What is a Digital Mailbox?
A digital mailbox enables mail recipients to receive postal mail and packages at the remote mailing address of their choice and then view and manage their mail with a smartphone or from a computer. A digital mailbox may be for personal or business use.
Why Get a Digital Mailbox?
A key benefit of digital mailboxes is that your mailing address no longer needs to be near where you live or work, since you can easily manage all your mail items from anywhere, 24/7.
With a digital mailbox, you will not have to call to find out what mail is in your box, make unnecessary trips to check your physical mailbox only to find it empty, or wait for someone to forward your mail on a fixed schedule to a fixed address.
The beauty of a digital mailbox is that you are in control and can request actions on your mail on-demand using an app or online.
How Does a Digital Mailbox Work?
If you are not familiar with digital mailboxes, do not feel bad. You are not alone. But that will soon change, as awareness and trial of this new way to manage postal mail and packages is dramatically expanding in 2021.
A digital mailbox has two critical elements: the technology that powers the digital features and the address or network of addresses that serve as remote mailing addresses.
The best digital mailbox technology seamlessly connects you, the mail recipient, with the mail center receiving and handling your mail.
The mail recipient views an outside image of the mail or package with an app or online, then communicates with a few taps or clicks what to do with each piece of mail: forward, scan mail content, hold for pickup, discard, or shred. The mail center then performs the tasks requested.
A digital mailbox from iPostal1, the industry leader, also offers enhanced features like real-time shipping prices and the ability to consolidate multiple mail items into one package to save on shipping.
Digital Mailbox Providers
The number and type of addresses available to digital mailbox users vary greatly by digital mailbox provider. Some providers offer only one address and others just a few, while providers like iPostal1 have a network of over 3,250 locations in the U.S. and in other countries.
Not all digital mailbox locations are real street addresses, so you may not be able to receive packages from every carrier or use your address to register your business. However, iPostal1 mail locations at professional retail pack and ship stores and at coworking spaces in office buildings are all real street addresses.
When you look under the hood of a digital mailbox service, there are a lot of moving parts that come into play. A unique mailbox number is assigned to each recipient and a unique mail number to each mail item. This guarantees that your mail items are digitally inserted into the correct digital mailbox and that the correct mail item is pulled when your requested task is performed.
The best digital mailbox providers create a complete history with date and time stamp from mail receipt to delivery.
While the technology and the address locations are the building blocks of a digital mailbox network, it is the people behind it that make the difference. Providing great service at the mail center is critical so that you see your mail the day it arrives and so that your task requests are processed promptly. Customer service from the digital mailbox provider is also particularly important.
Getting a Digital Mailbox
If getting a digital mailbox sounds right for you and you are wondering how you get started and pay for the service, here are two things you need to know:
- Digital mailbox plans run month to month or annually, with automatic renewal. You provide your credit card or may have the option to use your PayPal account.
- To receive mail, you will need to complete and file the one-page Form 1583 that is required by the USPS for all U.S. addresses. This is needed to verify your identity and authorize the USPS to deliver mail on your behalf to the staff at your chosen address location.
We manage so much of our lives digitally and have come to rely on apps for almost everything; it is little wonder that a digital mailbox to manage mail and packages is now available.
Total Office Services offers the iPostal1 Digital Mailbox. Contact TOS for more information 704-948-8120.
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Thinking about a Side Hustle?
Here's some great tips. Remember, you will need a business address (not your home address). We got that for you!
Check out this blog by Erin Gobler:
https://eringobler.com/how-to-start-a-side-hustle/
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Guide to a Virtual Mailbox (freedom from physical mail)
A virtual mailbox is a digital solution that allows you to view, access, and manage your mail remotely online through a web portal or a mobile app.
When you sign up for a virtual mailbox, your physical mail is digitized and available to you on any device.
A virtual mailbox helps you manage your postal mail without going to the PO Box, physical mailbox, or mailroom. With just a few clicks, you can request a variety of mail services, such as:
- Open and Scan
- Mail Forwarding
- Recycle
- Shred
- Discard
Alongside the remote online access to mail, a virtual mailbox also comes with a real street address for receiving and forwarding your mail.
