all boxes; however, due to high demand at some locations, they now have a tiered system. In addition to monthly rental, the USPS charges a deposit fee for keys and a fee for key replacement; these fees are minimal. There is also a charge to replace a box lock, which would be necessary if your keys are lost or stolen.

Inquire at your local post office station about post office box rental.

Commercial Post Office Box Rentals

Many businesses saw the need for additional post office box rentals and they serve it by offering customers box rentals that are very similar to the USPS post office boxes. Some business customers prefer the commercial service, as it provides them with an "address" for doing business. The location of the commercial service that provides the box rentals is the street address for the business and the post office box number gives the appearance of an office suite number. A business may select a commercial service that isn't even located near the physical business location in order to get a mailing address that is seen as having high value or cachet.

These locations also provide a variety of other services geared towards small businesses, such as photocopying, passport photos, notarizing documents, boxes, shipping supplies, as well as boxing and shipping services. Most of them allow box owners to have large packages dropped off, even if the package will not fit in the owner's box. For individuals, these services can include gift wrapping, gift cards and assistance with shipping. The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for these commercial post office box locations.

Which is best?

The answer really depends on your needs. Obviously, the USPS is limited in the number of locations they have, and the number of boxes they can put into a location. The USPS may not have a box available at a location convenient to you. They do not generally provide the scope of services available at a commercial service; however, delivery is faster.

If you have questions about post office boxes and services, please don't hesitate to contact us and we'll make every attempt to provide the requested information.