Why should I present the validated address back to my client for review?

Question

I've been using your address verification services (US Street Address API) for a while, and the results seem to be very accurate. With that said, do I still need to present the address to my customer for their approval?

Answer

Quick answer, you don't "have to". You control the interface and can easily choose to present the address to your customer only if there are multiple matches or if the address needs correction.

The good answer is, just do it anyway. It's a good practice and can keep you out of a bind with your customers. Here's an example.

Input address:

PO Box 4 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10011

Output address:

PO Box 4 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10040-0004
PO Box 4 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10008-0004
PO Box 4 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10150-0004
PO Box 4 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10163-0004
PO Box 4 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10024-0004
PO Box 4 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10116-0004
PO Box 4 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10002-0004
PO Box 4 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10009-0004
PO Box 4 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10012-0004
PO Box 4 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10013-0004

There are at least 10 addresses in New York, NY with PO Box 4. But NONE that have that exact 10011 ZIP Code. Thus, our system gives you multiple results. If you were to take the first deliverable result and just run with it, it would be delivered to the wrong PO Box 4. Just hand the address back to the customer along with the multiple options and ask them to verify which one they meant. It lets your customer remain in control and ensures you’re only working with valid addresses.

The output address is a completely valid address, but it isn’t in the 10011 ZIP Code that was input. In fact, there’s no PO Box 4 in ZIP 10011. Had this address been passed on and the letter mailed out, it would have been delivered to the wrong person. So, even when the system can determine a valid address, it's a good idea to let the customer check it.