Question 1

I'm having trouble logging in. How do I reset my password?

Accepted Answer

If you're having problems logging in, click the 'Password Recovery' option and follow the instructions provided. You will be asked to enter the email address you used when creating your account. A message will be sent to that email address containing a link to reset your password. For security reasons the link can only be used for one hour. If you do not receive your email within five minutes, please check your spam folder. If you continue to experience problems accessing your account, please contact us and a member of the team will be happy to help.

Question 2

Where can I obtain your Terms & Conditions?

Accepted Answer

Please follow these links to access Alliance Virtual Offices' terms and conditions: Virtual Office Terms and Conditions Coworking Terms and Conditions Website Terms of Use

Question 3

I don't want to receive marketing emails. How do I control my preferences?

Accepted Answer

You are in full control and can update your marketing preferences at any time. The link to manage your email subscriptions is at the bottom of every marketing email.

Question 4

How do I find a notary to authorize CMRA Form 1583?

Accepted Answer

Alliance Virtual Offices provides an online notary service free of charge. The notary evaluates photographic identification and ensures all elements in the CMRA form are completed accurately. You will be directed to our online notary during the Virtual Office setup process. The process takes a few minutes to complete and is conducted over a live video call. If you prefer to see a notary in-person, it is a relatively quick and inexpensive process. Some banks offer an in-house notary service for free. You can also find notaries by searching local directories or via an online search engine. If you have any questions about the notarization or CMRA process, please contact a member of our team.

Question 5

I would like to know more about Alliance. Can you provide further information?

Accepted Answer

Please email support@alliancevirtualoffices.com with your contact details and a brief description of what you would like to know. We will happily connect you with a member of our operations team who can provide the appropriate information.

Question 6

How is my personal information stored, and is my data safe?

Accepted Answer

We take data privacy very seriously and have stringent procedures in place to protect your privacy. Please read our privacy policy to learn more. If you have additional questions, you may contact us at privacy@alliancevirtualoffices.com.

Question 7

I want a Virtual Office. Where do I start?

Accepted Answer

Start by searching for a Virtual Office location on our website. Simply type in a city, postal code, or US state. Once you have found a Virtual Office location, select a plan from the options available. Platinum is our standard Virtual Office plan, and Platinum Plus includes access to meeting rooms for a set amount of hours each month (in most cases this is 16 hours, but some locations offer fewer hours). You can add services at any time, such as mail forwarding, a Live Receptionist service, or a Virtual Phone plan. Need help choosing the right service for your business? Chat with our team online or contact us here.

Question 8

What is an Alliance Virtual Office?

Accepted Answer

A Virtual Office from Alliance is a combination of on-demand space and address services for the remote worker. It provides professional offices and meeting rooms, with a corporate address for receiving mail for local pickup or forwarding to an address of your choice. It allows entrepreneurs to have a physical presence throughout the US and globally, without committing to a full-time office lease. Additional services include a professional live receptionist service, a business phone number, and a VoIP phone system.

Question 9

Is there a prepayment discount if I pay in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alliance offers a 5% discount with a 6-month prepayment, or 10% discount for 12-month prepayment. Please contact your sales representative on options for prepayment prior to placing your order.

Question 10

What is a CMRA and why do I need to complete Form 1583?

Accepted Answer

This process legally authorizes us to handle mail on your behalf. This is a requirement under U.S. Postal Service regulations to safeguard your business against fraud and other concerns such as identity theft. You will need to complete, sign, and notarize CMRA Form 1583 so that Alliance and our center partners can receive mail on your behalf. This process must be completed each time you set up a Virtual Office or a new business address with Alliance Virtual Offices.

Question 11

What are acceptable forms of ID when completing CMRA Form 1583?

Accepted Answer

Two forms of identification must be presented to our online notary partners during the notarization session: A primary ID with a photo A secondary ID with a home address Primary forms of identification must include a clear photograph of the individual bearer. Additional information can be found at Domestic Mail Manual 608.3.10.3. U.S. Government ID may be federal-, state-, or tribal-issued. You may provide the following: Identification card issued by a federally or state-recognized tribal nation (tribal identification card) U.S. certificate of citizenship or naturalization U.S. permanent resident or other identification card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Uniformed Service ID card U.S. Armed Forces card Non-driver's identification card State-issued driver's license Passport Matricula Consular (Mexico) NEXUS (Canada) Corporate Identification U.S. University Identification An acceptable secondary form of identification, traceable to the bearer, is required to verify the validity of the address provided when you apply or request certain products and services. The following acceptable non-photo forms of current identification can be used: A lease, mortgage, or deed of trust Voter or vehicle registration card Home or vehicle insurance policy Form I-94, Arrival and Departure Record Please note: Social security cards, credit cards, and birth certificates are NOT acceptable forms of identification. If both IDs have addresses, they must both match the home address.

