List Services
When all is said and done, the most brilliantly written direct mail or the most beautifully designed annual report is useless if mailed to the wrong address. That’s why Whitmore offers list services to ensure the data on your list is up-to-date and accurate. We sweat the details so that you don’t have to!
Need advice? Contact sales@whitmore.com.
CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System)
The Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) improves the accuracy of delivery point codes, Zip + 4 Codes, 5 digit Zip codes, and carrier route codes on mail pieces. CASS provides a standard to measure the quality of address matching software and to diagnose and correct any problems. Any mail claimed at an automation rate must be produced from address lists matched and coded with CASS certified address matching methods. We maintain our software with updates by CASS guidelines and U.S. Postal Service standards.
NCOA (National Change of Address)
Matching the NCOA file to your file, we enhance the accuracy of your list and your ability to reach your audience. Our software examines each element of the address and verifies or corrects the zip code; standardizes the format for address, city, and state names, and appends zip + 4 codes, carrier route codes, and delivery point barcode information.
ASE (Ancillary Service Endorsements)
Undeliverable as addressed mail is either forwarded, returned to sender, or treated as dead mail depending upon the particular mail class authorization. An ASE is used to instruct the U.S. Postal Service to return the mailing piece, forward the mailing piece, or destroy the undeliverable mailing piece, as well as sending notification of the address change to the list owner.
Live Stamps, Metered Mail, Indicia
Several options are available for applying postage to a mailed piece including: postage stamps, metered payment or the use of the more popular permit imprint called an indicia. In order to use an indicia, a direct mailer can apply with the U.S. Postal Service and prepay postage through an account. Upon filing an application to set up and utilize an account, we'll gladly explain and advise you on the rules and regulations concerning an indicia's use.
The indicia can be printed in any color but it must be legible. A background color may be used as long as the contents within the indicia are easily identified. The indicia should be positioned in the upper right-hand corner of the defined address area or mailing panel and should line up parallel with the return address. Most indicias have a box or rule, but this is not required as long as the indicia content is set up per one of the approved postal imprints. The indicia can be no smaller than .5" x .5" and positioned within a clear area no farther than 1.5" from the upper right corner. The type may be no smaller than 4 point and nothing can be printed to the right of the indicia.
List Format
Whitmore adheres to the U.S. Postal Addressing Standards, Publication 28 to ensure that the addresses on your file are true and complete. The Postal Service defines a complete address as one that has all the elements necessary to allow a match with the current Postal Service Zip + 4 and City State Files to obtain the best level of Zip + 4 and delivery point codes for the delivery address. A complete address may be needed on mail at some automation rates. A standardized address is one that is abbreviated by using the postal standard abbreviations shown in the USPS Publication 28 or as shown in the Postal Service Zip + 4 file.
List Maintenance
Because failing to correct or update your lists could result in less effective direct marketing campaigns and wasted money, Whitmore offers support in keeping your mailing files as accurate as possible. When updates are made either in the NCOA database, or through an ancillary service endorsement, your list needs to be corrected accordingly. You can enhance the quality of your mailing list by making sure suffixes, directionals, spellings, and city names are correct as these are the parameters that dictate a match with the USPS files. Other significant elements are apartment and suite numbers, P.O. Box numbers, and complete rural/highway contract route addresses.