This address is usually a business registered as a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA). The locations are staffed with professionals who will receive, handle, and store your mail for you.
Once you sign up, mail will arrive at your chosen location and you’ll be notified once the operator receives your mail items. From there, you can go on the app or portal to manage your mail by requesting the operator to do one of the following:
- Open the mail item
- Scan for digital safekeeping in a cloud drive
- Forward mail items to a designated address
- Shred the contents and packaging
- Recycle or dispose of junk mail or mail you no longer need
These numerous advantages are why thousands of individuals are opting for virtual mailboxes every single month. Experience the convenience and efficiency for yourself and embrace a new way of managing your mail effortlessly.
Check out your options at Total Office Services and join the thousands that are embracing the future of how we’ll handle our mail.
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US Mail is being stolen at an alarming rate...
And it appears to be an "inside job".
Here are some tips on keeping your mail safe this holiday season:
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Avoid using “colorful” envelopes that telegraph that there could be money inside.
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Don’t send gift cards in regular envelopes. Anyone can feel the card inside the envelope. They will pocket it for themselves.
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Try making your gift mailings nondescript. Use regular, unmarked boxes that don’t draw unnecessary attention or interest to a thief.
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If you must send money, never send cash. Send a check (remember those?). Checks are paper and feel like regular letter mail.
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Avoid dropping your letter mail in public “blue boxes”. Go directly to the post office or one of many local parcel and mail centers.
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Avoid Porch Pirates stealing your packages off your doorstep. Get a personal mailbox at a local parcel/mail center.
Here’s a video report of the ongoing mail theft problem:
https://youtu.be/NoLKi19vT18?si=wNwagGITWN2UClaI
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TOS Does Relocation Services
Anyone who has ever experienced moving can tell you that it is a huge hassle. One of the best ways to ease the transition is to establish an address, at your destination, before you relocate. This will allow you to establish a point of contact. It also makes the transition so much easier before, during and after relocating. Total Office Services can setup a forwarding address and mailbox that you can begin using on the same day. And we can do it remotely – no need to be in our store.
You can use this address to get a jump start on establishing residency. For example, one of our customers planned to move to the Charlotte area but wanted to find employment first. Her application and resume was often overlooked because employers assumed she wasn’t seriously intending to move or that she had somehow applied in error. By using mailbox services from Total Office Services, she was able to use her new local address on her resume and successfully gain employment. During and after the move, she continued to use her mailbox to receive mail and packages rather than trying to track down mail in multiple locations.
Other ways to use a mailbox at Total Office Services to simplify the process of relocating includes using your new address with landlords, mortgage companies, utility and service companies.
TOS staff members are always available to sign for mail and packages and all items are secured indoors to protect from theft and weather. There is no need to give out your home address to strangers with private, secure mailbox service from Total Office Services.
In addition to mailbox and forwarding services, TOS also offers the following services to assist with your move:
Notary Service
Faxing & Scanning
Postal Mail & FedEx Overnight Service
Packing & Shipping
Moving is more convenient with Total Office Services. Call 704-948-8120 to get started.
Who rents a mailbox?
Question: "Who rents mailboxes?", or "Why would anyone use mailbox rental service at Total Office Services instead of a P.O. Box at the post office?" Here’s a "Top 10 List" of reasons people rent private mailboxes at Total Office Services...
1. Your street-side mailbox does not protect you from identity theft. Most street-side mailboxes do not lock, leaving sensitive personal information available to thieves.
2. You want to keep your roommates or family from going through your mail. Having a separate mailing address can keep your personal business away from prying eyes.
3. You don't want courier packages left at your door where they can be stolen or damaged by bad weather. Total Office Services can secure your packages until you pick them up.
4. You have a home-based business, but would rather not give out your home address to complete strangers. You can't be too careful. Your family's safety is most important.
5. You like the security of a P.O. Box, but UPS & FedEx are not allowed to deliver to P.O Boxes. Total Office Services allows any courier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.) to deliver to a private mailbox.
6. Your small business can rent a legitimate commercial "suite" address on “Main Street” (in the form of a private mailbox) for just a few dollars per month. This commercial address can be used on your business cards and letterhead, giving your small business a "step up" from a residential street address that can scare off potential customers.
