Address Validation: Why It Matters for E-commerce Bad addresses cost money and frustrate customers. Here's why address validation is essential and how to implement it.
The Cost of Bad Addresses
Issue Cost Undeliverable package $15-25 per package Address correction fee $15-20 per package Customer service time $5-10 per inquiry Lost customer Lifetime value
USPS reports 6% of all addresses have errors.
Types of Address Errors
Common Errors
Error Type Example Misspelling "Stret" instead of "Street" Wrong zip 90210 vs 90211 Missing apt/suite Apartment building Wrong city/state City/zip mismatch Outdated Moved, new construction
Error Consequences
Error Result Minor misspelling May deliver, may not Wrong zip Delayed or returned Missing unit Returned to sender Completely wrong Lost package
Validation Types
USPS CASS Validation
Coding Accuracy Support System Standardizes addresses
Verifies deliverability
Required for commercial mail discounts
Real-Time Validation
When Method At checkout API validation Pre-shipping Batch validation On label creation Final check
Implementation Options
Checkout Validation
// Example validation flow
async function validateAddress(address) {
const result = await addressAPI.validate(address); if (result.isValid) {
return result.standardized;
} else {
showCorrection(result.suggested);
}
}
Pre-Shipping Validation
Timing Action Order import Flag invalid Before label Require correction Batch process Validate all
Validation Features
What to Check
Element Validation Street address Exists, deliverable City/State Matches zip code Zip code Valid, complete (+4) Unit number Required if multi-unit PO Box Special handling
Standardization
Input Standardized 123 Main St 123 MAIN ST Apt 4B APT 4B New York City NEW YORK
Carrier Requirements
Address Accuracy Impact
Carrier Correction Fee USPS $0 (may not deliver) UPS $18.00 per package FedEx $19.50 per package
Avoiding Corrections
Validate before shipping
Use standardized format
Include zip+4 when possible
Verify residential vs commercial
Residential vs Commercial
Why It Matters
Address Type Surcharge Residential +$4-5 per package Commercial No surcharge
Detection Methods
Address validation includes this flag
Improves rate accuracy
Prevents billing surprises
atoship Address Features Built-in validation:
Real-time validation : Check at order importBatch validation : Verify before printingStandardization : Correct formattingResidential detection : Accurate ratesCorrection suggestions : Fix errors easily
Best Practices
Checkout
Validate as customer types
Show suggested corrections
Require confirmation if uncertain
Save validated addresses
Operations
Validate all orders daily
Hold invalid for review
Track validation metrics
Review frequent errors
ROI of Validation
Calculation
Factor Value Orders per month 1,000 Error rate without validation 6% Cost per error $20 Monthly cost without $1,200 Validation cost $50/month Net savings $1,150/month
Conclusion Address validation prevents costly errors, improves delivery rates, and enhances customer experience. Implement validation at checkout and before shipping. atoship includes address validation to catch errors before they become expensive problems.
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