Can someone provide insight on the pros/cons of registering a business using (1) a real home address vs (2) a PO Box vs (3) a private mail service? The company is a small software consulting business/startup that does not yet have an office, and the company is working from home/garage/coffee shops/etc.
Real Home Address: I've been advised that it is not safe to publicize your home address because it leaves one vulnerable to an "unwanted visit". Additionally, using one's real home address can be unsafe especially if developing something in a potentially activism-related arena.
PO Box: I have also been advised not to use a PO box because it can be seen by clients as shady. On the plus side, it provides a layer of protection from an unwanted person finding the company's home address. Also, the company owner does not need to update it if they move.
Private Mail Service: An alternative to a PO box is using a private mailbox service, although it is more expensive than a PO box. Plus, a simple web search of that address will reveal that there is a private mail service company at that address, which may make clients uneasy (assuming they bothered to perform a web search on the address). Still, a private mailbox company can offer an address that superficially does not look like an anonymous mailbox, and may be safer than a government-provided PO box.
So, my question is, does anyone have strong advice on the above options? Has anyone experienced a bad situation arising from using their home address for their company's registration? Or is this issue only a concern for the small fraction of shady businesses and extreme activists in overly-oppressed scenarios?