Open Forum

  • 1.  Tracking reply mail

    Posted 06-12-2019 12:28 PM

    I have a potential client I am working with who sends out invoices on a monthly and quarterly basis. The client tells me they can track the return mail (payment) from each individual thru the mail stream using the IMB in the address block that shows thru the window of the reply envelope (CRE). How is this accomplished?

     

    I guess this is similar to how Netflix knows if you have dropped your disc back in the mail so they can send your next movie ???



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    Mike Lower
    Mailing Specialist
    Triangle Press Inc.
    Harrisburg PA
    717-541-9315
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  • 2.  RE: Tracking reply mail

    Posted 06-12-2019 12:57 PM
    They are using inbound tracking service.  Similar to outbound tracking offered by companies such as Intelisent, Grayhair and many others. You can contact me directly at scolella@... for details. 

    Sent from my iPhone




    Steve Colella
    Vice President of Postal Affairs
    main: 708-728-0101 direct: 708-552-8265
    fax: 708-728-1070 mobile: 773-426-9067
    address: 6755 S. Sayre Ave. Bedford Park, IL  60638-4724
    website:  www.calmarkgroup.com
    email:  scolella@...
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  • 3.  RE: Tracking reply mail

    Posted 06-14-2019 02:45 PM
    I've been using BCC's track and trace, but because 90% of our Flat bulk mailings are in walk sequence/carrier routes, we are not getting scans. A few here and there.  Are there other programs that can track walk sequence/carrier route Flats?

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    Angela Johnson
    N2 Publishing
    Wilmington NC
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  • 4.  RE: Tracking reply mail

    Posted 06-13-2019 10:38 AM
    When you look at how the IM Barcode is constructed, you have the ZIP+4 and delivery point, and before that you have the 2 digit Barcode ID, the service type (which is going to determine if there's tracking for this piece or not), your Mailer ID and the unique serial number for that particular piece.

    The IM Barcode that you print on the return pieces is nearly identical, with these exceptions: The ZIP+4 on the return piece will be the same for all of your pieces (which makes sense, since they're being returned to you) and the 3 digit Service Type in the barcode will be a Reply Mail service type.
    050=Courtesy Reply Mail
    051=Permit Reply Mail (PRM)
    052=Business Reply Mail/QBRM
    701=Permit Reply Mail (PRM)
    703=Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM) and Meter Reply Mail (MRM) without Confirm
    708=Business Reply Mail/QBRM

    Here's an example of the difference:
    - Mail Piece Barcode Digits: 00311901234567239998+11 Digit destination ZIP+4 and delivery point
    - Business Reply Mail Barcode Digits: 00052901234567239998+11 Digit Return ZIP+4 and delivery point

    If you subscribe to an IM Barcode tracking service, see if you can create a job that will be devoted to tracking the incoming mail. The AccuTrace service allows you to track these incoming pieces; I'm not sure which other services offer this.

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    Eric Lambeth
    ACCUZIP Inc.
    Atascadero CA
    (805) 461-7300
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  • 5.  RE: Tracking reply mail

    Posted 06-13-2019 01:49 PM
    Thank you Steve and Eric. I learned much today, which is always a good thing.

    ------------------------------
    Mike Lower
    Mailing Specialist
    Triangle Press Inc.
    Harrisburg PA
    717-541-9315
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Tracking reply mail

    Posted 06-13-2019 01:54 PM

    Your welcome Mike.  As I mentioned I have used Intelisent for about 10 years or so.  I have copied both Lisa and Allison on this email.  They will be able to fill in the details on the services they can provide you and your customer.

    All the best.

     

    Steve

     

     

     




    Steve Colella
    Vice President of Postal Affairs
    main: 708-728-0101 direct: 708-552-8265
    fax: 708-728-1070 mobile: 773-426-9067
    address: 6755 S. Sayre Ave. Bedford Park, IL  60638-4724
    website:  www.calmarkgroup.com
    email:  scolella@...
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn