List Processing Printing Knowledge

Most large mailers use the services of a list processor. List processors may be independent firms or they may be associated with the list owner, list manager, list broker, a printer, a lettershop or a fulfillment house. They are service bureaus that do the data processing functions necessary to maintain the mailing lists. They process the lists so they are ready to be used for personalizing and addressing the mail pieces. Some of the functions performed by the list processors are explained below.

The USPS requires that an address be accurate and complete to allow an exact match to the current Postal Service ZIP+4 and City State Files to obtain the finest level of ZIP+4 and delivery point codes for the delivery point address. The address must be fully spelled out or be abbreviated according to the standard abbreviations set up by the USPS. There is CASS-certified software available to convert your mailing list addresses into a format that is acceptable by the USPS so that your mail will classify for automated mail rates.

The merge/purge service has two processes. The merge process consists of combining several lists together to make one list and then sorting, usually by ZIP codes. The second process is the removal of duplicate entries from the combined list.

The software used to perform the merge/purge service, may vary among list processors. The systems will use different ways of detecting duplicates, such as similar names with slightly different spellings, detecting transposed characters, data entry error logic, and ZIP-code logic. Some systems even have ways of matching urban, suburban and rural addresses.

Duplicate files can be detected according to varied criteria. The method you choose will depend on how many mailings you want sent to a duplicate address. Some common methods are listed below.

Selecting "Per Name" would allow a direct mail package to be sent to each name on the list even if the address was a duplicate. "Per Address" would allow only one package per address, any duplicate addresses would be purged even if the name was different.

Some systems will take the duplicate files and merge them into one file. The file of duplicates would produce a list of multi-buyers. The list would contain the names of consumers who have made more than one purchase as a direct mail response. The list of multi-buyers will generally produce a higher response rate. Arrangements can be made to use this list for a mailing at a later date.

Removing duplicate files is an easy and inexpensive process that makes your list more efficient and saves you money. You will save money in producing fewer mail packages and on postage by not sending more than one package to the duplicate addresses.

When the merge/purge process is completed, the total number of names left on the merged list can be substantially less than the total of all the lists. To ensure that you do not end up paying for the total count of all the lists, you must arrange for your list broker so secure an "85% agreement" when he is dealing on the list for you. The "85% agreement" means that you agree to pay for no fewer than 85% of the original list total. If the net count is 91% of the original count, you pay for 91%, but if the net count is 73%, you pay 85%. Making this type of agreement is a way for you to get some discount off the original count but it also protects the list owner and broker from loosing too much. There are variations to the "85% agreement" but be sure the variations are negotiated with your list broker before ordering your list.

It is important that a list owner keeps his list up to date. 20 percent of Americans move each year so that will reflect in 20 percent of your list becoming obsolete in a year. Some reasons why it is important that the lists be updated are listed below.

The most popular technique used today to perform the list updating task is the postal system's National Change of Address (NCOA) Service. The list processing firms are licensed by the USPS to perform this service. It allows the processor to match its list against the post office's active recipient files for address changes and move notices.

Matching the list with the NCOA service can also add carrier route codes which results in faster handling of the mail and possible postage savings. Another value that can be added is the demographic data by individual family characteristics or by census tract which can be used in suppression processing.

Suppression is the use of computer matching techniques to eliminate selected names from a mailing list. The names selected for elimination could be for one of the following reasons.

The suppression service can reduce the size of your mailing and produce a better response rate but will also add to the overall cost of your list. Be sure to find out what the extra charges will be.

The customer list enhancement process involves the use of data from various sources to enhance your house list. Your list is run against other lists or databases that contain information about customer's age, gender, lifestyles, marital status, home ownership or rental, vehicle ownership and purchasing habits. Access to this additional information about your customers will allow you to use your mailing list more efficiently. It would allow you to do some selective direct mail marketing which should result in high response rates.

The list processor will key code your list for you. Each different direct mail campaign or test cell should have its own unique key codes. The key code can be made up of a combination of letters and numbers. The key code numbers are used in reference to the list, mail package and the individuals on the list. The key codes are then printed on the different pieces of the direct mail package, such as the letter, the response piece, envelopes and the labels. The lettershop can use the key code number to check against the key codes of the mailing list to be sure the correct package is being mailed, but the main purpose of the key code is for tracking response information accurately. The key codes provide a way to keep response information separated for the different campaigns and test cells.

Your mailing list can be run through a postal sortation process which will result in the addresses being presorted for addressing your direct mail package. This sortation service can be provided by your list processor. There are different levels of sortation that can be provided. The amount of discount you receive is affected by the level of presort used. Some of the basic levels are explained below.

Basic Presort Levels
3-Digit Presort	The pieces are sorted in groups that begin with the same first three numbers in the ZIP code. The three digits represent a Sectional Center Facility which delivers to the unique 5-digit ZIP codes.
5-Digit Presort	The 5-digit presort will sort the pieces down to the unique 5-digit ZIP code areas. If only a 3-digit presort is performed on the mail pieces, the Sectional Center Facility will sort them to the 5-digit level when they receive them.
Carrier Route	The Carrier Route code represents the address that is served by an individual mail carrier within the individual 5-digit ZIP code areas. This type of presorted mail receives a substantial discount but must meet all requirements to qualify.
Bar Coding	The list processor can add the POSTNET bar codes to your files so that they can be imprinted on your mailing labels or directly onto the direct mail delivery piece. Preprinting the bar code eliminates the USPS from having to do apply it when they receive the mailing, which results in savings for the mailer. The POSTNET bar codes can be a 5-digit ZIP Code, a 9-digit ZIP+4 code or a Delivery Point Bar Code (DPBC).

Form more information on how you can save on your postage costs and for the guidelines that must be followed, talk to your direct mail service provider or see www.usps.gov.

There may be times when you need to have your original mailing list files converted to a different type of media. The converting process must occur when you purchase a list that is provided on a media that you can't use. Most of the service bureaus that do the list processing have the capacity to convert the files to different media types. Some of the media types that are used are mag tapes, floppy disks, zip or jaz disks, CD-Rom, cartridges and 9-track. They can also handle electronic media, such as e-mail and FTP.

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