7. You hate driving all the way out to UPS or FedEx to pick up packages or envelopes that require a signature. Total Office Services always has a professional on duty to sign for your packages and secure them until you pick them up.
8. You'd love to be able to check your mailbox over the phone. Total Office Services offers online, email and a free app to check on deliveries and mail status. You can always call-in to check your mailbox.
9. You move often and need a permanent mailing address. Many folks move from apartment to apartment, creating huge problems in terms of finding their mail and packages. Mailbox rental services at Total Office Services are perfect for these people, allowing them to maintain a consistent long-term address.
10. You travel often and need your mail forwarded to wherever you are. RV'ers and road warriors can benefit from our mailbox rental service.
Total Office Services can forward mail and packages at your convenience to any location you specify.
Total Office Services can have you using your new professional address the same day.
Contact us at 704-948-8120 or email info@totalofficenc.com .
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Keeping your home address private
In the growing Internet world, there are many home based businesses and consumers selling merchandise on the web. You may be selling your items online.
One of these important business decisions you will need to make is should you use your home address as your receiving address. You need to take into consideration the safety and security of your residential address, the safety of receiving inventory at your home, and the professional image your business needs to maintain.
Incidents of mail theft from home mailboxes and USPS collection boxes continue to rise. Some thefts include the removal of entire collection boxes. Identity thieves harvest personal information from credit card bills and other mail, costing Americans millions of dollars in lost time and actual monetary losses. You can help prevent identity fraud by keeping your home address private.
The solution is a Virtual Mailbox.
Virtual Mailboxes are available at Total Office Services. Our Virtual Mailbox is an actual street address, versus a PO Box address. The advantages of a Virtual Mailbox are as follows:
· You can get packages and shipments from FedEx, UPS, DHL and US Mail delivered to a Virtual
Mailbox. PO Boxes cannot accept such packages.
· Your packages will not be left unattended on your porch, there is always someone to sign for your package and it is held for you in a safe, secure setting.
· There is no need to stand in long lines at the Post Office waiting to get your packages or mail..
· This is a great way for companies to collect job applications, without divulging your company name.
· Virtual Mailboxes can forward mail to out of town business travelers via remote access on your phone or computer. This also works for domestic and international packages.
· A Virtual Mailbox address develops more of a professional image than your home street address. This builds credibility with customers and contributes to your own professional self-image.
· Your mail is private, only you have access. You direct all actions regarding your mail.
· You can make a small home based business grow and expand into different cities with little cost to you.
Get your Virtual Mailbox at Total Office Services. It’s easy, convenient and very cost-effective. Also there is no contract. You can quit anytime.
https://www.totalofficenc.com/Mobile-Virtual-Address
Who is a typical virtual mailbox customer?
Our virtual mailbox customers are quite diverse. They come from all walks of life and occupations. Here’s a short sample of where they come from:
> Business startups;
> Work from home;
> Truckers and RV’ers;
> Travelers – sailors, international travelers, etc.;
> Anyone who is relocating locally or any distance;
> people that want a convenient and secure way to read and manage their mail.
If you do online banking, you’re already doing something very similar. You know how convenient and easy it is to do all your banking remotely on your phone. Now you can do the same thing with your mail and packages.
More information: https://www.totalofficenc.com/Mobile-Virtual-Address
Or call Total Office Services at 704-948-8120.
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VIRTUAL MAILBOX
We constantly hear from customers about our “cool” virtual mailbox services. When they finally find out what it’s all about, they’re amazed by what they can do with it!
With our Virtual Mailboxes you ...
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receive mail/packages from any carrier (UPS, DHL, Fedex, USPS, etc.);
If you do online banking, you’re already doing something very similar. You know how convenient and easy it is to do all your banking remotely on your phone. Now you can do the same thing with your mail and packages.
You call the shots – you're the boss. Everything is done at your direction. It’s like having your own suite and office staff. Think about that . . . Think about how much you’d have to pay for your own office suite and staff. We do it for you. There’s no contract. You can quit anytime.
More information: https://www.totalofficenc.com/Mobile-Virtual-Address
Or call Total Office Services at 704-948-8120.
