In September 2020, Amazon announced that they would be requiring all U.S. sellers to disclose their business name and address on their public profile. The reason for this change was straightforward: they wanted to help buyers better vet third-party merchants who may be selling counterfeit or unsafe products.
Although the move served to increase consumer trust across the platform, it has created a major inconvenience for remote business owners, especially those using a home address as their business location. Because of this new policy, customers, strangers, and just about anyone with internet access can now look up your Amazon store and find out where you live. Major yikes!
While you can’t opt-out of this, there is a way to better protect your privacy. It involves signing up for a virtual mailbox and takes just five minutes (or less) to get started. Here’s everything you need to know about virtual mailboxes and how signing up for one can safeguard your privacy.
A Professional Business Address Will Protect Your Privacy
The best way to keep your personal information out of the hands of the public is to obtain a separate business address. When you sign up for a virtual mailbox, you’ll get a permanent, U.S.-based commercial address to protect your privacy while selling on Amazon. This means customers won’t be able to access your home address while browsing your online store.
You can’t put a price tag on peace of mind, and your new commercial business address provides just that. You don't have to worry about becoming the victim of an angry customer showing up at your home demanding a refund or exchange.
Virtual mailboxes offer an affordable, permanent solution to protecting your privacy while selling on Amazon. They also provide a pretty lengthy list of benefits for your remote business.
A Virtual Mailbox Can Complement Your Business
In addition to knowing that your home address won’t be listed on your Amazon seller page or storefront, you’ll get access to mail services that include mail scanning, package forwarding, and check depositing. You’ll get a permanent business address that can be used for the long term, so that even if you move, your business won’t.
As an added bonus, you’ll also get FREE registered agent services (exclusive to VPM virtual mailboxes). This means someone will be available to sign for and receive important correspondences on your behalf.
Your Virtual Mailbox Can Serve Many Purposes
Protecting your privacy when selling products on Amazon isn’t all your business address is good for. You may also find it useful for a number of other purposes, including (but not limited to):
- Sending and receiving mail from all couriers, including UPS, FedEx, and the U.S. Postal Service
- Creating shipping and return labels using the address
- Using the address to receive legal documents
- Sharing the address on your website
- Forming an LLC (PO boxes are not accepted as an address)
In addition to the advantages mentioned above, your new address will lend credibility to your brand, which is a huge bonus for your business. First impressions are everything!
Obtaining Additional Proof of Address for Your Amazon Store
In order to open your Amazon store, you might need to provide proof of address to verify your identity and your address. But don’t fret. There’s a simple solution for this.
With VPM’s TruLease plan, you can get a utility bill with the lessor’s name and service address shown on the bill, proving the physical address exists. Curious about how this works? Keep reading!
How TruLease Works
VPM partners with commercial building owners to lease out unused office spaces at a much lower rate than what you would normally pay. Since the office space you will be leasing is a space within a building, the utilities will be paid for by the building owner. The building owner will then provide a utility bill under the building owner's name, along with the service address, to prove that this office space physically exists.
Your leased address and your virtual mailbox address will be two entirely different addresses. Your virtual mailbox address is chosen when you sign up for a plan and will be where you receive all of your mail. Your leased address will be a true physical address that belongs to an office space as mentioned above.
How to Change Your Amazon Store Address
Once you’ve acquired your virtual mailbox and received your new commercial mailing address, you’re ready to move on to the easy part: editing your information within your Amazon account.
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to change your business address:
- Login to your Amazon seller account.
- In Seller Central, click on “Account Info” (located within the Settings menu).
- Once on the Seller Account Information page, navigate to the Business Information section, where you can click on “Business Address” to add or edit your business address.
- Click “Submit” to ensure your changes are saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most popular questions you’ve asked when it comes to the business address tied to your Amazon Seller account.
What will happen if I decide to use my home address for my Amazon Store?
Using your home address for your Amazon store creates a huge privacy risk. Your public information will be exposed to anyone who comes across your storefront, leaving you vulnerable to harassment. This is why it’s best to acquire a separate business address when selling products on online platforms.
Can I use a PO Box for my Amazon Store?
You can, but it won’t always be accepted when attempting to use it for other purposes. Plus, you’ll only be able to receive mail from USPS (that means no mail or packages from UPS or FedEx can be delivered to your PO Box).
What about a virtual office for my Amazon Store?
You can use a virtual office, but this is an expensive option. If you don't need the physical office space or business amenities, it's not worth it.
Conclusion
Amazon’s new policy means big changes for consumers and remote business owners like yourself. However, obtaining a virtual mailbox can help you protect your privacy and conceal your home address. With your new address, you’ll be able to sell your products on Amazon without having to worry about your personal information being compromised.
