"Creating" a new business address out of thin air

[Patrick Woodard]

Hi,

I haven't really overtly participated much in the forums, but am a longtime lurker, knowledge stealer, and podcast listener.  Anything I've ever wanted to ask or contribute has already been asked or contributed.  But I now have a unique situation and would like to get some feedback (from people outside of my non-real estate investing family and friends).  Also, I didn't really know where to post this, I'm sure there's a better forum, but looked through them all and didn't know which to use.  Here goes:

My business partner and I have been using a PO Box for several years, but now have an opportunity to have a physical address (I guess we always did, as does anyone with mf properties).

The idea started at our latest project, a six unit, three story building with huge basement divided into rooms.  Not only is the basement going to be nice for storage, but we began talking about moving our office there instead of our current office: my bedroom.  So then my partner had the idea to just start getting our mail at the building and stop paying for a PO Box.  I have already installed a 7 unit mailbox, 1 extra for us.  But here's the question:

What do we make the address?  The units are simply 932 9th Ave Apt 1, apt 2, and so on.  I would like to take the opportunity to make a "bigger" sounding address like 932 9th Ave, Suite 1000, or Main Floor, or (my fave) Fourth Floor (there are only three floors).  I think 932 9th ave, basement sounds crappy, even though that's the reality.

Has anyone else done something like this?  Is it as simple as hanging up a mailbox, making up an address, and they start delivering?  I've had a pain in the *** mail lady before who apparently knew the entire Postal Code, so I'm sure there's a rule about it.  I figure if I just started getting mail there, the mail carrier would just start delivering it, unless they are a rule nazi.  I mean, if I made a duplex out of a sfh, I would just name them apt 1 and 2.  I wouldn't go to the Postmaster to fill out whatever form they have, if they even have a form.

So, in closing, has anyone done this before? And secondly, What do you think a "good address" would be? I like any of the ones about, especially the tongue in cheek fourth floor one, but I'm sure the bigger pockets hive can do better. I would like it to sound bigger and more "business sounding" in case we start doing direct mail, or contacting banks for REO lists, etc.

Thanks!

[Jeff Filali]

@Patrick Woodard I've made a ton of connections and money going to the post office.  Great place to strike up a conversation, that could turn into a deal.  I'll gladly keep paying the $200 year or whatever it is, for the excuse to go there and have opportunities to meet new clients.  Help an old lady carry her packages, then when she thanks you, hand her a business card and say if you know anyone looking to sell an old house, give them my card.  It works...  How many people who aren't already your clients,tenants, etc are going to come to your office for any reason other then doing business with you?   Think outside of the box and always be selling your business.