Question 1

How quickly can I start using The Profile business address?

Accepted Answer

You can usually start using The Profile business address the same day, according to its own site: choose a plan, pick a location, verify your information and ID, then publish the address.

For a private office, the operator confirms the office and the agreement before your start date. Availability changes, so enquire on the listing with your preferred start date.

Question 2

How much does The Profile Virtual Services cost in Vancouver?

Accepted Answer

The Profile Virtual Services averages CAD 296 per desk per month across the four workspaces listed here in Canada, which are two private offices and two virtual offices.

The average spans both types, so it is not the price of either product on its own. The Profile's own site lists virtual address plans from CAD 45 per month.

Enquire on a listing and the operator confirms the rate for the option you choose.

Question 3

Where are The Profile Virtual Services locations in Canada?

Accepted Answer

The Profile Virtual Services has four buildings listed in Canada: two in Vancouver, one in North Vancouver and one in Ottawa.

The Profile's own site gives the addresses as 970 Burrard Street and 55 Water Street in Gastown, Vancouver; 50 Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver; and 222 Somerset Street West in Ottawa's Centretown.

Your choice of building decides the address you publish and where mail is received.

Question 4

What workspace does The Profile Virtual Services offer?

Accepted Answer

The Profile Virtual Services offers private offices and virtual offices in Canada, with two of each listed across its Vancouver, North Vancouver and Ottawa buildings.

Its own site centres on virtual business addresses and digital mailbox services rather than coworking, so it suits businesses that need a professional address and mail handling more than a daily desk.

Check each listing to see which option is offered at which building.

Question 5

What virtual office plans does The Profile offer in Vancouver and Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

The Profile's site lists three monthly virtual address plans at its Vancouver, North Vancouver and Ottawa addresses:
• Essential: CAD 45 per month, address with pay-as-you-go letter handling
• Digital Mailbox: CAD 75 per month, 30 items scanned monthly
• Essential + PLUS: CAD 95 per month, 50 items, team tools and cheque deposits

It adds a CAD 20 setup fee and a refundable deposit equal to one month.

Question 6

Can I use The Profile's address to register my company in British Columbia or Ontario?

Accepted Answer

The Profile says its Registered Agent Office plan, listed at CAD 228 per year, can be used as a records office address in British Columbia and Ontario, and for registering with the CRA, MSB and FINTRAC.

Registered and records office rules are set by each province, so confirm the requirements for your company with BC Registry Services or the Ontario Business Registry before you file.

Question 7

Does The Profile Virtual Services have meeting rooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes — three of The Profile Virtual Services' four buildings in Canada record a meeting room, and in each case it is booked at an extra charge.

Meeting rooms are not listed as separately bookable spaces here; The Profile arranges them at the centre, so ask which of the Vancouver, North Vancouver and Ottawa buildings has one and what the hourly rate is when you enquire.

Question 8

How does The Profile handle mail for virtual office clients?

Accepted Answer

The Profile handles mail by alerting you when items arrive and letting you choose to have them scanned, forwarded or shredded, according to its own site.

Its plans include daily notifications with a photo of each envelope, scanning to PDF, 90-day storage, domestic and international forwarding, and commercial shredding. Higher plans raise the monthly item allowance and add cheque deposits.

Every listed building records mail handling.

Question 9

What contract terms does The Profile Virtual Services offer?

Accepted Answer

The Profile Virtual Services offers flexible terms in Canada, from a single month to 12, 24 months or longer depending on the product.

The Profile's site says its virtual address plans have no contract and month-to-month subscriptions can be cancelled anytime by email; annual subscriptions end at renewal and are not prorated. It offers a full refund within the first seven days if you have not used the address.

Confirm office terms on enquiry.

Question 10

What facilities do The Profile Virtual Services buildings have?

Accepted Answer

Every The Profile Virtual Services building listed in Canada records 24/7 access, mail handling, parking in the building, air conditioning and disabled access.

Most of the four buildings also record:
• A kitchen and business lounge
• Reception services
• Printing facilities
• Furnished space

Facilities differ between the Vancouver, North Vancouver and Ottawa buildings, so check the listing for the address you want.