LETTERSHOP SERVICES

Aside from compiled lists, most rented lists must be sent to a third-party bonded mailhouse. If you have a history with a mailhouse, we recommend working through them, as they are more likely to be familiar with special instructions or functions that need to be done on your mailing. Another consideration in selecting a mailhouse is proximity to your printer. It can get very expensive to ship printed materials. If you need Data Prep and Lettershop services, Advantage can coordinate these with one of the mailhouses in our area.

Data Preparation consists of converting the list(s) into the proper format for addressing, standardizing the addresses on the list(s) and running mailstream processing for maximum postal discounts. If there is more than one list being converted, you may also want to do a merge-purge, which is the merging of multiple files and the purging of any duplicate records. Other Data Prep functions include coding records, keying hardcopy records, and separating address lots. If necessary, we can also offer data overlays and NCOA processing.

Lettershop services consist of any fulfillment work that needs to be done to your mailpieces (folding, tabbing, inserting, etc.) and the addressing of the mailpieces. We arrange for inkjet (direct impression) addressing unless otherwise requested. It is imperative for accurate price estimates and turn-around times that we know prior to the mailing what the dimensions of your mailpieces will be.

If Advantage is handling your mailing, you will need to either pay us in advance for the postage due or deposit the necessary funds into your permit account at the Post Office.

Standard Turn-Around Times - Are as follows:

List Orders: 2-3 days for mailpiece approval; 3 - 5 days for list processing and delivery. Compiled list orders do not require mailpiece approval and typically take 1- 2 business days.
Data Prep: For single list jobs with no special functions, 2-4 business days. For multi-list jobs with merge-purge or single list jobs with special functions, 5-7 business days. Jobs involving keyed records, overlays, or NCOA processing may require more time.
Lettershop: For self-mailers requiring no folding, inserting, tabbing, 3-4 business days (inkjet addressing). Separated mail lots, labeling, or other fulfillment functions require more time and need to be estimated on a per job basis.