posted on November 12, 2000 12:01:25 PM
I'm trying to gather information on the question of shipping to FPO addresses when payment has been made by credit card. Seems like it's impossible to verify an address. Could be a ripe area for potential chargebacks. Any information on the subject would be appreciated
[ edited by pointy on Nov 12, 2000 12:02 PM ]
posted on November 12, 2000 12:31:45 PM
APO and FPO Addresses are american who are oversea for one reason or another usually temporarily usualy those in the military or there families.
The FPO is an extention of there US address in fact you are charge by the post office as if you are sending inside the USA and no custum papers need to be filled out you cant use dilivery comfirmation but you can insure the item.
most of these people will pay with there US issued creditcards.
I dont feel that FPO address are anymore ripe for charge backs or fraud then any other US buyer.
since all there mail includeing there bills come come through this FPO address to get to them not sure what you mean it cant be verifide.
I have had buyer with FPO addresses and items are dilvered with no problem and I find many time the dilery is faster then the 5 to 7 days in the US. http://www.Dman-N-Company.com
posted on November 12, 2000 04:33:15 PM
APO/FPO addresses represent Americans stationed overseas. They are valid USPS addresses with a valid USPS zip code. Mailing to us is no different than mailing to someone in the US. The biggest difference is when mailing packages a customs' form is required. Different bases require different customs' forms-some use the little green forms and some use the big white forms. You'll need to check with your PO to find out which is applicable.
As for fraud, I suppose there is a chance but it's far less likely with the military because they have a lot more to lose under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. If they pull something like that, they face being busted and fined at the least, or charges and confinement at the worst.
posted on November 12, 2000 10:18:05 PM
Hello,
I have been able to use address verification for APO & FPO addresss with my credit card merchant account.
posted on November 15, 2000 10:10:04 AM
I agree with what the others have said. I have never had any problems with APO/FPO addresses. The people who use them are generally U.S. military or diplomatic personnel assigned overseas. They have access to a special mail system that allows them to pay domestic postage rates to send mail internationally. The zip code indicates where the person is located. I do not know of any online database that will tell you where someone is physically based on the zip code, but if you do a search on FPO and the zip code, you might hit the website of the embassy or installation. In addition, in many instances, people with FPO/APO addresses have access to special hpone lines that allow them to call the US for free. This may facilitate communication between buyer and seller. Good luck!
