Did you know that 43% of Americans now work remotely? The number of businesses, institutions, and entrepreneurs who use virtual office space, coworking facilities, and similar business spaces has risen drastically. You can now find them in almost every major city, and many smaller ones.

The rise in popularity of coworking and virtual offices means that consumers have more options than ever before. Since virtual offices sometimes require long-term commitments, it’s important to go about your search carefully. Below are five things to remember as you are considering the various options for virtual offices.

1. List Your Needs

If you don’t know what you are looking for from a virtual office, it’s difficult to determine which one will best suit your options. Think about the exact amenities a business of your size and type requires. If you’re a solopreneur, for example, you may need an official mailing address, like the ones offered by The Hoxton Mix.

Larger businesses may require things like cubicles and IT services.

2. Research Local Virtual Office Space Options

It’s easy to find different listings of virtual office space to compare online. You can start with a simple Google search to find facilities in your area. Yelp and similar community sites are other good options for finding virtual offices.

As you come across the various options for virtual offices, remember to record the ones you think work best for your list. You may want to spend a few minutes researching each one.

3. Reach out to Each Virtual Office

Once you’ve determined what’s available, call or email the sales departments at the virtual office companies you are considering. They should be responsive and helpful when they communicate with you. If a virtual office provider doesn’t get back to you in a business day or less, or their messages are confusing, it may be a red flag that you should avoid them.

4. Compare Costs

Around the world, the average cost of coworking space is two cups of coffee per day. This figure represents actual space in a coworking facility. If you only need a business address for mailing purposes or receptionist services, the cost may be even lower. Compare the prices of the various virtual office options you are considering to determine which one offers the best value for the price.

5. Analyze Options, Then Make a Decision

Remember that just because you decide on one option for your virtual office space, it doesn’t mean you have to be locked into them forever. The top flexible office space providers won’t force you to be locked into a contract for months or even years. After you become a customer, make sure to request copies of all the pertinent documents and records showing that you are purchasing virtual office services.

Virtual Offices Make Business Easier

As an entrepreneur, you have a lot on your plate. A long, complicated search for the right virtual office space provider is the last thing you need to add to your to-do list.

Follow the above tips and check out the other business blog posts on the site for more helpful strategies for modern business success.