Using full 9-digit ZIP Codes can significantly improve offline business communication and cross-channel marketing capabilities, but it comes with a few limitations that are important to be aware of. These limitations are especially true for companies with a large number of records in their databases.
A ZIP+4 code is the standard five-digit ZIP Code plus four more digits that indicate delivery routes. These additional digits can help to further pinpoint specific geographic regions, such as blocks, buildings, or even single organizations. This information can be helpful for USPS mailers as it enables them to streamline routing and ensure that letters reach their intended recipients.
The benefits of using ZIP+4 codes are as follows:
Enhanced Postal Routing – Having the correct ZIP+4 code in place enables USPS to create more specific routes for mail carriers, which can help to reduce delivery delays and misdeliveries. This is a big advantage for businesses who need to send out large volumes of mail.
Better Data Analytics – With the ability to more accurately pinpoint specific geographic regions, businesses and organizations can gain more insights into their customer base and identify new opportunities for growth. This data can also help to optimize marketing campaigns and increase security by reducing the risk of fraud or identity theft.
The best way to get reliable and accurate ZIP+4 data is to use a CASS certified (Construction and Address Standardization System) USPS address validation vendor, like Smarty. This technology will verify that all of your addresses are valid, standardized, and corrected before returning them with the appropriate ZIP+4 information.