Mailing News Updates - DBSLists.com

1st Class Mailings and Returned Mail

2009-09-01T07:24:00.000-07:00

Mailing at 1st-Class rates can result in mail being returned and not being deliverable as addressed. There can be a lot of reasons why mail could be returned as not deliverable. Some of the biggest reasons could include:

The person addressed moved and did not file a change of address with the post office
An apartment number or suite number was not included as part of the address.
An internal mailstop number wasn't included - some large companies require this before their internal mailroom will deliver it.

Most reputable list compilers keep their lists updated on a regular basis - but there will always be a certain portion of a mailing list that may not be deliverable. The Post Office statistics say that 20% of the population is in transit at any point in time. A return rate of up to 10% is considered to be industry standard and should be factored into your budget. An even higher percentage of people leaving their positions at businesses do not file change of address forms. Returns can be minimized by mailing at bulk mail rates rather than 1st class or by adding “Or Current Resident” to the address or in the case of business addresses - mail to the department rather than a specific person, i.e. Attn: Marketing Director.

Consideration should be given if it is more important to follow the person to their new address or if a change of address wasn't filed, to get the mailpiece returned - OR is it more important for the mailpiece to get delivered to a specific address rather than to the specific person.

Some thought should be given to these issues prior to mailing -- talk to us and let us give you strategy advice.

Zip Code Changes - Phoenix Area

2009-06-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

When the U.S. Postal Service changes central Arizona ZIP codes next month, the hardest hit may be the small-business owners struggling to survive in a slow economy.
ZIP codes that start with 852 will switch to 851 in much of Pinal County, Queen Creek, and some unincorporated areas of Maricopa County beginning July 1.

Click here to read rest of story: http://www.azcentral.com/php-bin/clicktrack/email.php/8789504
Source: The Arizona Republic
-------------------------------------
DBSLists.com / Listfinders.com

2009-05-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

DBS is now affiliated with Vertical Response

Whether you're an email marketing pro or just starting out, VerticalResponse lets you create, send and track professional-looking emails quickly and affordably.
Vertical Response, Inc. is the leading provider of self-service and customized direct marketing solutions, empowering small and medium sized businesses to build, control and measure their own direct marketing campaigns.
Vertical Response offers an easy-to-use web-based tool that gets you up and running with opt-in email campaigns in minutes - and gets your email delivered.
Did You Know? VerticalResponse doesn’t burden you with contracts, surcharges or hidden fees. Just pay-as-you-go and realize volume discounts for buying in bulk.

Click here for more information - or to get started creating your email campaign !

New Postage Rates - as of May 11th

2009-05-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

USPS has raised their rates again --

First-Class - single piece 1 ounce letter rate increases:2 cents from .42 to .44
First-Class - single piece 1 ounce flat rate increases:5 cents from .83 to .88

First-Class - single piece postcard rate increases:1 cent from .27 to .28

Click here to see rates for bulk mail and other categories: http://dbslists.com/Index_files/Page1183.htm

What kind of lists are there?

2009-05-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

LIST BASICS

There are two main types of mailing lists available:

Compiled Lists

Direct Response Lists

A Compiled List is comprised of names that have been gathered from a variety of sources that simply list those names that fit a given criteria, i.e. all Phoenix residents; all Insurance Agents, Restaurants, or Used Car dealers. A compiled list can also include expanded information such as all people living in a specific zip code with incomes over a certain level and within specific age ranges. There are many types of compiled lists that reflect lifestyles and professions. These lists are meant to be used by advertisers wanting to reach all people within a given market segment without qualifying if those people are actually interested in the product that is being sold.

A Direct Response List more specifically targets those people who have a demonstrated interest in the product line that is being advertised, and have already responded to the offer by direct mail. For example, if you are selling health products, you want to target your mailing to people who have already purchased health products by direct mail. Or, if you are selling fishing lures, it would be important to mail to people who have purchased fishing supplies by direct mail. It is important to direct your mailing to those people most likely to purchase by direct mail – a direct response buyer .

Go to http://www.dbslists.com/ or http://www.findamailinglist.com/ for more information. We welcome all calls -- 480.346.1114