Pros and Cons of Renting a Post Office Box

Renting a post office box might be the right thing for you to do, depending on your circumstances. Business owners typically get their mail at the post office because it gives them an address so they don't have to use their home address. You don't have to run a business to take advantage of the perks. Whether you're a business owner or not, if you move, for example, keeping the same box provides a permanent address where you can receive your mail without interruption. Weigh the pros and cons of renting a post office box to determine if it fits your needs.

Pros

1. Renting a post office box is easy. If you have a USPS.com account and a credit card, you can apply for and renew your box online. You'll need to take the printed form, receipt, and two forms of ID to the post office to finalize the reservation and pick-up your keys.

2. Maintain your privacy by using a post office box so you can give out and use that address, instead of using your home address.

3. With a post office box, your mail cannot be tampered with or stolen like it can be in a mailbox at your home. Since you're the only person who has a key, you can maintain complete confidentiality.

4. If you run a business, renting a post office box is an easy way to keep your business separate from your personal life. If you travel a lot, you can have peace of mind knowing your mail is safe, and won't be tampered with.

5. Even if the USPS eliminates Saturday delivery, if you have a post office box, you'll still get your mail that day.

Cons

1. Some post offices have extended lobby hours so you can pick-up your mail at your convenience. However, many post offices, especially the smaller ones, have limited hours. You won't be able to pick your mail up every day if you don't get there on time.

2. Many companies won't deliver merchandise to a post office box. They require a street address.

3. If you use a post office box for your business address, some potential customers won't deal with you since there's a stigma attached to them. Scam artists and fly-by-night companies typically use post office boxes as their addresses. Once they get your money, they can take off, and you have no way to locate them.

4. The rates to rent a post office box currently range from $12 for 6 months for the smallest size, to hundreds for the largest box. If you rent a box for your business, the added expense is tax deductible. If your box is used for personal mail, this will put an added expense on your budget.

Resources

https://www.usps.com/manage/get-a-po-box.htm

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/saturday-mail-cut-loophole-post-office-boxes/story?id=10234179

http://publicsafety.ci.akron.oh.us/police/crime_prevention/internet_fraud.html