Mailing Lists :: Data Hygiene Services

• Telephone Number Appends
• Telephone Verification
• Demographic Appends
• NCOA & Nixie Processing
• LACS Processing
• DSF Processing
• Postal Presort
• Address Standardization
• Reverse Appends
• Merge Purge

Telephone Number Appends/Verification

Direc-Tel has a unique process for appending phone numbers to your in-house consumer or business file. Your database will pass through several national databases to produce the best match rate. This unique process offers approximately 35 million more unique phone numbers. Direc-Tel distinguishes itself by being able to capture 96% of the households in the United States.

Certainty Codes

Direc-Tel will attach a code to each phone number appended to your file. This code represents the elements that were used to determine the phone number appended. If you find a certainty code ineffective, you are able to eliminate the use of that code for future appends.

Our accuracy on phone number appends is second to none. Because we at Direc-Tel have access to a superior number of high-quality databases and use a refined verification process, our append services will yield a higher match rate, translating into fewer wrong numbers, and fewer disconnects than the competition.

Telephone Verification & Area Code Updates

If your current in-house database contains phone numbers, Direc-Tel can run your file through an area code update process and a verification process. This service will result in the necessary changes being appended to your file.

Turnaround time on phone appends and verification is typically two business days.

Demographic Appends

Direc-Tel can append demographic data to your files with data from national compilers. Appending this data can help you to better analyze your existing customer base. You will find this information indispensable for future list purchases. Some of the demographical selections for appends are listed below.

Domestic NCOA & Nixie Processing

National Change of Address (NCOA)

The benefits of having your database periodically run through the NCOA software are bountiful. This process will drastically cut down on the number of undeliverable records, and eliminate both duplicate records, AND the costly practice of having to enter changes manually.

Please note that sending your file through NCOA processing will not make it 100% deliverable. If a record is missing information or contains misspellings, the match will not be made. Nixie processing may be an added benefit to your file.

Nixie Processing

Nixie codes can be appended to a mailing list run through NCOA. Nixie codes are annotations that indicate that a match was close but did not meet USPS specifications. Nixie Codes denote a reason why the match could not be made. This process allows you to investigate these records and make the necessary corrections to your database.

LACS (Locatable Address Conversion System) Processing

If an area has recently undergone address conversions as a result of the Emergency 911 System, the old address is good for only 36 months. LACS will allow you to obtain new permanent addresses if there is a match, thereby reducing duplicate mailings.

Delivery Sequence File (DSF Processing)

Significant postal discounts are available for mailings that meet saturation requirements. These discounts are available when sorted in walk sequence. Running your file through DSF may qualify your mailing for these discounts. The DSF file contains every address serviced by the USPS. If a record does not match, DSF information cannot be provided.

Postal Presort (PAVE Certified)

Direc-Tel offers postal presorts on all mailing lists. Having your list presorted may qualify you for certain postal discounts if your mailing meets saturation requirements.

Address Standardization (CASS Certification)

Address standardization is the process of assigning zip+4, carrier route codes, and line of travel information to your database. In addition, it conforms directionals to USPS standardized abbreviations. This process ensures a higher level of deliverability on your mailings.

Reverse Append (Cable Append)

Direc-Tel can use the merge/purge process to output a name and phone number if your in-house database contains only an address, city, and zip code. This process is also known as a Cable Append.

Merge Purge

As your in-house database ages, you may begin to find it less effective for the purposes of your marketing efforts. Direc-Tel can analyze your database and eliminate or suppress records to which you don't want to mail/telemarket. A Merge Purge will reduce the number of duplicate records in your file.