Why is validating your street addresses with the USPS crucial for your mailings? Accuracy is paramount, especially when leveraging USPS services for commercial mailings. To qualify for discounted USPS Marketing Mail and First-Class Mail rates, address list accuracy is not just recommended—it’s mandatory. By signing your postage statement, you’re certifying that your mailing meets the USPS requirements for the prices you’re claiming.
But the benefits of address validation extend far beyond postage savings. Consider these compelling statistics that underscore the dynamic nature of addresses in the US:
- High Mobility Rate: Approximately 17% of Americans change their addresses every year.
- Millions on the Move: This translates to about 45 million people relocating annually.
- Frequent Family Moves: Roughly one in six families moves each year.
These statistics highlight a significant challenge for businesses and organizations that rely on direct mail. How many of these movers are your current customers or potential leads? Mailing to outdated addresses doesn’t just waste postage; it misses opportunities to connect with your target audience, damages your brand reputation, and reduces the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.
Simply purchasing or renting a mailing list is no guarantee of accuracy. Lists can quickly become outdated as people move. To ensure your mailing list is composed of deliverable addresses, inquire about the National Deliverability Index (NDI) of the list. The NDI provides a deliverability percentage for addresses within a list, helping you gauge its overall accuracy. You can utilize the NDI to pinpoint address elements critical for successful delivery and to achieve your desired postage rates. For instance, if you’re targeting a specific 5-digit ZIP Code, aim for a list with an NDI of 100% for that address element.
To maintain eligibility for USPS discounted rates, adhere to these address verification timelines:
| To qualify for | You must verify | By this Date |
|---|---|---|
| Presorted | 5-digit ZIP Code | Within 12 months of mailing |
| Automation | Complete addresses | Within 95 days of mailing |
| Carrier Route | Carrier route information | Within 90 days of mailing |
The USPS offers a range of resources to assist you in verifying the accuracy of your address lists. Furthermore, numerous vendors provide USPS-approved products and services designed for address list maintenance, streamlining the validation process.
Your local Post Office or Business Mail Entry Unit (https://postalpro.usps.com/ppro-tools/business-mail-entry) can provide tailored guidance on the most suitable address cleaning options for your specific needs.
Understanding CASS Certification
You might encounter the term “CASS-certified.” CASS, which stands for Coding Accuracy Support System, is a certification from the USPS. CASS certification signifies that addresses have been rigorously checked for accuracy against the USPS’s extensive database using a USPS-approved system. Employing CASS-certified services or software ensures that your addresses are standardized and validated according to USPS standards, maximizing deliverability and postal discounts.
For further assistance and information, the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) is available at (800) 238-3150. They can provide support and answer your questions regarding address validation and USPS mailing requirements.
By prioritizing address validation with USPS guidelines, you not only ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness but also enhance the success of your mail communications by reaching your intended recipients reliably.
