Hello all.

I run a small hosting business and I'd like to start branching out from the local customers I'm hosting now. One of the main factors I often notice regarding credibility of a hosting company is publishing their office address.

At the moment I can't afford office space and I prefer the flexibility working at home affords me. However, I want people to confide in my business and understand that I am serious and not just trying to get rich quick. At the moment I just list a PO Box as my address and have mail forwarded to my house that way.

So, do you think it is better to leave out the address if you don't feel comfortable publishing your home address, or do you think it would be better to just not worry and post it up?

Or are there other ways round it, like using one of those "registered office services"?

Hope you can share some of your thoughts.

IN the UK you are required to publish your address.

I understand, WorldPay also requires me to publish a postal address, I guess I'm talking more about, should I just publish my home address, or get one of those registered office addresses?

That is completely up to you. Personally I have no issues posting my home address as long as you are recieveing mail in the company name their. If you are worried about it get a po box.

-Jim

There are many service business that use their homes for offices.
A/C repair being one of them.

For smaller businesses, it isn't worth the overhead of an office payment.

If you already use a PO Box, continue to use it. It's not like a datacenter or office where people will actually come to work on servers or meet with you if you're not targeting the local market.

You also might consider using Mail Boxes Etc or a company similiar. That way your address can be something like 1234 Main Street, Ste 554.

It might looks a bit more professional rather than a post office box to some

Professional reasons aside...I never gave out my home address when I was actually running things from my home, for safety reasons. You will, undoubtedly, have a kook or two sign up for your services. Do you *really* want them knowing where you live???? I actually had one spammer, after we terminated his account, threaten my life in gruesome detail. That was unsettling enough as it was, I can't imagine how terrified I'd be if he had my home address.

--Tina

Originally posted by AH-Tina
I actually had one spammer, after we terminated his account, threaten my life in gruesome detail.
Yikes, does this type of thing happen to a lot of hosts?

Tina just gets to experience everything :)

-Jim

In 8 years, I've only had my life threatened once. However, because I have children, that was enough for me to realize that I need to keep my private life separated from my business as much as possible. I strongly suggest everyone do the same. There are crazy people out there and you never know when you're going to do business with one of them.

--Tina

i live in a high-rise apartment building so I was considering listing just the street address of the apartment. Haven't made my mind up yet. I don't want to go as far as listing my Apt. number.

Originally posted by AH-Tina
There are crazy people out there and you never know when you're going to do business with one of them.


Maybe use your in-law's address?

:angel:

Originally posted by AH-Tina
. . . There are crazy people out there and you never know when you're going to do business with one of them.

--Tina Wouldn't that be true with any business?

Originally posted by SoftWareRevue
Wouldn't that be true with any business?

Of course. But, with most businesses you aren't likely to invite them into your home to take their money.

--Tina

Originally posted by SoftWareRevue
Wouldn't that be true with any business?

Yes, but we're talking about revealing your home address. I don't think if you walked into a Staples, you'd get the home address of the manager now would we? ;)