Marilyn & Arthur Gray owners of Mailboxes Etc Manuka, run one of the most recommended mail box services in Canberra. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
While the postal landscape in Australia has most certainly changed, many of us continue to send and receive mail. From bills and bank statements to parcels and personal mail there is plenty to keep the average postie busy. Yet while regular mail is still part of the everyday, few consider whether there is a better way of doing so.
While private mail boxes have been the small business go-to for decades, they offer many attractive benefits to others. As dedicated mail centres, mail box services effectively manage mail for you. At their simplest, mail box services offer a tangible, secure, physical mailbox solution. At the other end of the spectrum, they can sort, scan, digitise mail and more.
Offering physical and virtual mail boxes plus many value adding services, chances are that you will find a mailbox service useful. If you run a virtual or home-based business these services can streamline operations while simultaneously lifting your company profile. For those who travel frequently, study or live away from home, they provide a constant secure base for incomings and outgoings.
But with countless options available in Canberra, how does one go about selecting the right one? From PO boxes and business mail centres to virtual mail boxes and we have it covered. Read on below for a little insight into the regions leading mail box services.
What makes a great mail box service?
A great mail box service offers does more than simply accept mail. They provide an efficient and effective means to manage the postal needs of both individuals and businesses. Here are a few attributes that we think separate the best from the rest:
- Convenient. Perhaps one of the greatest advantages that comes with engaging a mail box service is convenience. The ability to access mail as needed, from any device, anywhere has many obvious attractions. Even a dedicated physical mail box with easy 24/7 access will serve many clients well. Consider how lease terms, be it 6, 12, or 24 months, and available customer support will work for you.
- Reliable. There is nothing worse than outsourcing mail to a service barely equipped to receive it in the first place. Before engaging any service be sure to assess their reliability. Consider how they are staffed during, and alongside, business hours, and assess the speed of processing and lead times.
- Private & secure. As with any sensitive personal information, your mail should be treated with the utmost care. Here privacy and security must be paramount, both in terms of physical – and digital facilities. Enquire about security protocols, how mail is handled, and whether it can be accessed by others. For digital mail, ensure best practice procedures are in place addressing the opening, sharing, and disposal of mail products.
- Extras. Many leading mail box service providers offer a range of ancillary services, available as added value or for a small fee. These extras include acceptance from all couriers, email or text notifications, package consolidation, and mail forwarding to on onward locations. Multiple access accounts, cloud storage, and mail disposal may also be of benefit.
- Full-service. At the top end of market are full-service mailbox centres. Not only do they offer physical and digital services; they also service many other business needs. From printing, photocopying, signage, and even graphic design many services can be accessed under the one roof.
The best mail box services in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and maintain a minimum average of 4/5 stars on both Google and Facebook reviews.
Mail Boxes Etc Manuka
Since first opening its doors in Manuka over twenty-five years ago, Mail Boxes Etc, or MBE, have built a cult following of loyalists from individuals and small businesses, all the way through to enterprise and government.
A part of the worldwide MBE group, they leverage global relationships with some of the industry's heavy lifters to provide a full-service postal and business centre services. As one of over 35 centres across Australia, their extensive remit includes private mailboxes, shipping, courier, printing, and graphic design services to name but a few.
As Peter Cook states on Google, “I have used MBE for many years and will continue to do so. Wonderful service; always obliging; nothing is ever too much trouble, fair prices. The nicest of people.”
Australia Post
As our national postal service, Australia Post services a broad spectrum of the communities needs from the sending and receiving of mail through to money, insurance, and identification services. For businesses, the offer PO, GPO, and locked bag services.
With varied box sizes, secure storage, and easy 24/7 access these mailboxes are available at many of Australia Post’s suburban locations. With a range of shipping, ecommerce, marketing, and business administration solutions they are a great choice.
Pack & Send
As one of Australia’s most recognised brands in parcel and freight, Pack & Send are all about consolidating logistics into one streamlined offering.
With three handy locations in Canberra City, Belconnen, and Fyshwick, they provide total courier, freight packing and ecommerce fulfilment services.
In addition to their core specialisation, Pack & Send also offer a private mailbox rental service. Perfect for the start-up, small business, or private holder they are worth a visit.
Your experience with mail box services in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the mail box services listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mail box service?
In simple terms, a mail box service provides a fee-based street address and a secured physical mailbox where correspondence and parcels can be sent. Additional services like mail forwarding, signature on delivery, notifications and virtual mail are also often available.
What is a virtual mail box service?
Virtual mail box services effectively transfer postal mail into that which is paperless. Here, incoming mail is sorted and scanned with digital copies sent to the mailbox owner. A great advantage is the ability to access mail from your device anywhere, anytime.
What are the benefits of a mail box service?
There are many! Mail box services simultaneously allow clients to produce a physical mail address whilst keeping other addresses private. They offer mail security, prevent mail fraud, and allow for easy receipt of incoming parcels. Importantly, their notification, sorting and scanning services create seamless operations, as does anytime, anywhere access. Softer benefits like legitimising a digital or home business, gaining consumer confidence, and an expanded footprint are also worth noting.
Who might use a mail box service?
Mail box services have been readily adopted by all manner of clientele. From small businesses seeking a greater footprint, to virtual businesses needing a physical address they serve this market well. Mail box services are also used by those who need a fixed location, be it students, nomads or travellers, or those who seek a little more mail security.
Are mail box services secure?
Yes, mail box services provide secure solutions for clients. Physical mail boxes offer the ultimate privacy, with mail only accessible by the account holder. Equally, information shared via a virtual mail box is just as secure provided the service follows best practice privacy and security measures. For more, contact your local mail box service.
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