Increasing land prices combined with expensive investment costs for equipment such as computers, printers, projectors, etc. have led many domestic companies and individuals to seek the option of renting a shared transaction address for less than 1 million VND per month.
Nguyen Truc Sinh, 27, recounted his struggle to open an office. He and three friends pooled capital to set up their own website design company more than a year ago. They needed a small space to conduct business, even though all four of them were still working for other software companies during office hours.
“No one has time to sit there, but we still have to spend 2.5 million VND per month to rent a 2-storey house, decorate the interior, buy tables and chairs, computers, fax machines, connect to the Internet and hire someone to answer the phone, receive guests and clean. The total cost is more than 100 million VND,” Sinh said.
However, after only 7 months, the landlord wanted to cancel the contract. The desks, chairs, and computers were put in storage and the four of them continued to search classifieds websites to find a new office. Exhausted, they turned to office sharing services, also known as virtual offices.
“With just a small amount of money each month, we have a 'nice' address, a working environment as expected with a private phone line, high-speed internet, a receptionist available... without having to hire additional staff.”
On buying and selling websites, people can easily find classified ads such as: “Location and architecture suitable for representative office. You do not have to pay rent or buy technology and telecommunications equipment but can use it right at our company such as PC, photocopier, scanner, Internet, cafe…” or “Looking for a virtual office in Tan Binh district (HCMC). Requirements: luxurious appearance, meeting room, filing cabinet, private contact number, secretary to answer phone and fax”…
The demand of users is relatively large, but in Hanoi, there is only a simple form of renting a transaction address. After registering, the business will own an address in a large building with a company sign, extension number, basic equipment and a meeting room for 6-10 people. If calling or coming to the office directly, the business's partners will be received by the receptionist on behalf of that company. A unit specializing in this service at 101A Lang Ha said that each month they have 4-5 customers renting with prices ranging from 50-100 USD.
Meanwhile, the office sharing model combining modern and professional information technology has begun to gain popularity in Ho Chi Minh City. According to Mr. Huynh Quang Viet, Director of IncomNet Company, after only 2 months of testing, virtual office Their G Office (www.goffice.vn) at Indochina building (District 1) has attracted nearly 100 customers.
If your business needs a workspace or meeting space, G Office will provide a high-end conference room with hi-tech equipment for conferences. In addition, when a fax arrives, the system will automatically convert it into a file and send it to the customer's email address so they can read it anywhere.
“This high-tech trade representative model is suitable for foreign enterprises that want to learn about the Vietnamese market, project-based working groups, independent individuals and especially young enterprises that do not want to waste time and money on steps such as notarizing house rental documents, repairing premises, purchasing and installing equipment, security…”, Mr. Viet commented.
Hai Nguyen – VnExpress February 26, 2008
(Source: http://vnexpress.net/Vietnam/Vi-tinh/2008/02/3B9FF97E/)
