When shopping online, many customers accidentally enter incorrect shipping addresses during checkout. This leads to failed deliveries, increased costs for retailers due to reshipping, and frustration for buyers. Although some e-commerce platforms have built-in address validation, these tools are inconsistent and easy to ignore. A universal solution built directly into the browser could prevent these issues before they happen.

How a Browser Extension Could Solve the Problem

A lightweight browser extension could monitor and verify shipping addresses in real time as users enter them on any e-commerce site. Instead of relying on retailer-specific tools, the extension would:

• Detect errors instantly: Flag missing apartment numbers, ZIP code mismatches, or obvious typos while typing.
• Provide quick fixes (e.g., suggesting "Street" instead of "St.").
• Save verified addresses securely for future autofill across different websites.

Since it works client-side, no retailer integration is needed—making adoption seamless for both shoppers and businesses.

Why Retailers and Users Would Benefit

For consumers, fewer lost packages mean less hassle with customer service and refunds. Renters or frequent movers would especially benefit from avoiding outdated addresses. Retailers save on reshipping costs and reduce customer complaints. Delivery companies spend less time handling undeliverable packages.

A possible revenue model could include:

1. Offering a free basic version with paid advanced features like bulk address cleaning.
2. Partnering with retailers to promote address-saving options.

Making It Work Without Privacy Concerns

The simplest version could start with basic checks (like ZIP code validation) running locally in the browser to respect privacy. Over time, optional integrations with postal APIs (like USPS) could improve accuracy. Machine learning could adapt the tool to different checkout page designs without needing customization for each site.

Since existing tools like Google Autofill require direct website integration, a browser-native approach could fill the gap by working universally while keeping validation proactive and user-friendly.