A competent Mail Professional should have a vast array of database companies at his or her disposal so as to custom taylor a targeted address list to fit your needs.
There are many types of databases such as:
RESIDENT/OCCUPANT LISTS: Typically a saturation of all the addresses, both business and residential, in an area such as a zip code, city, county or state. The demographics are usually very limited with these types of lists but they can come at a very low cost.
COMMERCIAL LISTS: These are addresses files that are individual based and can have a huge range of criteria such as age, income, marital status, presence of children, home ownership and home values. Some database compilers even offer more personal demographics such as shopping habits and hobbies. Commercial databases are usually compiled by the mail list supplier from credit reporting agencies like Experian and Equifax as well as phone book compilers such as Polk and Donnelly. These lists can come at a slightly higher cost than Res/Oc lists with every addition of a particular demographic, or “Select” raising the costs higher as you add them on.
BUSINESS LISTS: Much like Commercial databases, business lists are more expensive than the resident lists and come with a large list of “selects” that you can choose from. These lists are usually complied from Yellow Pages and Business Credit Reporting agencies like Dun & Bradstreet.
SPECIALTY LISTS: There are many mail list companies that devote their attention to particular industries such as Education where you can purchase intricate address lists compiled down to Music, Choir or Band Teachers, Magazine Subscriber Databases, Telemarketing Lists, New Movers, Expectant Mothers, you name it and you can usually find it. But, these lists can come with large price tags so intricate targeting is essential.
Obtaining a well crafted, targeted database can be the most important step to ensuring your Direct Marketing success.
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