Virtual business offices are a smart option for startups, freelancers, and small businesses. It allows you to have a professional address and office services without paying for a physical office. While you can get a virtual business office from a law firm, a coworking space offers several benefits that can help save you money. Here we compare the costs and benefits of virtual business offices in a law firm versus a coworking space.
Lower Costs of Virtual Business Offices
Virtual Office from a Law Firm
A virtual business office from a law firm usually includes a business address, mail handling, and sometimes a phone answering service. However, law firms are often more expensive due to their legal services and prestigious reputation. The cost of virtual business offices at a law firm can be higher because you’re paying not only for the address and mail services but also for the law firm’s brand and legal infrastructure.
Virtual Business Offices in a Coworking Space
Virtual Business Offices in a coworking space is much more affordable. Coworking spaces operate by sharing the costs of services like mail handling, utilities, and cleaning, which makes it cheaper for everyone. This makes coworking spaces a more cost-effective solution for small businesses or startups looking to save money while still having access to professional services.
At CONNECTICLUB, we have a special Black Friday promotion offering a 30% discount on standard rates. You can get your new Virtual Office for just 35 euros per month, excluding VAT. Learn more here.
Demonstrating a Physical Workspace
How Coworking Spaces Provide a Physical Location
One of the key benefits of having a virtual business office in a coworking space is the ability to demonstrate that your business has a real, physical location. This is useful if you need to show potential clients, partners, or government agencies that you have a professional working environment.
Why Law Firms Can’t Provide This Advantage
With a virtual office from a law firm, there’s no actual workspace to show. While the address can be used for official business, there’s no physical location to provide as proof of where the business operates. This can be a disadvantage in situations where a physical presence is needed, such as for certain legal or business requirements.
Professional Image at a Lower Cost
A Professional Address from a Law Firm
Virtual business offices at a law firm offers a prestigious business address, which can help your company look more professional. However, the price is high because you’re paying for the law firm’s services and reputation. You only get the address and mail services without any actual office space.
A Professional Address in a Coworking Space
Coworking spaces also provide virtual business offices with a professional address, but for a much lower price. Plus, coworking spaces offer additional services like meeting rooms, event spaces, and access to shared office equipment. You get a business address and the option to use office space when needed—all without the high cost of a law firm.
Shared Resources and Support
Limited Support with Law Firm’s Virtual Business Offices
A virtual office from a law firm usually includes a business address and mail handling. However, if you need extra services, like printing, meeting rooms, or private spaces, these might not be available. Law firms mainly focus on legal services and might not offer many other resources or amenities for businesses. This means you might not get the full support you need for your business compared to other options like coworking spaces.
More Resources in a Coworking Space
In a coworking space, you get virtual business offices along with access to shared resources, such as high-speed internet, printers, meeting rooms, and even event spaces. Plus, you have access to a community of other businesses, which can help with networking and collaboration.
Networking Opportunities
Limited Networking with Law Firm’s Virtual Business Offices
A virtual office in a law firm may not offer many opportunities to meet other business owners. It is usually just a place to receive mail and use a business address. Networking or collaboration opportunities are limited, as law firms primarily provide legal services, not a business community.
Strong Networking in Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces are designed to help businesses grow. They offer regular networking events, workshops, and community spaces where you can meet other business owners. Having a virtual business office in a coworking space gives you access to these networking opportunities, which can lead to new clients or partnerships that help your business grow.
Professional Services
Limited Professional Services with a Law Firm
With virtual business offices at a law firm, you may get basic legal services, but often at an extra cost. For other professional services like accounting or business consulting, you will need to hire them separately.
Professional Services in a Coworking Space
Many coworking spaces offer access to professional services like legal advice, accounting, and IT support at discounted rates. Some coworking spaces even have in-house experts available to help with your business needs. This can save you money compared to hiring external professionals.
FAQs About Saving Money with Virtual Business Offices in a Coworking Space
1. How Does Virtual Business Offices in a Coworking Space Save Me Money?
Coworking spaces offer lower costs because they share overhead costs across many businesses. You get a professional business address, mail handling, and access to shared office resources at a lower price compared to a law firm.
2. Can I Network with Other Businesses in a Coworking Space?
Yes! Coworking spaces are designed to foster community. You can attend networking events and meet other business owners, which can lead to new opportunities and clients.
3. Is a Coworking Space More Flexible Than a Law Firm’s Virtual Office?
Yes, coworking spaces offer more flexible options with month-to-month memberships. You can easily upgrade or reduce your plan as your business grows, unlike a law firm, which often requires long-term commitments.
4. What’s Included in the Virtual Business Office Package?
- Business center address
- Mail handling
- Forwarding mail in Malta
- International mail forwarding
5. Can CONNECTICLUB Help Me Save Money with a Virtual Business Office?
Yes, CONNECTICLUB offers a Virtual Business Office for just €35 per month (excluding VAT), including mail handling and a professional business address. You can also get help with the paperwork to make your address official if needed and submit it to the MBA (Malta Business Authority). Take advantage of our 30% discount until November 30!
For more details on how CONNECTICLUB can support you, contact us via WhatsApp at +356 77600827 or email us at connect@connecticlub.com.