I've been through several threads, but I'm still trying to figure out my best match. Here's the issue:
I need an address for t-shirt returns, so I was considering a PO Box. However, I read that they don't accept packages from other carriers such as UPS. Is that the case? If so, it's not going to work out for me in terms of returns. What if my customer decides to use UPS, or Fed Ex to return his t-shirt? Will it be returned to him/her if I use a PO box?
I've considered a UPS Store box, but the closest UPS store is about 20 miles from me. I really don't want to pay for their forwarding service, but that may be my only option. What do you use??
That's true that the US Post office PO BOX won't accept UPS or Fedex packages. UPS will send the package back.
If the closest UPS store is too far away, you can search around your local yellowpages for other businesses that may offer mail services or private mail boxes. You may find a small business that is closer that offers the same service. A UPS store box or a private mail box mail service place can accept UPS/FedEx packages.
What are the advantages to having a PO Box? Besides not wanting to give out your real address? If that's not an issue, couldn't you just use that and call it good?
There are forwarding mail services that allow you to use a "mailing address" without the P.O. Box...in other words, when you provide the "mailing address" to your customers (which is the mailing services' address) as the return address, packages, mail, etc. would be forwarded to the forwarding mail service, which has the name of your company, the mailing address, city, state, zip. Although the customer must write either "#" or "PMB" next to the number of your mailbox, they would never know it was a forwarding mail service. I don't know where you are located but they must have them. There are tons here in L.A. I pay a very nominal fee for this service. You can pick up all your mail and packages there.
What are the advantages to having a PO Box? If that's not an issue, couldn't you just use that and call it good?
Business tax write off
Privacy
Separating business from personal mail (spam mailing lists)
Some might see it as more professional from a "residential" sounding address.
Business tax write off
Privacy
Separating business from personal mail (spam mailing lists)
Some might see it as more professional from a "residential" sounding address.
Not to mention people showing up that are local to buy a shirt to save shipping or depending on your designs safty from death threats
What are you guys paying for moderatly sized P.O Boxes?
$112 a year I think at the post office. Have the smallest size. They usually just put a notification that they have a package that won't fit if I get any returns. I drop off 6 days a week so it's no trouble.
PO Box, or other?? 
