Forecasting the need for standalone online NCOA services is a function of five intersecting variables: USPS regulations, ACS Options, Software Integration, Internalization, and competitive offerings.
The largest impact on NCOA services in the last 10 years is the USPS’s change to the Move Update regulations. Beginning in November of this year, the new regulations will add Standard Mail and double the frequency requirement to 95 days.
With this projected increase in demand comes more options and changing economics. For some larger mailers, the regulation may make it cost effective to bring the processing in house. These larger mailers are also more likely to have already purchased industry specific software that includes integrated flat rate NCOA services. Finally, the changing options with ACS services may be optimal for some clients who don’t need to clean a list before it is mailed.
However, for the vast majority of smaller to medium size mailers, nothing is easier or less costly than using an on demand, online NCOA service. No software to buy, no hardware to buy, no agreements to sign, and no payments in advance. Combine these benefits with sub 10 minute turn times (coming in December) and the benefits of advanced bundled services, and nothing is simpler or less costly for the small to medium size mailer. Make sure you ask for a competitive rate, and see why even some of the industry's largest mailers still prefer the benefits of working with an independent online list hygiene company.
