Q:  What is a Postal Presort?
A:  The process of preparing mail by sorting  pieces destined for the same area so they qualify for postal discounts.

Q:  What is Barcoding and why should I use it?
A:  Barcoding represents zipcode information in graphical format. The zipcode is represented by a series of vertical lines that enable a piece of  mail to be handled with automatic sorting machines at the post office.

Q:  I have heard the term "CASS Certification." What does it mean?
A:  Coding Accuracy Support System, is used to improve delivery and qualify for postal automation discounts. Mailers or their list suppliers must use "CASS" certified software  at least every six months to update the zip code, zip+4, and DP Barcode data on their mailing lists. Mailers must be able to demonstrate that their lists are CASS certified to claim postal discounts by submitting a  report to the Postal Service.

Q:  What does Comma Delimited mean?
A:  Data that is marked at the beginning or end  of each field of a record with a comma. This the most common data format used on diskettes.

Q:  What is an Indicia?
A:  An indicia is a imprinted designation on a mail piece that indicates postage payment. It can be  used in place of a postage stamp or metered mail.

Q:  What is a Magnetic Tape?
A:  The most popular medium for transferring electronic data between main frame computers.

Q:   What does the term Merge refer to?
A:  A service which allows multiple lists to be combined into one single list so the pieces may be sorted to optimize postal  discounts.

Q:  What is a Merge/Purge?
A:  A computerized matching process which identifies and eliminates  duplicate mailing labels (at the name, institution, or address level) on 2 or more lists.

Q:   What does SCF refer to?
A:  Sectional Center Facility, a postal area identified by the first three digits of the zip code.

Q:  What is a Seed?
A:  A name and address included in a mailing list by a list owner or mailer to monitor the usage of the list. 

Q:  What is Zip+4?
A:  An extension to the traditional 5-digit zip code that identifies addresses more accurately geographically.