Question 12

Why do I have to show you 2 forms of identification during the notarization process?

Accepted Answer

The United States Postal Service (USPS) requires all Commercial Mail Receiving Agents (CMRA) to collect a notarized USPS Form 1583 from customers. This form verifies your identity and provides official consent for Alliance Virtual Offices and our center partners to receive and manage mail on your behalf.

Question 13

How do I fill out CMRA Form 1583?

Accepted Answer

During the checkout process on the Alliance Virtual Offices website, we offer an online digital notary. As an alternative, a pre-filled version of Form 1583 can be filled out and used with your own local notary. Follow these steps to complete Form 1583 quickly and easily: Box 1: Print date. Box 2: Print your company name. Boxes 3 & 4: Leave this section blank — we will fill this section out. Box 5: Sign your name. This authorizes the business center to receive certified or restricted-delivery mail on your behalf. Boxes 6 & 7: Print your name and home address (this should match the address shown on your photographic identification). Normally, this should match Box 2. Box 8 (a, b): Write down two forms of ID that you will use to prove your identity. One must be photographic ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Box 9: Print your Company Name. Box 10 (a, b, c, d, e): Print your current business address (if you do not have one, list your home address again). Box 11: Briefly describe the type of product or service your business provides, e.g. "marketing", "legal advice", "stationery". Boxes 12, 13 & 14: Fill in if applicable, otherwise leave blank (for each name given we need 2 forms of ID). Box 15: Notary's signature and seal (must be on this form). Box 16: Your signature. Once the form has been completed and notarized, send the original copy (NOT a photocopy) of the form along with photocopies of your ID documents to Alliance Virtual Offices headquarters. Alternatively, you can email a scanned version of the original form to us with copies of your ID documents. Please ensure all text and identification is legible. We will submit the form and identification as required by law, and keep a copy for our records.

Question 14

Can I file CMRA Form 1583 if I don't have a U.S. address?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must file USPS Form 1583, even if you don't have a U.S. address. You will be required to notarize Form 1583 using an online notary service, which is a complimentary service provided by Alliance during the Virtual Office purchase and setup process.

Question 15

What will my Virtual Office address look like?

Accepted Answer

Address formats may vary slightly by location, but will typically look like this: Your Name or/and Company Name
123 Main Street #1001
Philadelphia, PA 123451 Some virtual office operators include a unique PMB (Private Mail Box) number as part of your business address.

Question 16

Can I view the Virtual Office before signing up?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We will be happy to arrange an appointment for you to visit the building. Please contact us and we will arrange a time for you to visit the center.

Question 17

How often is my mail forwarded and what is the cost?

Accepted Answer

Mail forwarding can be added to any Virtual Office plan quickly and easily. Mail can be forwarded on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, starting from just $10 (plus postage or courier fees). If forwarding is not required, mail can be collected at the center during business hours at no additional cost. Up to three people can be nominated to collect mail on behalf of your company.

Question 18

Is there a weight or size limit on parcels for the mail handling service?

Accepted Answer

Yes — under normal circumstances we cannot accept any items exceeding 10 lbs (4.5 kgs) in weight, 18" in dimension, or 1 cubic foot in volume. Under special arrangements, virtual office clients may arrange for larger or heavier items to be delivered to the business center. Normally, the center manager will ask you to collect the package in person on the same day as delivery. Please contact us prior to arranging delivery so we can confirm whether the center is able to meet your requirements for larger items. Alliance will not accept items containing any dangerous, live or perishable goods and shall be entitled in its absolute discretion to return uncollected items or refuse to accept any quantity of items it considers unreasonable or unlawful.

Question 19

What is your Virtual Office cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Virtual Office plans carry an initial term of 6 months. You can cancel your agreement after the initial 6-month term by providing written notice 30 days before the beginning of the month you would like to cancel. For example, if you email us to cancel your plan on August 20th, it will be cancelled effective September 30th. Please send written notice to cancellations@alliancevirtualoffices.com.

Question 20

Can I register an LLC using a Virtual Office?

Accepted Answer

A Virtual Office address can usually be included on the Articles of Organization for LLC or entity registration. We advise reviewing the requirements in your state as regulations change from time to time. To learn more, read our guide about registering a company using a virtual office address: Using a Virtual Office for LLC Registration.

