What Happens When I Order Something with an Incorrect Address?

Have you ever ordered something online and realized that you accidentally only wrote your apartment number without the street address? If this info is omitted, expect your package to be returned to the seller as incorrect or non-existent.

Why Does This Happen?

USPS mail and packages are typically sorted at a mail sorting facility before reaching your local post office. If the address on the mailer does not exist in the USPS address database, it will be automatically returned to the sender as "insufficient address" or "no such number" at the sorting facility. This means that your local post office will never see your package.

Delivery Scenarios for Incorrect Addresses

Depending on the address format provided, several outcomes are possible:

Return to Sender

Most carriers require a complete address for delivery. If they cannot deliver the package due to the missing street address, it may be returned to the seller. This is the most common scenario and is likely to happen if the information provided is insufficient.

Delivery Attempt

In some cases, the carrier may attempt to deliver the package based on the information they have. They might try to contact you or leave a notice, but this is less likely without a full address.

Held at Facility

The package might be held at a local facility while the carrier tries to resolve the issue. They may contact the sender for clarification. In this case, the package is in limbo and the sender will need to provide additional details to make the delivery feasible.

Lost Package

If the carrier cannot resolve the address issue, the package may be considered lost and eventually returned to the seller or disposed of. This is a worst-case scenario but still a possibility.

Steps to Ensure Package Delivery

To address the situation, you should take the following steps:

Contact the Seller

Inform the seller of the situation. They may have policies in place for such issues and can assist you with the next steps. Keep in mind that they might ask for additional information to resolve the matter.

Check with the Carrier

If you know which carrier is handling the package, contact them for more specific information about their policies and how they handle incomplete addresses. Understanding the carrier's procedures can provide you with a clearer picture of what to expect.

By taking these steps, you can help clarify the status of your package and possibly facilitate its delivery. It's important to act promptly and remain in communication with the seller and carrier to keep the package moving forward.