Streamworks Blog
For businesses and organizations that rely on direct mail campaigns, qualifying for discounted postage rates for First-Class Mail® and Marketing Mail™ is essential for controlling costs. However, to enjoy these savings, the USPS® requires mailers to update their mailing lists within 95 days prior to the mailing date. This step ensures that mail is directed to accurate, up-to-date addresses, reducing waste and improving delivery efficiency.
The USPS® provides three approved methods for updating mailing lists. Here’s an overview of each:
1. National Change of Address (NCOA®)
The NCOA® system is a centralized database of permanent address changes registered with the USPS®. Mailers can use this system to match their address lists against the NCOA® database to identify updates.
At Streamworks, we include NCOA® as part of our comprehensive data hygiene services. This ensures that your mailing lists remain compliant and your mail reaches its intended recipients.
2. Ancillary Service Endorsements
Ancillary service endorsements are printed instructions located near the address block on mailpieces. These endorsements direct how undeliverable mail should be handled, allowing mailers to receive forwarding and address correction services from USPS®.
The available endorsement lines include:
-
Address Service Requested: Forwarding and notification of the new address; return to sender when undeliverable.
-
Return Service Requested: No forwarding; returned with a notification of the new address.
-
Change Service Requested: No forwarding or return; USPS® Form 3547 is sent with the new address information.
-
Forwarding Service Requested: Forwarding to the new address; returned to sender if undeliverable.
Note: Some of these services may incur additional fees. Choose the endorsement that best fits your mailing strategy and budget.
3. Address Change Service (ACS™)
The Address Change Service (ACS™) provides electronic notifications of address changes as mail is processed. To use ACS™, mailers must register with USPS® and obtain a unique identification code printed on all ACS™ mailpieces to track and manage address updates.
There are three ACS™ types:
-
Traditional ACS™: Requires an ancillary service endorsement and an alpha-participant code on each mailpiece.
-
OneCode ACS™: Uses the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb™) with an ancillary service endorsement printed on the mailpiece.
-
Full-Service ACS™: Offers basic and advanced options, leveraging IMb™ technology for enhanced tracking and reporting.
Compliance Is Key
Updating your mailing file and the original database is vital for any method you choose. This ensures ongoing compliance and prevents additional postage fees due to outdated information. If your mail is addressed to “Current Resident,” “Or Current Resident,” “Current Occupant,” or similar designations, these pieces are exempt from the address update requirement.
Non-compliance risks higher postage fees, leading to inefficient campaigns and wasted resources. By adhering to USPS® requirements and utilizing tools like NCOA®, ancillary service endorsements, or ACS™, you can maintain mailing accuracy, reduce costs, and maximize the effectiveness of your campaigns.
Ready to Optimize Your Mailing Lists?
Streamworks offers a comprehensive Data Hygiene Package to ensure your mailing lists are accurate, deliverable, and compliant with USPS® standards.
Our services include:
-
CASS™: Updates addresses with ZIP+4 and delivery point codes, enhancing delivery accuracy.
-
LACSLink™: Matches and updates addresses that have been converted, modified, or changed due to USPS® adjustments.
-
SuiteLink®: Appends secondary (suite) information to business addresses, ensuring completeness.
-
Delivery Point Validation™: Verifies that an address is deliverable, confirming that it can receive mail. This process is the final step in CASS™ certification.
-
NCOALink®: Accesses the NCOA® database containing moves within the past 18-48 months to identify and update address changes.
By leveraging these tools, our Hygiene Package ensures that your mailing lists meet USPS® requirements while maximizing deliverability and reducing costs.
Contact us today to learn more and get started!