Question 21

Can I downgrade my Virtual Office from Platinum Plus to Platinum?

Accepted Answer

Yes. To change your Virtual Office plan, please provide written confirmation with 30 days' notice.

Question 22

Are mail scans included in my Virtual Office plan?

Accepted Answer

Our Virtual Office plans do not include mail scanning. This service may be available to add, depending on your center. Please contact us for details of availability and pricing.

Question 23

How many people in my company can receive mail at my virtual office address?

Accepted Answer

Up to 3 team members may receive mail addressed to them, or collect mail on behalf of your company, as part of your company's Virtual Office account. Please ensure they provide a form of ID when collecting your mail.

Question 24

My company uses a DBA. Can I receive mail addressed to both the company name and its DBA at my Virtual Office address?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but there is an additional fee per DBA. Each Virtual Office address is unique to one business entity which can include any DBAs registered to that company.

Question 25

Can I sign up for multiple Virtual Office addresses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can purchase as many Virtual Office addresses as you wish. You will need to notarize and submit a USPS 1583 form for each Virtual Office location.

Question 26

Will I get a mailbox number?

Accepted Answer

Most of our Virtual Office centers provide a unique PMB (Private Mailbox) or Suite number.

Question 27

Is there a charge for picking up mail?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no fee to pick up mail from your Virtual Office address. You can visit your center to collect mail as often as you like during business hours. Up to three people can be nominated to collect mail on behalf of your company (ID required). Alternatively, mail forwarding can be added to any Virtual Office plan quickly and easily. Mail can be forwarded on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, starting from just $10 (plus postage or courier costs).

Question 28

Will all my mail automatically be forwarded to my Virtual Office address?

Accepted Answer

No. It is up to you to share your new address with anyone who will be sending mail to you. If you would like all of your mail sent to your Virtual Office address, please fill out a Change of Address form with USPS to ensure they forward all 1st Class mail. We recommend using the Temporary Change of Address form, which is valid for 6 months and renewable, in case you need to change your address or cancel your account. Once your mail is being received at your Virtual Office address, you can either pick it up during business hours, or you can add a mail forwarding plan and the center will forward the mail to an address of your choice.

Question 29

Will I be notified about mail whenever I receive it?

Accepted Answer

Mail notifications are not part of the standard Virtual Office service. If you require this service, please contact us and we will provide a quote for mail notifications at your center.

Question 30

Can I use the address for Google My Business / Google Postcard?

Accepted Answer

We have many clients who have successfully used their Virtual Office address to register on Google My Business. However, Alliance Virtual Offices cannot guarantee acceptance into Google My Business or Google Maps. This is at the sole discretion of Google. If you have problems verifying your business listing, please refer to Google's support page. If you are shopping around and other virtual office providers promise that their virtual address will work with Google My Business, please be skeptical of what you are buying as this is not guaranteed.

Question 31

How does the Live Receptionist service work?

Accepted Answer

Our receptionists have all been extensively trained to answer phones for a variety of companies, in a friendly and professional manner. Every time someone calls your number our software will display this information to our receptionists. This enables our receptionists to provide a personalized greeting in your company name. During the call, our receptionists can take a message, forward the call to you or a colleague, forward to voicemail, or schedule a call-back based on your availability (we use your existing business calendar, or we provide an online calendar app, for free). You have full control over the call answering and screening process, including how your callers are greeted and which calls are forwarded. Each Live Receptionist plan comes with a set amount of live answering minutes per month: 50, 100, or 200 (more minutes are available). Our receptionists are available to answer calls Monday–Friday from 8am–9pm Eastern, and Saturdays 9am–8pm Eastern. You can adjust your plan quickly and easily, at any time.

Question 32

Can I speak to the receptionists who will be handling my calls?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Live Receptionist service is carried out by a team of professionally trained receptionists based in our offices in Las Vegas, NV. We would be happy to set up a call with our team manager who handles our Live Receptionist service, who will walk you through the process and explain how it works. Prior to going live with your Live Receptionist service, we will conduct test calls with you to ensure you are happy with the way company calls are answered. At any time, you can contact us or log-in to your account to update your preferences or change the way calls are handled.

Question 33

What are the operating hours for Live Receptionists?

Accepted Answer

Our Live Receptionist team is available to answer calls from Monday–Friday 8am–9pm (Eastern), and on Saturdays 9am–8pm (Eastern). It's easy to change your call answering schedule. You can do it yourself online using this step-by-step guide, and the changes will be reflected immediately. Or, simply speak to us and we'll do it for you. Connect with us via live chat or over the phone.

