Ncoa mailing

NCOA (National Change of Address) mailing is a process used by mailers to update their mailing lists to reflect changes in addresses, such as moves, name changes, and corrections. Here's an overview of the NCOA process:

Why is NCOA important?

NCOA is important because it helps ensure that mail is delivered to the correct address, reducing the likelihood of undeliverable mail and associated costs. According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), NCOA can help:

  1. Reduce undeliverable mail by up to 95%
  2. Save money on postage and printing costs
  3. Improve customer satisfaction by ensuring timely delivery of mail

How does NCOA work?

The NCOA process involves the following steps:

  1. Data preparation: Mailers prepare their mailing lists by formatting the data according to USPS guidelines.
  2. NCOA processing: The prepared data is then submitted to an NCOA service provider, which uses USPS data to match the mailing list against the National Change of Address database.
  3. Matching and updating: The NCOA service provider matches the mailing list against the USPS database and updates the addresses to reflect any changes, such as moves or name changes.
  4. Output: The updated mailing list is then returned to the mailer, which can then use the updated data for future mailings.

Types of NCOA services

There are several types of NCOA services available, including:

  1. Batch NCOA: A one-time processing of a large mailing list.
  2. Real-time NCOA: An online service that updates addresses in real-time as changes occur.
  3. Automated NCOA: A service that integrates with a mailer's existing software to automate the NCOA process.

Best practices for NCOA

To get the most out of NCOA, follow these best practices:

  1. Use accurate and up-to-date data: Ensure that your mailing list is accurate and up-to-date to maximize the effectiveness of NCOA.
  2. Use a reputable NCOA service provider: Choose a reputable NCOA service provider to ensure that your data is processed accurately and securely.
  3. Regularly update your mailing list: Regularly update your mailing list to reflect changes in addresses and ensure that your NCOA process is effective.
  4. Monitor and analyze results: Monitor and analyze the results of your NCOA process to identify areas for improvement and optimize your mailing list.

By following these best practices and using NCOA, mailers can improve the accuracy and efficiency of their mailings, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.