Mail Redirection for Your Business: Forwarding mails with Australia Post

Mail redirection has never been easier with Australia Post. So, if you’re looking for information on how to forward your mail for your business, this article can help. We’ve done all the research for you and have explained why a business might relocate and how to set up mail forwarding for your business with Australia Post. Whether you're interested in mail redirection with Australia Post or mail forwarding across  Australia, we’ve got you covered.

Why a Business May Relocate

It’s common for a business to relocate, and they may do so for several reasons, including:

• Another city may offer a better quality of life
• A different (or more prestigious) address may be more appealing
• A business may be sold to a third party
• The business’ current location is declining
• Overall lower cost of doing business
• The business needs to upgrade its facilities
• There’s a better pool of employees in a different location

How Mail Redirection Works

When your business relocates, the best way to ensure that you don’t miss out on any mail is using a Business Mail Redirection service. This ensures all vital mail including cheques, letters, returned stock or invoices are correctly sent to you - this in essence, is the concept of mail forwarding.

When redirecting your business mail with Australia Post, you can choose to use Aus Post mail forwarding for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months, or you can choose to extend this service for as long as you wish. You can also change or cancel the service at any time. Auspost mail redirection allows you to add up to 6 names to your application, which can include your business name(s), your name and even the names of those who you work with. Once you’ve applied for mail redirection, Australia Post will send an email confirming they have received your application and another email once the service is approved. Generally, the process takes about 3 days. If your application is rejected, for whatever reason, Australia Post will still get in contact with you to ensure you are provided with the best guidance, support, and next steps you can take.  

Mail Redirection for Businesses

If you have an ABN and a Certificate of Registration of a Company, you can apply for mail forwarding with Australia Post for your business, either, online or in person at the post office. If you decide to apply online, you’ll be required to upload a .jpg image of your Certificate of Registration of a Company. (Note: Normally, this is issued in PDF format, for information on how to convert this document, see here). If you decide to apply at the post office, you’ll need to provide your Certificate of Registration of a Company and apply your company seal next to the signature of the application form, that is, if you have one.

Cost wise, if you are looking at redirecting your mail to another address in Australia, this will set you back $132 for one month, $330 for 3 months, $660 for 6 months and $1,320 for 12 months. If you wish to redirect your mail to an international address, you are looking at rates of $264 for 1 month, $660 for 3 months, $1,320 for 6 months and $2,640 for 12 months. You can always choose to have your service extended or cancel at any time. 

Mail Redirection for Home Office

If you operate your business from home, a Home Office Mail Redirection bundle may be the better option for you. To apply for this mail forwarding service, simply apply at your local post office with proof of your identity showing your residential mailing address, and one of the following:

• For a home office business: a business certificate statement or tax statement.
• For a trust (individual or company trust): a trust statement with your mailing address.
• For a self-managed super fund: an SMSF statement with your residential mailing address.

You must also bring with you an application form filled out with all required details.

A home office mail redirection bundle costs $66 for 1 month, $165 for 3 months, $330 for 6 months and $660 for 12 months, when redirecting to an Australian address. When redirecting internationally, these costs increase to $132 for 1 month, $330 for 3 months, $660 for 6 months and $1,320 for 12 months.

How to Set Up, Cancel, and Stop Mail Forwarding with Australia Post

Setting up mail forwarding is critical to ensure you don’t miss any vital documents sent to you. Whether you’re an individual who is relocating or a business owner, this service will ensure no correspondence is missed.

How Do I Set Up Mail Forwarding?

1. Visit the Australia Post Website:
• Head to the official Australia Post website and navigate to the mail redirection section.
2. Choose Your Service:
• Select the mail forwarding option that best suits your needs. You can choose to forward your mail for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. If you need more time, there is an option to extend the service as long as necessary.
3. Complete the Application:
• Fill out the application form. You can add up to six names to your mail forwarding application, which can include your business name, your personal name, and the names of colleagues or family members.
4. Review and Submit:
• Double-check your information to ensure everything is correct before submitting your application.
5. Receive Confirmation:
• After submitting your application, Australia Post will send you an email confirming they have received your request. Another email will follow once the service is approved, usually within three days.

How Do I Cancel Mail Redirection?

It’s likely that you will eventually need to cancel your mail redirection service, and luckily this process is simple.

1. Log into Your Account:
   1. Revisit the Australia Post website and log in to view your account.
2. Navigate to Your Mail Forwarding Service:
   1. Locate the option to view your current mail forwarding service; this should contain all of your details.
3. Cancel the Service:
   1. Select the option that allows you to cancel the service. It should prompt you to select a date from when the service will be inactive, and subsequently, all charges for this service will stop.
4. Confirmation:
   1. An email from Australia Post will be sent notifying you of this cancellation.

Cancellation can be done within a few minutes, but we recommend calling Australia Post if you experience any difficulties.

How Do I Stop Mail Forwarding?

This process is similar to cancelling the service, but instead, we can ask Australia Post to pause it temporarily. Whether you’re overseas or don’t require mail forwarding for a certain duration, this can easily be arranged.

1. Access Your Australia Post Account:
   1. Once again, login to your AusPost account online.
2. Find Your Mail Forwarding Details:
   1. Under your account settings, navigate to where your forwarding details are stored.
3. Select The ‘Pause’ Option:
   1. Click the option which allows you to pause the service. You will then be prompted to select a date from which the service will stop and resume.
4. Email confirmation:
   1. Check your inbox for a confirmation email from Australia Post

Setting up, cancelling, or stopping mail forwarding with Australia Post is straightforward and can be managed entirely online.

Alternative Mail Forwarding Solutions

If you're looking for a more prestigious address for your business or want additional services like mail and courier management, consider Servcorp's virtual offices. They provide a professional address and first-class services, including mail forwarding, to help you manage your business more efficiently. Plus, enjoy the first month free when you sign up for their virtual office service!