Colortech Inc. and Companies

Why bother checking for accuracy of your address list?

Accurate and updated addresses are required to obtain Automation and Presort prices for First Class and all Standard Mail prices after November 23, 2008.  Also, consider these statistics*:

• 14 percent of Americans change addresses annually.
• 43 million people move each year.
• One out of every six families moves each year.

How many of these people are your customers or members?

*Statistics from "NCOALink: The Premium Pre-Mailing Move Update Method." MailPro September/October 2008.

The new Move Update processing requirements start on November 23, 2008 requiring both First Class and Standard mailing lists to be run every 95 days prior to mailing. One of the best methods for this processing is the National Change of Address Linkage System or NCOALink.

NCOALink allows mailers to electronically process their mailing lists against the USPS National Change of Address database.  This reduces undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail be correcting input addresses in the file prior to mailing.

Using NCOALink prior to the mailing will help mailers avoid unnecessary production and postage costs for mail that may not be forwardable. It also helps keep Postal Service processing costs down by eliminating forwarding and return-to-sender processing of UAA mail.

This process improves mail piece deliverablity by providing mailers with current, standardized, delivery point-coded addresses for individual, family and business moves.

Due to the new Move Update Rules, starting November 1st, Colortech will be processing all mail lists through the NCOA Link database. Because this service will help reduce print and postage waste/charges for the customer, it will be included in our file processing charge.

In order to receive presorted discounts on First-Class and Standard Mail the addresses in the list will have to have been updated by a USPS approved Move Update method within 95 days of the mailing. Current regulations pertain to First-Class only and the time period is 180 days. There are several ways available to meet the Move Update requirements. NCOALink is a USPS approved software that compares the addresses in the mailing list to the address changes that the Postal Service has on file. This process takes place before the mailing. Ancillary Endorsements like Address Service Requested or Return Service Requested are printed on the mail piece and the address changes are provided back to the mail owner after the mailing takes place. Treatment of the mail piece and the type of address change notice received varies depending on the Ancillary Endorsement used, the class of mail and the length of time the address change has been on file.

Check back for additional information on how Colortech will handle the new postal requirements.

Colortech became a member of the Harrisburg Capital Area PCC (Postal Customer Council) this month. The PCC is a postal-sponsored organization. The mission of the PCC Program is to:

• Promote local cooperation and support and to foster a close working relationship between the U.S. Postal Service and all businesses that use the mail to communicate and interact with their customers;
• Share information and facilitate the exchange of ideas about new and existing Postal Service products, programs, services, and procedures that affect all businesses that use the mail; and
• Help PCC industry members and their organizations grow and develop professionally through focused educational programs.