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Melissa Data, a Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.-provider of direct
marketing software, list enhancements and mailing lists, began operating
in 1985 by marketing various databases for the PC environment. Its focus
shifted to direct marketing software and led to the introduction of
MAILERS+4, a mail automation tool now sold for more than 10 years.
MAILERS+4 helps prepare mailings for maximum postal discounts and
efficient postal processing and delivery, and the application is
available in two versions. The Standard version allows files to be
opened containing up to 5,000 records, while the Professional version
has no file size limit and contains other unique features. MAILERS+4 is
certified by the U.S. Postal Service® (USPS®), and exceeds the standards
for address verification, ZIP + 4® coding accuracy, postal presorting and
barcode quality for encoding ZIP+4 and delivery point code information.
Features
MAILERS+4 is distributed on a CD-ROM and is a standard Microsoft
Windows-based application with eight pull down menus and a row of icons
for quick function access. Opening a mailing list displays the file
type, date, number of records, the last CASSTM (automated support system)
certify date and last NCOALinkTM update. If the mailing list is a new one, it
must be formatted before processing by mapping the fields in the list to
the correct MAILERS+4 field names. After formatting, the list addresses
can be verified using data contained in national data files provided by
the USPS. Following verification, MAILERS+4 can standardize addresses to
USPS and Canadian postal requirements, and add ZIP+4 and Carrier Route
information. The system also will attempt to correct bad addresses.
Results are displayed as a list of processed records, records with
errors and other lists, plus a pie chart showing the same information.
Address errors can be manually resolved, if desired.
When ZIP+4 coding is complete, the user may print a CASS Certificate
(Form 3553), required by the USPS to qualify mailings for automation
discounts. To reduce printing and postage costs, a duplicate record
check with six criteria-search options can be performed on the list to
ferret out duplicate names or addresses.
Presorting is an important function of MAILERS+4, eliminating work for
the post office and passing the savings to the mail by lowering postage
costs. MAILERS+4 contains a Presort Wizard that guides the user through
the presort process. When presorting is complete, a summary includes the
cost and presort savings. The program also allows mailing labels to be
quickly printed, including bar coding. Tray and sack tags may be printed
as well, if required for the mailing.
MAILERS+4 contains a number of other features. A phone check function
updates area codes and creates uniform phone number listings. A mail
merge feature allows account information to be used to customize and
personalize letters and envelopes. Signatures, logos and clip art can be
included in the merge function, and scripts perform combined batch mode
operations quickly and easily.
Separately purchased add-on modules for MAILERS+ enhance its power. The
GeoCoder option appends latitude/longitude coordinates and a number of
other data to mailing list records. MAILERS+4 also can be linked to Data
Enhancements Services provided by Melissa Data, including Advanced
Address Correction, addition of NCOALink processing to update a list
with new addresses and mail scoring.
Support
MAILERS+4 is provided on an annual subscription basis, with 45-day free
trial sample available on request and 30-day money-back guarantee. A
printed Quick Start Guide is provided, as is thorough, hyperlinked PDF
manual on the CD-ROM. Bimonthly updates, free technical support and
one-hour personal tutorial are included with purchase.
Summary
Collectors doing their own mailings will find MAILERS+4 provides a wide
range of valuable time and money-saving features otherwise available
only by outsourcing.
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