Virtual offices are suited for companies who have no direct / face to face contact with their clients. They offer all of the services that you would associate with a normal serviced office but without the high overheads that go hand-in-hand with the renting or leasing of a traditional office
Most virtual offices will provide your business with a business address, telephone number and answering, fax forwarding and many are now offering physical meeting rooms, where if needed you can meet with clients in person. Some even offer office storage facilities.
In addition to cost savings virtual offices also offer enviromental benefits. You don't have to drive to work, which saves on emissions. You also have a larger pool of prospective employees given that location isn't as important and physical boundaries are taken down.
Whilst there are many benefits associated with the virtual office, it is important that you are also aware of some of the downsides. Such as, an increased risk of miscommunication with fellow employees, given that you aren't able to see one another and communicate face-to-face. You are also very reliant on technology for communication which can make for a steep learning curve for some employees. A fast and reliable Broadband connection to the internet is highly recommended over the old dial up connections. Its recommended that you really shop around for the best broadband deals and compare what each has to offer in terms of speed, reliability, and customer support. Another notable disadvantage is the lack of management and administrative support available.
If you decide that a virtual office is right for your company then shop wisely as there are many to choose from. Some virtual office providers offer only PO Box numbers but other allow you to have a real street address. This helps to make your company look legitimate and more professional.