For those direct mail marketers, or those who offer services to support this industry, you may benefit from a variety of new online sites specifically designed to serve those businesses in need of an “acquisition” mailing list.  BBDirectLeads.com (now located at www.mailinglistorders.com) provides users with immediate access to a host of quality compiled mailing lists.  Not only can you view the available selects from each of the databases on the site, but you can run counts to determine how many names and address are available within a given market.  Should you want to purchase the right to mail to those individuals, you can have that data available to you within minutes with just a click of a button.  Ordering mailing list data has never been easier, but what’s more, doing the work online saves money for everyone, and especially for you.

The types of files available on BB Direct Leads.com are compiled Consumer Database, Property Mortgage Database, Business to Business Database, Resident Occupant Database, New Mover Database (both weekly and monthly), as well as a database of Bankruptcy filings.  This system is an online vending machine of sorts in which you can see everything available with no need for consultants to call, talk to, makes requests, leave a voicemail with, and wait for them to call you back.

Can’t quite figure out how to use the system?  No problem, BB Direct’s video tutorial library makes it easy for you to watch how to perform various functions in a snap.  The video is available online, supported by YouTube, and what’s great it they’re free.  No need to register, just click on the video link and begin watching.  All the video’s are between 2 and 5 minutes in length so you’re time is never wasted.  At BB Direct, we appreciate the value of your time.

And like all good websites, the entire site is supported by people.  Real people who understand direct mail and mailing list data.  They are located in the states and speak English.  When you call (866) -501-6273, you get a human, not a series of telephone prompts.  They are available for you and want to help.

The next time you have a need to purchase a mailing list, try BB Direct’s self-serve data vending machine.  You’ll be glad you did.

When considering the many descriptors of your market territory, many retail businesses owners will consider the closest population from their store location.  This tool is available with most mailing list providers today and if used properly, can be an effective way to identify potential prospects.
A radius is the circumference population defined by distance from the centroid (center).  From your store, you may want to reach out 10 miles in every direction.  The 10 mile band is called the radii band which identifies the furthest most prospects you may want to consider mailing.  With some mapping programs, the radius function grabs all data contained within the radii band, while others cross through a whole carrier route.  In crossing through this carrier route, the mapping software either includes all available records within carrier route, or excludes the band cut routes.
Ideal businesses using radius geography when building their mailing lists are those which serve the locale population such as restaurants and grocery stores.  The radius geography does nothing more than identify the location of the people you are wanting to mail.  Should you want to place further restrictions on these people surrounding your business, you can do so by simply adding the additional select.
The radius centroid is identified by either the physical address (which is usually converted into a latitude/longitude), a carrier route within the zip code, a zip+4, and the center of a zip code itself.  Which is best for your direct mail program depends on how far out you want to radiate.  Typically, if your radius measures less than 5 miles, it’s best to use something smaller than the center of a zip code.  However, if you’re reaching out to 15 miles or more, the center of a zip code will usually be sufficient.
For multiple store locations you sometimes find store market territories overlapping.  This could be cause for concern for some mailing list programs.  BBDirectLeads.com corrects this problem easily by parting these counts together before the order process.
If you would like more information on how to use this tool to build your mailing list, visit us at BBDirect.com or call us at (866) 501-6273.