Mail Lists
At PSS Mailing Solutions, we specialize in mail, and that includes mail lists. Whether you have a mail list or not, it is important to understand how to set one up, what we do with the mail lists before sending the postal jobs out, and how to get one.
We have two types of clients when it comes to mail lists: those who have one and those who do not. It is neither better or worse to already have a mail list or not. It depends on what your needs are in the current moment.
I have a mail list
Fantastic! If you are able to provide a mail list to us before starting on a quote for a mailing, our focus shifts more to what is included in your mailing, but it's also important to answer a few questions.
When was the last time you updated this mail list yourself? If the mail list is ten years old and you're a realtor looking to contact buyers, your mail list may not be beneficial. If you are a non-profit organization who updates their mail list several times per year keeping up-to-date on new donors and those who have fallen off, you more than likely have a solid mail list.
Do you plan to mail out to everyone on the list? Sometimes a client gives us a mail list of 50,000 names, but only wants to mail out to 32,000. Take the time to look through your mail list to make sure the numbers align. Additionally, if you have a mail list of 186 names and addresses, find 14 more to add. Mailers of 200+ pieces get large postal discounts.
Is the mail list separated into understandable columns? It is a time-saver and a life-saver to get a mail list that has the proper columns sorted out: First Name, Last Name, Primary Address, Secondary Address, City, State, and Zip Code is the gold standard. You may also have other data within your list that needs to be included, such as an employee number or donation amount from last year. Consistency is key. If you need mail lists combined, we are happy to do this, but making sure columns are properly and consistently labeled helps tremendously.
I don't have a mail list
Not to worry! Depending on the purpose of your mailer, starting with a fresh, clean mail list can be helpful.
First and foremost, if you plan to mail an EDDM, a named mail list is not needed, as these are based on location, zip code, and postal route. However, if you are looking to mail to specific consumers, and you need a mail list, we can provide one for you. Mail lists can be very simple or very precise.
A local restaurant in the area may want to mail to people within a three-mile radius who have a household income over $50,000 per year. They want to send out a deal of "Spend $50 in gift cards and get a drink voucher." There could be a retirement community though who is looking for new residents who are over age 65, have children, and wealth over $2 million within a 50 mile radius. This list is much more specific and will cost more.
The type of clientele you are looking for may produce a very different looking mail list than you anticipated. Additionally, mail lists can be one-use only, or up to three uses per year.
The good news is that you can ask us questions and get advice from us before ever purchasing a mail list.
Need a mail list? Contact us today to get started on the process!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mail list cost?
This varies widely. It often depends on the number of demographics. If you just needed addresses for those in Davenport, Iowa, it may only cost $100 with no restrictions on use. On the other hand, if you are looking for residents in ten counties with ten different demographics, these mail lists can cost upwards of $1,000. The key is to ask!
What if I need updated addresses on my mail list?
Before we mail out for our clients, we run mail list through our presort software. This software provides updated addresses for those individuals who have moved within the past 180 days and notified the post office. Regardless, if people on your mail list moved two or more years ago, our software will be unable to update the address. We currently use ConnectRight mailer software to work with our mail lists.
How many names are on a mail list you provide?
It depends. If you're looking for all physical addresses in Rock Island, Illinois, the mail list will be large (over 20,000), but if you ask for male homeowners in their 40s in the zip code area of 61244, the list will be much smaller (in the hundreds). We can always find a mail list for you, and if it is too big or small, we can rerun with more or less demographics.