Data Cleansing and Secondary Data
With a wealth of experience of in-depth data analysis, Low Cost Mailing understands how to clean data and deal with conflicting information and partial records.
Low Cost Mailing will design data entry protocols to improve data quality at point of entry, for tailor made solutions, but we can also be contracted to clean existing data. The cleaning process encompasses all data collected and uses cross-referencing to identify conflicting information - a process that can be further enhanced by using secondary data.
Data Assessment
We thoroughly check all customer supplied data for any problems such as compatibility issues and key pieces of addresses missing (postcodes or building numbers).
We also assess the number of records in the database and ensure that the quantity matches that of the items that have been printed or supplied for mailing.
Low Cost Mailing can detect any problems with the data very early on, therefore enabling solutions to be found quickly.
Postal Address File (PAF) Verification
Low Cost Mailing is a licensed holder of the UK Postal Address File (PAF), with which we can authenticate business and residential addresses. Correspondence sent via the Royal Mail is more acceptable and effective than other forms of distribution and results in costs savings. Distribution may be further enhanced by using the postal address file to set-up 'walk and mail sort' services from the Royal Mail.
Low Cost Mailing has a detailed understanding of Census data along with other value-adding services, such as national change of address file and mortality screening.
De-duplication
It is quite common for customer databases to include duplicated records. By sending a raw database containing duplicates, not only does this increase the print and mailing costs, but it can also damage your reputation as a company if your customers receive duplicate mailings.
Low Cost Mailing offer a comprehensive de-duplication service. Removing duplicates can be achieved by using any criteria you specify. For example, if you want to reach only one contact per household or multiple different names within the same household.
We can also run multiple de-dupe options at once, using a hierarchy, ensuring that your most important lists do not lose any valuable contacts.
Suppression Files
A mailing suppression file is a national database of names and addresses which can be cross-referenced with customer databases, so that certain groups of people can be removed.
There are a number of suppression files in use in the UK; below are some of the most commonly used.
Mail Preference Service (MPS) Suppression
Responsible companies do not wish to send their materials to anybody who does not wish to receive that kind of marketing. The Mail Preference Service (MPS) is a free service offered to consumers which enables them to 'opt out' of receiving unsolicited direct mail from reputable companies.
Low Cost Mailing can clean your data and remove records where the person has registered for the MPS. Doing this will ultimately save money in the long term, as it eliminates from the database, people who are not interested in receiving direct mail.
Gone Away Suppression (GAS)
The Gone Away Suppression (GAS) contains information on individuals who have moved location since 1992. The file is the most comprehensive list and contains more than 26 million records. Over 3 million people move home each year in the UK.
The file also contains a large number of deaths (around 86%) in the UK.
Mortascreen
Mortascreen is the most comprehensive data of both recent and historical deaths. The file is updated monthly and contains over 6 million records. These records are obtained from a number of sources including funeral providers, probate records and insurance companies. Mortascreen covers over 85% of all deaths in the UK with over 92% of all records being fully verified. Mortascreen is ideal for cleansing any new or 'cold' list.
The Bereavement Register (TBR)
The Bereavement Register (TBR) data differs from other files in that it has the consent of the bereaved, and so records are not suppressed where the bereaved have opted to receive direct mail. Notifications of deaths are updated onto TBR in as little as two weeks after someone has died. The data is updated monthly and contains 3 million records.
The Universal Suppression Service (USS)
This file is updated monthly and is collated by Royal Mail. The USS file is made up of deceased and 'gone away' (moved home) records collated from various sources.
Business Suppression File
The Business Suppression File deals with companies that have gone out of business, relocated or have been renamed. Particularly useful for Direct Mailings aimed at businesses, individuals who have moved or died are also included in this file.
There are many other suppression files available, please contact us today for further details.