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HOLIDAY ALERT
The holidays are fast approaching, and many people shop on-line these days. Are you familiar with “Porch Pirates”? These are thieves that take your packages right from your front door. {Google “porch pirates” or check Youtube and you’ll see that this is a big problem}.
The majority of packages are stolen during the day when homeowners are not at home. This not only effects consumers wallets, it also is a threat to them feeling safe and secure at home. What a terrible feeling it must be to know someone actually walked up to your house and took something of yours. This activity doesn’t have to happen to you. This is the time to be pro-active, and put a stop to Porch Pirates. There is a way to have your packages delivered to a secure, reputable business in your neighborhood. You put the power in your hands, not theirs.
Millions of people have reported having a package stolen. There is a smarter way to shop on line, and get your packages safely. For as low as $8.99 a month, Total Office Services will supply you with a MOBILE STREET ADDRESS that you can use however you choose. Some people just use the address to shop online. Others use it for their own business or when they travel. We will sign for them, let you know when they arrive and keep them safe until you come and pick up. Just knowing you don’t have to worry about a package sitting out in the elements is worth every penny. With this address you can see your packages on your phone and read your mail too. It is entirely mobile!
Simply click here https://www.totalofficenc.com/Mobile-Virtual-Address to get the details and signup. There is no commitment. You can quit anytime. Total Office Services will make it easy for you to beat the Porch Pirates. Call us at +1-704-948-8120.
Should You Use Your Home Address For Your Business?
Lots of small business owners don’t have a unique address for their business. For many, using a home address as the business address seems like a good idea. However there can be significant downsides and potential legal consequences for doing so. Here are some issues to consider:
Lease and Homeowner Association Rules
Many apartment and condo complexes restrict your ability to run a business out of your home. If your small business is a bother other residents you may be reported to your landlord or HOA.
Liability Issues
LLCs and corporations should think twice about using a home address for a small business. One of the major benefits of these business entities is limited liability for business debts and activities. However, this protection only applies if you keep your business and personal activities separate. Using a personal address for a business could pierce the corporate veil, making you personally liable for business debts and obligations.
Privacy Concerns
If you use your home address as your business address, you may need to provide your personal address whenever a customer or a vendor needs your contact information. Using your home address may compromise your family’s privacy. The last thing you want is for a disgruntled customer or vendor to show up at your doorstep.
Professional Reputation
A distinct business address provides certain benefits that can boost your reputation. Without a distinct business address, you normally can’t list a physical address on your company website, which may concern prospective customers. Prospective customers and clients may not take you as seriously if they can tell that your address is a personal one.
Total Office Services has the solution. TOS can provide you with a business address for as little $8.99 per month* with no contract. You can manage all your mail and packages directly on your phone or tablet. You can read your mail and see your packages on your phone too. All of this is done at your direction. It is incredibly easy to use. Call Total Office Services at +1-704-948-8120 or go to our link: https://www.totalofficenc.com/Mobile-Virtual-Address
Mobile Business Address in the USA.
Do you need an address in the USA for business? Are you relocating to or from the USA? Do you travel all over the world? Do you sell products and services to many different countries?
Total Office Services offers you a business address in the USA that is entirely MOBILE. You can read and manage your mail and packages from anywhere on your phone or mobile device. Use your address in the USA to receive mail and packages. You will be notified when this happens. You will see a picture of your envelope or package on your phone. You can direct us to forward it to you or open and scan it (so you can read your mail on your phone). You can also direct us to hold it for you or shred your unwanted mail.
You are in control. You tell us how you want us to handle your mail and packages. It is all done securely through our online platform. Our staff is here to help you when you need assistance. This is a great way for people who move frequently to have an address that follows them. You won’t miss your mail or packages because you changed your address. And there is no contract. Total Office Services makes this very easy!
Sign up online and get your address the same day – in many cases. There is a US Postal Form and two IDs that are required for setup. Total Office Services can help you with the application process.
Details and sign up: //www.totalofficenc.com/Mobile-Virtual-Address
Contact Total Office Services: //www.totalofficenc.com/Contact-Us
Video: https://youtu.be/NYjJb6Kk7XM
Tel: +1-704-948-8120
Total Office Services "Makes Me Mobile" Video
Place graphic for service here.