Question 34

Will we be notified if we exceed our Live Receptionist minutes?

Accepted Answer

You won't be notified automatically. At the end of each month, if you exceed the minutes included in your package you will receive an invoice with your monthly rate plus a fee for the number of minutes exceeded. During the first month of service you will not be charged any overage.

Question 35

Can I upgrade or downgrade my Live Receptionist plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can change to a plan with more, or fewer minutes, at any time. Our Live Receptionist plans start at 50 minutes and can be upgraded to 100 or 200 minutes per month (more minutes are available). Or, if you no longer require a live answering service, we can change your plan to a phone only account. All we ask is that you give us 30 days' notice to make the change.

Question 36

What is a Virtual Phone system?

Accepted Answer

A virtual phone (or VoIP) system enables you to make and receive phone calls over the Internet. Unlike a traditional landline, a virtual phone works with WiFi-enabled devices such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets, which makes it ideal for remote workers. Since it's web-based, it's cost-effective too. Alliance offers a Virtual Phone plan that includes a dedicated business number and a virtual phone system with helpful features such as auto-attendant, caller menus, customized greetings, and more. Our Virtual Phone offers an app that you can use on your iOS or Android device. It enables you to dial out using your private business number rather than using your personal cell.

Question 37

How does Alliance count Virtual Phone system minutes?

Accepted Answer

Our Virtual Phone plan provides unlimited minutes, so in most cases you won't need to monitor your usage. However, certain international calls may apply. For this, Alliance does not count any calls if they are 5 seconds or less. Other than that, our system counts 30 second increments — for example, a 25 second call is 30 seconds and a 55 second call is counted as 1 minute. Please note that these minutes are counted separately from our Live Receptionist answering system.

Question 38

Will my virtual phone number be listed on national 411?

Accepted Answer

We will help you list your business number in the 411 phone directory assistance for free, through ListYourself.net. 411 listings may take 5 to 10 days to appear. The listing will only be "Local" meaning that it will not come up in any national directories. Regional or National listings have an additional cost. We recommend visiting ListYourself.net's website for further information. 411 Listings require that we share your business information with an outside entity and we will need your explicit authorization to do so. Please email support@alliancevirtualoffices.com stating that you authorize us to list your organization on 411.

Question 39

Can I use my existing company phone number?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Established businesses with an existing business phone number can continue to use their own number. Alliance will help you port your existing business number into our system for free.

Question 40

If I get a number in the US and have incoming calls from overseas, will I be charged?

Accepted Answer

You will be charged an international fee per minute depending on the country of origin. Your caller may also be charged by their own phone provider.

Question 41

I have booked a meeting room online, but I haven't received my confirmation email.

Accepted Answer

Alliance Virtual Offices works directly with the meeting room venue to verify your booking. This is only possible during business hours, so bookings made outside of those hours or in different time zones may result in a slight delay. We will confirm your booking within one business day. However, if you require a faster response or if you have any concerns about your reservation, please contact us and a member of the team will be happy to help. Please also remember to check your email spam or junk folder.

Question 42

I need an occasional office or meeting room for a few hours per week. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

You can easily book office space and meeting rooms through Alliance on an hourly, half-day, or full-day basis. Find your nearest venue here and book online or over the phone. Our team confirms your booking with the center, including any special requests. For frequent usage, you may like to consider our Platinum Plus Virtual Office, which includes additional discounted meeting room or private office usage each month. The number of hours included in the plan varies by location.

Question 43

Do I have to be a Virtual Office client to book a meeting room?

Accepted Answer

No — all meeting rooms and day offices listed on Alliance Virtual Offices are available to everyone, regardless of whether or not you are a current Virtual Office client. Simply find your nearest meeting room venue on the Alliance Virtual Offices website and book online. You can reserve meeting rooms and office space by the hour, half day, or full day. If you need any assistance, please contact us.

Question 44

What is the meeting room cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations received more than 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) prior to the reserved date and time will be charged a $25 cancellation fee. Cancellations received less than 48 hours (2 business days) prior to the reserved date and time will be charged a fee equal to the total order (this includes bookings made less than 48 hours in advance). Rooms reserved for more than 20 attendees have a cancellation notice period of five working days.

Question 45

Can we access the room a few minutes before to set up?

Accepted Answer

We guarantee you will have access to the room during the time stated on your booking. If you need to enter the room early, this may be possible but it will depend on whether the room is occupied immediately prior to your booking. Either way, our center partners will work with you to ensure the room is ready. The onsite receptionist will greet your guests and either show them to the room, or accommodate them in a waiting area until you're ready to start.

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