# Stop PO box orders

> Block checkout when the shipping address is a PO Box, and tell the shopper to use a street address instead.

Source: https://backtrackhq.com/docs/guides/stop-po-box-orders/

**The goal:** no more orders shipped to PO Boxes that your carrier
can't deliver to. Shoppers see a clear message and change the address
before they pay.

**What you build:** a [Checkout validation](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/rules/checkout-validation/)
rule from the **Block PO Box addresses** use case. Checkout rules work
on every plan, the Free plan too.

## 1. Start from the use case

Open **Rules** and click **Create rule**. Under **Validation**, find
**Checkout validation**, click **Select**, then click **Start from a
use case** and pick **Block PO Box addresses**.

Full steps: [Example: block PO box addresses](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/rules/example-block-po-boxes/#set-it-up).

## 2. Check the message

The rule shows "PO Box addresses are not supported for shipping.
Please use a street address." at the top of checkout. Change the text
if you like, and use **Translate** for other languages.

See [Translate shopper messages](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/building-rules/translate-messages/).

## 3. Test it as a draft

Save the rule as **Draft**. At checkout, use the [test email](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/get-started/test-before-going-live/) from the rule's **Status** card and a PO Box address. Checkout should stop with your message. A
street address should pass.

See [Test before going live](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/get-started/test-before-going-live/).

## 4. Activate it

In the **Status** card, choose **Activate** and save.

## Go further

- Block US military addresses or states you don't ship to. See
  [Variations](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/rules/example-block-po-boxes/#variations).
- See [What counts as a PO Box](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/rules/example-block-po-boxes/#what-counts-as-a-po-box)
  and its [limits](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/rules/example-block-po-boxes/#limits).
- Rather hide a shipping method for PO Boxes? See
  [Hide shipping methods](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/rules/hide-shipping-methods/).