1. When using address verification software, the credit card owner’s name, billing address, ZIP code, and shipping address are checked against the credit card billing information of the cardholder to make sure they match. The verification software can use single address processing to search a single address, or the software can employ multiple addresses processing which enriches entire databases. High tech verification mechanisms confirm whether the addresses match up.

2. When entering a sale manually into the sales terminal, there will be a prompt for the customer’s address and zip code. Upon receiving the prompt, one will then enter the street number for address verification.

3. The credit card terminal will automatically dial out to attain address confirmation and approval. The ZIP code and numerical billing address will be compared to the registered physical address account information of the actual credit card holder.

4. Once this information is verified, the merchant will receive a reply to the AVS request confirming the validity of the card holder’s address. The AVS code will be displayed on the terminal display screen and if there is an electronic printer attached to the terminal, an AVS code or message indicator will be printed on the customer’s receipt.

5. When there is a discrepancy in address verification, the merchant will be alerted so the transaction can be stopped. This will ensure a merchant does not become a victim of credit card fraud. This will save the business money as they will not lose out on sales and they will also not ship products of which they have not received payment.

6. Often when filling out address website forms, delivery and billing addresses entered are incomplete or incorrectly formatted and need to be verified before the transaction can go through. High tech verification software can resolve any website form mistakes by automatically locating the address. Address verification software also provides the merchant with more verifiable address information prior to shipping products as well as completing the transaction.

With over 248 million people in North America surfing and shopping on the internet, it is essential that a company, no matter how big or small, take security measures to protect their online customers as well as their own business. Unfortunately, there are criminals trolling the internet looking to steal credit card information and other personal financial data for their own personal illegal use. Fortunately, address verification software is one tool that will help stop criminals from using stolen credit cards. This type of software provides an extra layer of security to prevent fraud and loss of revenue. Using advanced Address Verification Software from a leading merchant solutions company will mitigate the risk of the instances of fraud. The result will be increased customer trust and loyalty which will ultimately increase revenue.

Incorrect address information flow into databases from data entry errors. These mistakes can be prevented with the implementation of an address verification system. An address can be verified as the data is being typed. Forms can be automatically filled with Intellisense and auto-complete features which also reduce the amount of keying. Data entry becomes faster which improves productivity. No longer will time be wasted as staff manually search for zip codes or correct spelling of cities and street names. Maintenance runs can be schedule that can correct old data which will ensure that data is clean.

Some systems include latitude and longitude mapping functionality. This can be used to improve route sales and delivery services. Map coordinates can be fed to a GPS Navigation system for quicker delivery. Zip code data can be used to assign sales leads to sales representatives helping turn a sales prospect into a customer.

Address verification software can reduce the cost of undeliverable mail that is returned. Having to re-mail is expensive in terms of supplies, postage, and manpower. You will have customers receive bills and invoices much faster so they will be able to pay you sooner. Improve your customer service by improving delivery times. You will see your expenses decrease and your cash flow increase plus you will have happier customers.

Compile customer demographic information that can be used to improve marketing. Group customers based on Zip+4, bar code information, congressional district or even census blocks. Target your advertising with the marketing data you have collected. The information you compile won’t just won’t be sitting on your database. Instead you will put your data to work for you to increase business.

Fraud can be greatly reduced. You can reduce losses by quickly identifying inaccurate or suspicious data. Some system will actually make phone calls. Phone notification functionality will schedule a call to verify telephone numbers and addresses. Stop false credit applications by using a cross-reference to the Social Security Death Index. Preventing fraud will lead to an increase of your bottom line.

There is a wide range of options available when choosing an system. Web portals like Google have an API which they make available. The US Postal Service has an API and a web service that you can subscribe to as do all the major delivery services. Many excellent software packages for sale can be found on the internet. Most have free trials and demo version so you can understand how they work before you buy.

An address verification software for business application will be a good investment. You will improve customer service, reduce costs and increase cash flow. The benefits are real.