Selection Framework

Decision Framework

Making the right choice of virtual office provider is crucial. Here's how to evaluate systematically.

Step 1: Clarify Your Needs

Answer These Questions:

1. Primary Need:
   • Just address for registration? → Budget provider
   • Address + occasional meetings? → Mid-range
   • Professional team space? → Premium
2. Location:
   • Single city? → Any provider
   • Multiple cities? → Multi-city capable
   • Specific area within city? → Check provider's locations
3. Budget:
   • ₹0-₹1,500/month? → Budget tier
   • ₹1,500-₹3,500/month? → Mid-range
   • ₹3,500+/month? → Premium
4. Timeline:
   • Quick setup (ASAP)? → Online provider (24-48 hours)
   • Flexible? → Standard 1 week setup
5. GST & Compliance:
   • Need GST support? → Choose GST-experienced provider
   • Self-handling? → Any provider
6. Funding Plans:
   • Plan to fundraise? → Premium provider (WeWork, IndiQube)
   • Bootstrapping? → 91Springboard, GoFloaters

Step 2: Research Top 3-4 Options

Based on your needs, identify 3-4 providers:

Research Questions:

1. How many locations? (more = more flexibility)
2. How long in operation? (established = reliable)
3. Company financial status? (profitable = stable)
4. Founder reviews? (what do entrepreneurs say?)
5. GST success rate? (can they confirm?)
6. Bank account success? (have others opened accounts?)
7. Cost comparison (price for your plan tier)

Research Sources:

• ✓ Provider websites (pricing, locations, testimonials)
• ✓ Founder communities (Reddit r/StartUpIndia, LinkedIn groups)
• ✓ Google reviews (founder feedback)
• ✓ Startup India directory (if listed)
• ✓ Talk to founders in your city (personal experience)

Step 3: Request Quotation and Demo

What to Ask Provider:

1. "What is the pricing for [your plan tier]?"
2. "How long is setup process?"
3. "What documents do you provide?"
4. "Have you completed GST registrations?"
5. "Do you support company registration?"
6. "What's your ROC verification process?"
7. "Can I upgrade/downgrade?"
8. "What's your cancellation policy?"
9. "Do you offer startup discounts?"
10. "Can I speak with a current member?"

Demo/Site Visit:

If possible, visit the provider's office:

• See physical setup
• Assess professionalism
• Check meeting room quality
• Speak with staff
• Get feel for community

Step 4: Compare Shortlist Against Criteria

Create a comparison table:

Criteria	Weight	Provider A	Provider B	Provider C	Winner
Price	20%	₹3,000	₹3,500	₹2,500	C
Locations	20%	10 cities	15 cities	20 cities	C
GST Support	15%	Available	Available	Available	Tie
Community	15%	Good	Good	Excellent	C
Reputation	15%	Good	Excellent	Good	B
Ease of Setup	15%	5 days	2 days	3 days	B
Weighted Score	—	75/100	82/100	84/100	C

Step 5: Make Final Decision

Decision Factors to Weight:

• Affordability: Budget founders should prioritize price
• Scalability: Growing companies should prioritize multi-city, upgrade options
• Experience: First-time entrepreneurs benefit from startup-focused providers
• Credibility: Fundraising founders should prioritize established, premium providers
• Support: Hands-off founders need responsive support teams

Step 6: Onboarding Process

Once selected:

1. Sign Agreement (usually online, 5-10 minutes)
2. KYC Submission (Aadhar, PAN, address proof)
3. Payment (monthly or annual)
4. Documents Generation (NOC, lease, utility bill - usually 24-48 hours)
5. First Access (receive credentials, access details)
6. Nameplate Installation (usually done by provider)
7. Account Setup (meeting room bookings, mail handling activation)

Total Timeline: 3-5 working days from sign-up to full activation

Provider Selection by Founder Profile

Profile 1: Bootstrapped Solo Founder

• Budget: ₹1,000-₹2,000/month
• Providers: Smart Works, myHQ, 91Springboard, Innov8
• Why: Affordable, startup-friendly community
• Plan: Basic address plan + free events

Profile 2: Seed-Funded Startup (2-3 people)

• Budget: ₹3,000-₹5,000/month
• Providers: Awfis, GoFloaters, 91Springboard
• Why: Balance of cost, community, scalability
• Plan: Premium plan with meeting room access

Profile 3: Series A Startup (Growing Team)

• Budget: ₹8,000-₹15,000/month
• Providers: IndiQube, WeWork, Awfis (premium)
• Why: Professional image for investors, team space
• Plan: Dedicated office or premium business suite

Profile 4: B2B Enterprise Startup

• Budget: ₹5,000-₹20,000/month
• Providers: WeWork, Regus, Awfis
• Why: Professional setup for client meetings
• Plan: Premium conference rooms, meeting-heavy access

Profile 5: Tech Startup (Remote Team)

• Budget: ₹2,500-₹5,000/month
• Providers: GoFloaters, 91Springboard, Awfis
• Why: Flexible arrangement, technology-friendly
• Plan: Premium plan with coworking access