Optimize Your Mailing Operations with Address Correction Services (ACS) and National Change of Address (NCOA)

Accurate mailing addresses are the foundation of successful communication for businesses that depend on reliable mail delivery. Address Correction Services (ACS) and National Change of Address (NCOA) checks provide essential tools to maintain this accuracy, preventing undeliverable mail and streamlining operations. VariVerge delivers cutting-edge solutions designed to optimize mailing processes, reduce costs, and enhance customer connections through precision and efficiency.

What Are Address Correction Services (ACS) and National Change of Address (NCOA)?

Address Correction Services (ACS)

Address Correction Services (ACS) is a system provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that identifies undeliverable mail due to outdated or incorrect addresses. ACS provides real-time feedback and updated address information for mail pieces that cannot be delivered, allowing businesses to correct their databases promptly. This service ensures that future mailings reach their intended recipients without unnecessary delays or expenses.

National Change of Address (NCOA)

The National Change of Address (NCOA) database is a comprehensive USPS-managed system containing information on individuals, families, and businesses that have reported a change of address. By cross-referencing mailing lists against this database, businesses can update their records proactively, ensuring that their mail reaches recipients who have recently moved.

The Importance of Mailing Address Hygiene

Maintaining excellent mailing address hygiene is critical for any organization relying on physical mail to communicate with customers. Poor address hygiene can lead to undeliverable mail, increased operational costs, and missed opportunities to connect with your audience.

The Cost of Poor Address Hygiene

• Increased Costs: Every piece of undeliverable mail represents wasted printing, postage, and processing costs. USPS estimates that over 17% of Americans move annually, highlighting the significant challenge of keeping mailing lists current.
• Customer Dissatisfaction: Misdelivered or undelivered mail can frustrate customers, leading to reduced trust and engagement.
• Regulatory Compliance Risks: For industries like healthcare and finance, mailing inaccuracies can lead to non-compliance with privacy laws and regulations, risking hefty penalties.

Benefits of Address Correction Services (ACS) and NCOA

1. Improved Delivery Rates
   ACS and NCOA dramatically reduce the volume of undeliverable mail by providing real-time and pre-mailing address updates. This means your mail gets to the right place, the first time.
2. Cost Efficiency
   By identifying incorrect addresses before or after mailing, these services help minimize wasted resources. Correcting errors proactively can save thousands of dollars annually for high-volume mailers.
3. Enhanced Customer Engagement
   Accurate delivery ensures that customers receive timely communications, improving satisfaction and response rates.
4. Optimized Database Management
   Integrating ACS and NCOA updates into your workflow keeps your mailing database clean and up to date, reducing administrative burdens and errors.
5. Regulatory Compliance
   For organizations dealing with sensitive customer data, address hygiene supports compliance with data protection regulations, safeguarding your reputation.

How ACS and NCOA Work Together

When combined, Address Correction Services (ACS) and National Change of Address (NCOA) create a robust solution for address hygiene. NCOA ensures that your database is accurate before mailings, while ACS catches any errors or updates needed post-mailing. This dual approach helps maintain the integrity of your mailing operations, minimizing the risk of returned or lost mail.

Example of Effective ACS and NCOA Usage

Example of Effective ACS and NCOA Usage A mortgage company mails monthly statements and escrow analyses to thousands of borrowers. By integrating National Change of Address (NCOA) services during the pre-mailing process, the company ensures that communications reach borrowers who have recently moved, improving delivery accuracy and reducing undeliverable mail. Post-mailing, Address Correction Service (ACS) updates allow the company to identify undeliverable mail and promptly update incorrect addresses for future correspondence. Similarly, a credit collections agency uses ACS to resolve mailing issues caused by outdated contact information. This approach has demonstrated significant improvements in address “uplift,” with correct and updated addresses returned at rates ranging from 60 to 75 percent, as reported in a Pitney Bowes study. These measures not only enhance operational efficiency but also help maintain compliance and foster better client relationships.

How VariVerge Supports Mailing Address Hygiene

At VariVerge, we specialize in integrating ACS and NCOA services into your mailing operations to deliver optimal results.

Pre-Mailing NCOA Checks

Before any mail leaves our facilities, we run your address list through the USPS NCOA database to identify and update addresses for individuals and businesses that have recently moved. This step ensures your mail has the best chance of reaching its intended destination.

Post-Mailing ACS Integration

Our ACS service tracks undeliverable mail and provides updated addresses directly from the USPS. These updates are compiled into detailed reports, which you can use to refine your database and reduce future errors.

Real-Time Reporting and Insights

Through VariTrack™, our advanced client portal, you can monitor ACS and NCOA updates in real time. Gain actionable insights into the status of your mailings and easily export reports to update your internal systems.

The VariVerge Advantage

1. Cutting-Edge Technology
   VariVerge employs state-of-the-art tools, including 2D barcode tracking and Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) technology, to ensure every mail piece is tracked and accounted for.
2. Comprehensive Support
   From data processing to final delivery, we provide end-to-end solutions for managing address hygiene, saving you time and resources.
3. Customizable Solutions
   We tailor our ACS and NCOA services to fit the unique needs of your business, whether you’re managing high-volume mailings or personalized communications.
4. Proven Results
   VariVerge clients have achieved significant improvements in mail delivery accuracy and operational efficiency by utilizing advanced address hygiene services like ACS (Address Change Service) and NCOA (National Change of Address). Our solutions minimize undeliverable mail and reduce costs associated with reprints, wasted postage, and customer follow-ups, ensuring your communications reach the right audience efficiently and reliably​​.