Address correction (CASS)
CASS stands for Coding Accuracy Support System and is the
basis for getting automation discounts for your mailings.
This is not address updating but only used for standardization
of the address elements. We use a commercial level program
named Postalsoft Desktop Mailer from Firstlogic which not only allows us to certify your database but
helps us to sort, parse, merge and purge your data in a variety
of ways. With CASS software we are able to get you the lowest
possible postage rates.
Appending Services
Would you like to add phone numbers, age and other elements
to profile your database? A variety of elements are available
such as credit card ownership, net worth, pet ownership, mortgage
criteria, internet usage, primary language and more. Please
ask about costs and turnaround times associated with these
rates.
Confidentiality
Your internal data is very important and valuable and you
may have concerns about who you are handing it over too. Your
data will never be released or disclosed to anyone without
your express approval and will always be handled appropriately.
It will never be used for any purpose other that what you
direct its use for. For clients that require a non-disclosure
agreement, we are happy to sign an agreement that meets your
needs.
Data Entry
We provide highly accurate data entry for all your needs. Whether your source is a phone
book, client sign ups, computer printouts, magazines, legal newspapers, index cards -
whatever it is - we can take it. Don't have the complete address? We have several ways
that we may be able to fill in the missing elements. We have affordable fees and quick
turnaround times. No matter the quantity, give us a call to discuss your needs.
Error Codes
Our CASS software codes all records during the certification
run and these codes can give clues as to why a particular
record may not be deliverable including an address that no
longer exists. You can choose to have us mail or not mail
any records that have an Error status returned. Deliverability
will fall upon the individual carrier in most cases but for
optimal returns you will want to investigate any error
codes for your database. Simply request to have these
records returned to you and then access the CASS summary information
for deciphering help.
File Conversion
We can take data in just about any format. The most basic and most easily converted file
formats are: Excel (.xls), dBase III (.dbf), CSV (.csv), TXT (.txt) and Tab delimited
(.txt). We have reasonable conversion costs and in most cases your file work is included in
any complete direct mail project. To help keep costs down, please ensure that all your data
elements are consistent from record to record.
This simply means that in each position within a record, the same kind of data is in that
same position in each record. For example: First, Last, Title, Company, Address1, Address2,
City, State, Zip Code. If any of these elements are missing, make sure to leave the field
blank and go on to the next field. For our software to quickly and accurately process your
files, it needs to know what kind of data is in each field. The most important fields are
the Address, City, State and Zip Code fields. If your company name ends up in the address
field, there will be no way to verify the accuracy of that address.
In addition, pieces that are addressed with misplaced elements
will leave a negative impression with the recipient of your
mail piece.
Merge/Purge
We often refer to this as deduping. No one wants to mail more than one piece to the same
person. Or do they?
The most likely choice for most of our clients is to mail
to only one piece to each address - dedupe by address. But
you can also dedupe by name, company or potentially any field
in your database. Your database may include records of clients
at different addresses, such as at home and at their place
of business. To make sure they see your mailer, you may choose
to send one to both addresses while also making sure they
only get one per address. Do you have multiple contacts at
the same address? Then deduping by name would be the best
choice.
Due to the variety of name spellings, misspellings and formats even the best of software
can miss records here and there. We make every effort to cleanse your file to the finest
level and if we have any concerns we will notify you.
NCOALink
You could call this address updating. If you haven't kept
up with your database and whether any addresses have actually
changed or not, you may be surprised at what you will find
out. Consider having your database updated in combination
with an ancillary endorsement
to be as current as possible. Accurately addressed mail helps
keep your name in front of your clients, increase revenue
and lower mailing costs.
Read this page for much more information about NCOALink.
Presort
Presorting your database allows us to take work sharing discounts offered by the USPS. This
is why bulk mailing rates are offered. Instead of the USPS collecting all that mail in a
receiving box, sorting and processing it, we do the work instead. For letter size pieces the
qualifying number is 150 pieces in most categories. What does that mean? Sorting starts with
the first 5 digits of a zip code. If any zip code has 150 records, it will qualify for the 5
digit automation rate (assuming the mailing qualifies for automation). When all zip codes
with 150 records are sorted out, we then look for any 3 digit (first 3 digits of a zip code)
groups. These will qualify for the 3 digit automation rate. Next is the AADC level and then
the Mixed AADC level where all remaining automation pieces go. This last level is the only
one that does not require 150 pieces.
Reports
Need a printout of your database or a purchased mailing list? Would you like a list of all
records removed due to the dedupe process? Have you used the NCOA service and need to update
your internal database? Let us know your needs and whether you require a paper printout or
if a computer generated report will suffice. | 
