Why Do I Have To Confirm The Name Field In My List?
Uploading Your Own List - Beyond Formatting
Formatting your list is important and most of the time we can make most uploads work as over the years we have developed automated fixes or scripts or at times algorithms. However the actual data you are providing in each cell has a format as well. These fields can be even more important, and at times not as easy to correct via machine learning as others.
We do ask you to review the data in your name field, as often we see data from various MLS services with popular fields known as “Owner Label” or “Mailing Label” or "Frist Name Owner" and/or "Last Name Owner". Please look closely at those names in that field you are uploading. You might see about 20-40% of them are not formatted correctly within the "cell" or field, with regard to what we refer to as Proper Name Format. Or they contain descriptions related to Trust or Multiple owners. We think using names is great! How using the wrong name or a poorly formatted name might not be the best impression to make. We provide you a few options.
Names - Personalization and Your Own Mailing List
Common MLS-Print Name Fields or Owner Label Field vs. Proper Format
Often agents will export a list from their associated Multiple Listing Service. They may see a field that is described as “Print Name“ or “Label Name”. Names may be correct as far as First Name then Last name. However, if there are middle initials or additional owner or maiden names or trust, these will display incorrectly with regard to “proper formatting”.
Repair via Advanced List Options
What you provide, is what will print for the most part, unless you request Repair via Advanced List Options
Name - Personalization Correction
- Below on the left are the names from a list a client uploaded.
- On the right are the correction we made here as the client had selected - Correct Name Field in Advanced Options when uploaded.
In our Advance List Option, you can also instruct us to forget about the then name and use Current Resident or Neighbor. There is no charge for this. It is an easy way to keep your order moving. We can always revisit correcting any list and provide an estimate.
Areas of concern here we have found
1. Sending a name in poor or incorrect format, might not reflect the agents attention to detail. Personalization is a plus but when inaccurate beyond a point, can leave a negative impression on some
2. Although the presort data and machine processing of the name will only matter if it is vacant or has an open Change of Address or Forward order for it, if it not readable as it is in the wrong format or combined with others names, the Carrier who delivers the mail, might flag it UAA - undeliverable. We could add “Or Current Resident” but then that is the point of using the name, however is an option.
Solutions
We always suggest the agent review the name fields thoroughly to avoid issues as “what you see is what will print there”. Then they can correct those that need it.
Or we can attempt to here. We use some various data code but ultimately it has a hands on approach and this there is cost associated with it. It is just a one time cost for that list. So if you are saving it for use later there is no additional fee for correction on our end. Cost are based on the entire list quantity win a min. of $15 and .03-.04 per record quantities over 200.
See Advanced Options when you upload your list and Select: I Have Reviewed the Name Filed(s) to indicate your preference when you place your order.