Virtual office or UPS mailbox

[Lonnie Hammond]

During a recent conversation with a friend, I was told that I could increase my DUNS score and/or business credit by obtaining a Google Voice number and a Virtual Office. According to my friend as long as my company and I shared a telephone number and address, it would be difficult to establish credit for my company (apart from my own) without separating the two. While researching virtual offices and reading other (Biggerpocket) post, I begin to compare virtual office services to UPS business mailbox services. My research caused me to wonder if I could still achieve the separation of personal and business credit using cheaper UPS services compared to more expensive virtual office services. Essentially, I am more concerned with building my business credit/DUNS score and gradually eliminating the need to have my personal credit ran or effected whenever funds are needed to grow or enhance my business. As much as I like the idea and privacy of having a “business” address, I only intend to move forward with either option if there is a good chance the company could benefit significantly from it.

Can anyone confirm or deny my friend’s input or speak with experience?

[JD Martin]

Originally posted by @Fred Heller:

@Lonnie Hammond   The problem I have with Google Voice, and I could be wrong, is that the number you get is an 800 number. I have a couple of friends who use Voice and they both have 800 numbers. In my opinion, you're better off getting a second line app for your phone. You'll get a local number. I use an app called Sideline, but there are several others on the Google Play Store.

As far as an address, I would stick with something like the UPS store. You get a street address instead of a PO Box.

If you absolutely need a place to meet clients, there are plenty of executive suites/virtual office places where you can rent space as needed.

 I don't know anything about UPS virtual office, but you can easily get a Google Voice number and it doesn't have to be a 800 number. We have one and it's just a normal local phone number, and it's free.