Mailing FAQ's
At First Impressions, we understand that you may have questions regarding the mailing process. That's why we've come up with our Mailing Most Frequently Asked Questions. Just click on any question below to learn more. If you don't see a specific question, feel free to call us at 845-692-4490 or send us an email and we'll be more than happy to answer any of your mailing questions.
What information from my list is absolutely necessary when preparing my mailing list?
What format should my mailing list be in?
Can you insert additional printed materials into my envelope, flyer, etc.?
I'd like those sticky round dots to seal my mailing. Can you do this?
Will aqueous coating interfere with addressing and mailing?
Can I have you mail some of my order and ship the rest back to me?
How long will it take to get my piece into the mail?
Will you mail items not printed at First Impressions?
What is NCOA (National Change of Address)?
What information from my list is absolutely necessary when preparing my list?
The minimum required fields are: Name, Address1, City, State and Zip Code. Optional fields might include Title, Business Name, Address2, Department, etc. Keep in mind that there is a limit of 5 lines for any address which in turn limits the number of different fields we can include.
What format should my mailing list be in?
Your list can be an Excel (.xls), text (.txt) or comma separated values (.csv) file. If you have your data in an Excel file and are unsure how to convert it to at .txt or .csv file, it is best to just send it in its original Excel (.xls) format. Please do not send Word (.doc) files.
Can you insert additional printed materials my envelope, flyer, etc.?
Sure. Please contact us to discuss your particular needs and to get an accurate price quote.
I'd like those sticky round dots to seal my mailing. Can you do this?
We certainly can. This is called tabbing or wafer sealing. Any mailing piece that requires tabbing is automatically tabbed according to postal regulations. There is no additional price for tabbing as this is automatically included in the price.
Will aqueous coating interfere with addressing and mailing?
Not with our equipment! We can easily address aqueous-coated pieces. In fact, adding aqueous is a great way to avoid the scuffing which can occur during the sorting and delivering of your pieces in the mailing process. If you plan to have us print your products but have someone else address and mail them, please check to make sure the aqueous coating won't interfere with their process. Some bulk mailing services have problems working with aqueous coating.
Can I have you mail some of my order and ship the rest?
Yes. Simply confirm the total mail quantity with us based on your list and that's all we'll mail. We'll hold the remaining quantity for you for pick-up or we can ship it to you.
How long will it take to get my piece into the mail?
This is dependent on many factors including press time and the quantity of the mailing. We strive to mail 1 business day after your job prints. If your materials are time sensitive, please contact us before hand and we'll make every effort to get you into our press schedule.
What happens to undeliverable mail? Can I request that it be returned to me so I can update my mailing list?
The USPS allows certain endorsements for undeliverable mail, or UAA (Undeliverable As Addressed). When such endorsements are printed on the mail piece, it ensures that it is returned to you with the new address or reason for non-delivery attached.
For First Class Mailings, the endorsement would read "Temp-Return Service Requested". You will receive all undeliverable mail. The use of most service endorsements for returning pieces and updating addresses when needed are included free for customers mailing via First Class and First Class Presort, as long the piece includes a return address.
For Standard Mail or Bulk Mail, we will add "Or Current Resident" after the primary name or business. Pieces will be delivered as addressed and since nothing is being returned, you'll incur no further charges or fees on the mailing. Using a endorsement such as "Temp-Return Service Requested" is optional for customers using Standard Mail. If you'd like this option, you will be charged for all returned or updated addresses by the USPS, at first class rates. Please contact us at 845-692-4490 to arrange this optional service.
Do you offer mailing lists?
Yes! If you don't have a mailing list yet or would like to enhance the one you have, we can provide a mailing list to suit your needs. Our mailing experts will work with you to find a targeted list that will expand your reach. Lists can be rented for single use, two times use, or unlimited use for one year. Renting your mailing list through us assures you'll get the highest quality addresses to minimize undeliverable pieces and maximize your direct mail campaign results. For more information, visit our Mailing List Rental page.
Will you mail items not printed at First Impressions?
Yes. We can mail items printed elsewhere. Please call us at 845-692-4490 to get a price quote and scheduling options.
What is NCOA (National Change of Address)?
Over 40 million Americans change their address every year. The National Change of Address (NCOA) system uses the USPS database to check for people and businesses that have filed a change of address with the USPS within the last 48 months. Performing this update on a list saves you money on printing and postage by updating a list. Studies have shown that this service can save users a significant cost of their mailings (in many cases up to 15% or more) plus help increase response rates. NOTE: The post office does not forward bulk mail to the new address - they just recycle it.
NCOA - How it Works
We compare your list with the change orders given to the post office. which automatically updates your list with that person or business' new address. We provide you with this a list of the names with changes and their new address (some change to valid addresses, others change to non-updateable addresses). The cost is a penny per updated record. Due to postal regulations and USPS privacy rules, a Tax ID is required in order for us to create the NCOA account.
