Understanding Move Updates for Bulk and Business Mail
If you’re sending Bulk Mail or Business Mail, one crucial aspect you need to consider is the move update. But what exactly does that mean, and why is it so important?
What is a Move Update?
A move update refers to what the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) does with your mail when the recipient has moved or is no longer at the address. It’s essentially a set of instructions you provide to the USPS on how to handle undeliverable mail. This becomes especially important in bulk or business mailing, where sending mail to outdated addresses can result in wasted resources, lost marketing opportunities, and unnecessary postage costs.
Why It Matters
The accuracy of your mailing list directly impacts your ROI. If recipients have moved and you don’t have a current address or an appropriate move update option selected, your mail could be returned, discarded, or redirected—often at an additional cost. Knowing your options ensures your message reaches either the intended recipient or an appropriate alternative.
Common Move Update Options
Here are some of the most frequently used move update endorsements for letters, flats, and postcards:
1. Return Service Requested
- What Happens: The USPS returns the mail to you with the recipient’s new address, if available.
- Best For: Businesses that want to keep their mailing list current and are willing to pay return postage for the update.
2. Or Current Resident
- What Happens: The mail is delivered to the address even if the named recipient has moved. The new resident receives it.
- Best For: Mass marketing campaigns where the specific recipient is less important than reaching someone at that address.
3. N.C.O.A. – National Change of Address
What It Is: The NCOA is a USPS-approved service that matches your mailing list against a national database of people who have filed official change-of-address requests.
Why Use It: It allows you to update your database before mailing, reducing returned mail and ensuring accuracy.
How to Access It: You can work with a mail service provider or data processing company that offers NCOA processing. Learn more directly from the USPS NCOA information page.
Best For: Any nonprofit that mails regularly and wants to reduce return rates and save money long-term.
There are additional move update services and endorsements available, each offering a different balance of cost, information, and delivery outcome. Choosing the right one depends on your goals—whether that’s maintaining a clean, up-to-date database or simply maximizing delivery regardless of recipient.
Final Thoughts
Move updates aren’t just a technical requirement—they’re a strategic decision. Understanding and choosing the right option ensures your message doesn’t get lost and helps you get the most value out of your mailing campaigns. Always review your goals, update your mailing lists regularly, and use the appropriate USPS services to stay ahead.