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United States Postal Service new NCOA rules

billalpert — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:45:22 +0000

Starting November 23, the USPS will require that all presorted mailing lists be cleaned using the National Change of Address (NCOA) directory. It’s a 95 day rule. Your list needs to get cleaned at least every 3 months. If you’re busted for sending “dirty” mail, your postal discounts will be forfeited, and you’re liable to pay fines or penalties.

Here are the new rules

Only “cleaned” lists qualify for standard “bulk” mail discounts

Your list must be cleaned at least every 95 days

You must use official NCOA data to perform the cleaning

You have to keep “cleaning records” on a USPS form

Obviously, this is not a do-it-yourself job. It requires special tools and direct access to the most current version of the Postal Service’s Move/Update database.

NEED TO NCOA UPDATE YOUR LIST? Do it for FREE

Copies&Ink has special access to the NCOA database. Here’s what we will do to bring you into full compliance:

Import your list and check it against the national database

Update the addresses of people who have moved

Remove any non-mailable addresses

Supply you with a complete PDF report of any list changes

Send you a copy of the USPS Form 6014, certifying your new list

Provide you with a clean, updated mailing list

If you choose, we’ll process and mail your materials for the lowest available postage rates.

Keeping your list clean is a good step along the path to being “green.” You’ll save on postage and printing while less undeliverable mail ends up in the landfill. Besides, wouldn’t you want to know if your customer or prospect has moved (or died)? In any event, you’ll need to certify in writing that your list is ready for prime time.

FREE NCOA UPDATES
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Copies&Ink will update and certify your list AT NO CHARGE if your project is printing and/or addressing & mailing at Copies&Ink. Contact our customer service department and ask for the NCOA promo. Offer expires Jan 31, 2009, so act today!

LOW COST NCOA UPDATE SERVICE
We’re also offering a special $27 rate for NCOA processing only (any list up to 2500 addresses), no printing or mailing services need be purchased to receive this price. Offer valid until Jan. 31, 2000.

TO GET STARTED or for additional information, fill out our quick form below. You can optionally attach your mailing list file in Excel or text formats.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

OPTIONAL: Attach your mailing list using the file upload button above.

Copies&Ink Printing

billalpert — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:10:43 +0000

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“Your rules are really beginning to annoy me!”

billalpert — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:08:14 +0000

Kurt Russell’s words come to mind every time a new postal regulation comes into force, and this time around is no exception! Starting November 23, the USPS will require that all presorted mailing lists be cleaned using the National Change of Address (NCOA) directory. To see our NCOA primer and special promotional offer, click here.

What is bulk mail?
Actually, it’s called “standard class mail” these days. It’s the ability to qualify for a reduced rate on postage by doing some of the grunt work that usually gets done by the postal service. This includes sorting and cleaning up your mailing list, arranging and bundling the mail into specific trays. You’ll need to apply special codes to each of your mailing pieces, and deliver them to the bulk mail department of the local post office.

How much can I save?
The savings can be considerable, as much as 50% or more in some cases. Of course, your mileage will vary. A typical letter can frequently be mailed in the 24 cent range without much fuss.

How can I qualify?
The easiest way is to work with a professional mailing house, such as Copies&Ink. Otherwise you’ll be facing a big investment of time and money that only rarely would be worthwhile. We spend thousands of dollars each year just keeping our mandatory mailing software up to date.

In short, your mailing must:
• be designed according to the stringent provisions of the USPS mailing manual. It’s not a quick read!
• be software certified for address accuracy
• include special bar codes and coded mailing instructions on each piece
• be sorted and trayed at multiple levels

Is it worth it?
If you’re mailing more than a few hundred pieces at a time, yes! Your postage savings should more than cover any costs incurred by your mailing house. You’ll save money; in some cases a lot of money.

Is there a catch?
Beyond all of the requirements above, your standard class mail generally takes longer to arrive. This is especially true for non-local addresses. Also, First Class might mail carry more marketing punch than a letter with a “bulk mail” stamp or printed indicia. You can easily test this for your purposes.

Want to know more?