As people move, businesses relocate, and households update their mailing information, customer addresses change constantly. For organizations that rely on direct mail, an outdated address database can quickly become an expensive problem. Returned mail costs money, interrupts communication, and can leave valuable customer records disconnected from their current information.
Here’s how working with experienced NCOA service providers can help businesses keep mailing data current.
What Does NCOA Processing Do?
The National Change of Address, or NCOA, database contains change-of-address information maintained by the United States Postal Service. NCOALink® processing matches a mailing list against that information to identify eligible address changes.
Anchor Computer has processed billions of records through the NCOA system and has been a USPS-certified NCOALink® Full-Service Provider for 40 years. Its processing is performed in-house at a USPS-approved secure facility.
That experience matters when businesses are processing large customer or prospect files.
Why Mailing Lists Become Outdated
The database does not stay accurate simply because it was cleaned once. According to the USPS, 17% of Americans change address annually[1].
Customer records can become outdated as people relocate. Addresses can also contain missing or inconsistent information that affects mail delivery. Without routine maintenance, those problems accumulate.
Regular address processing can help organizations:
- Update eligible customer addresses after a move
- Reduce undeliverable or delayed mail
- Maintain more accurate mailing records
- Support postal requirements for qualifying mailings
- Protect historical customer information when people relocate
NCOALink® processing can also work alongside other address-quality services, including CASS processing and additional address enhancement tools.
Why Experience Matters When Choosing NCOA Service Providers
Not all NCOA processing providers offer the same infrastructure, data depth, or industry background. Choosing an established partner ensures your mailing list hygiene is handled with high accuracy and security.
Decades of Industry Leadership
Founded in 1974 as a direct mail service bureau, Anchor was an early pioneer in automated online NCOA processing and USPS compliance.
Maximum Data Depth (48-Month NCOA)
As a USPS Full Service NCOA provider, Anchor accesses 48 months of change-of-address data, compared to just 18 months offered by Limited-Service Providers. Full service 48 month NCOA providers find about 20-30% more movers than 18-month providers.
Integrated Address Standardization (CASS™ Certification)
NCOA processing works best alongside complete address correction. Anchor standardizes formatting, corrects ZIP+4 codes, and flags undeliverable addresses to maximize postal presort discounts.
Certified Enterprise Security
All NCOA processing is executed within a secure SOC 2 Type 2 compliant facility to protect sensitive customer records.
Reliable In-House Infrastructure
End-to-end processing and decades of specialization give organizations a proven, highly dependable partner for ongoing list maintenance.
Keep Your Mailing Data Working for You
Address quality is an essential strategy for long-term marketing success. Partnering with an experienced NCOA service provider protects your budget from unnecessary postage waste and ensures your direct mail reaches the right door every time.
Backed by over 50 years of data quality, management, and analytics expertise, Anchor helps you maintain clean, actionable customer records year-round.
If you’re ready to eliminate returned mail and maximize your campaign ROI, get started with us today.