Frequently asked questions
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- Why do I need to verify my ID?
- As a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA), we're required to verify the identity of anyone receiving mail at our address before their account is fully activated — the same process used industry-wide, similar to a USPS Form 1583. You'll submit your ID online, and our team manually reviews and approves it, usually within one business day.
- What counts as a "scan"?
- A scan is when we open a piece of mail, scan its full contents, and upload the images to your account. Each plan includes a number of scans per month; scans beyond that are billed per use. Just photographing the outside of an envelope or package (which happens automatically for every item) doesn't use a scan.
- How does forwarding work?
- Request a forward on any item and tell us where it should go. We'll send you a shipping quote based on the size, weight, and destination — nothing is shipped and nothing is charged until you approve that quote.
- Can I combine multiple items into one forward?
- Yes. Use consolidation to bundle several pieces of mail or packages into a single outgoing shipment, which usually costs less than forwarding each item separately.
- What if I don't want an item?
- Request a secure shred (for documents) or a discard (for packaging and other items) and we'll dispose of it for you — no pickup or forwarding needed.
- Will I be notified when something happens?
- You can turn on email notifications for each type of event individually — new mail, a completed scan, a forwarding quote, a finished pickup, and more — so you only hear about what matters to you.
- Can I pick up my mail in person?
- Yes. Request a pickup online and stop by our Vancouver location at 329 Howe Street to collect it.
- What's the difference between a virtual mailbox and a PO box in Canada?
- A PO box is issued by Canada Post and only accepts Canada Post mail — many couriers (FedEx, UPS, Amazon) and government forms won't accept one. A virtual mailbox gives you a real street address with your own mailbox number, so it can receive mail and packages from any carrier and works anywhere a home or office address would.
- What is a CMRA?
- A Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) is a business licensed to receive mail and packages on behalf of customers at a real street address. It's the regulatory category a virtual mailbox provider falls under, which is why ID verification is required before an account is fully activated.
- Can I use this address to register a business in BC?
- A real street address like ours is commonly used as a mailing or business address when registering a company, in place of a residential address or PO box. Requirements vary depending on the type of registration, so it's worth confirming the specific requirement with BC Registries or your accountant before you register.
- How does mail forwarding work from a Canadian address?
- Request a forward on any item and give us the destination — anywhere in Canada or internationally. We calculate a shipping quote based on size, weight, and destination and send it to you first; nothing ships and nothing is charged until you approve it.
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