Overview of a Zip Code Database

Every location in the US and Canada is assigned a postal or zip code, which is compiled and gathered into a central zip code database. The data is organized in a row and column format for ease of use, with numerous unique fields of information giving the user endless ways to manipulate the demographic information contained within. There are many uses for such a directory. It functions as a strong ingredient of any marketing plan or update, and is a effective tool for building websites. When designing various marketing campaigns, having demographic data across geographical and locational boundaries is critical.

Information gained from analysis of such a database can also be used to target key populations. Combine this with a radius finder application for further target enhancement, and use the results to fine-tune a preliminary mailing, or for first-time exact product delivery. The zip code database is regularly updated online, so that it contains only current, complete information. Address correction is applied before mailing, resulting in higher response and deliverable rates. You can improve your profits even more with reduced customer service issues related to shipping errors. Cost savings also follow because there are no longer purchased software installation or maintenance costs, no hard copy manuals or packaging materials, or a need for printed updates. All of this contributes to the making of a much ‘greener’ operation as well.

When use of a zip code database is coupled with online access, one of the major barriers to using the zip technology - upfront cost - is done away with. Lists can be verified ‘on demand’ for a much lower cost. The whole process is faster and easier this way, not to mention cheaper, working smarter instead of harder.

The online database is totally secure, of course, and operates in ‘real time’ mode so that the information you need is available within minutes rather than hours or even days. One cannot overlook the benefit of dealing with a high-speed, low-cost remedy as opposed to the past, much slower, method. This is one technology that brings quick personal benefits. The market for accurate zip information is there - in fact, it’s huge. Thousands of corporations, from hospitals to educational institutions to industrial businesses of all kinds, depend on maintaining verified zip code list lists; and the demand continues to grow.

‘Mr Zip’ and the Zip Code Database

With ever-increasing pieces of mail to sort and deliver nearly a century ago, the United States Postal Service sought out a solution to bring some order to the process. They began requiring a two-digit number between city and state on the address line of letters and packages, which was a temporary fix; but the amount of mail kept expanding. Five-digit codes were introduced within twenty years and made mandatory four years later: the first three digits send each piece of mail to a central sorting facility, where it is sorted according to the last two digits and sent to the appropriate post office for delivery.

But there were problems, chief among them getting millions of letter-writers to actually write that string of numbers. Enter Mr. Zip, accompanied by Ethel Merman performing ‘Zip-a-dee-doo-dah’ and giving a friendly message to one and all. Surprisingly effective, achieving a 95% success rate, the cartoon Zip inspired and reminded the masses to use a zip code when mailing. It goes to show you the influence of a marketing campaign in such a simple format for everyone to understand and take pleasure in.

Now, picture yourself trying to manage an ever-growing amount of mail and routing it correctly to millions of frequently-changing addresses every day. A new need - current, correct addresses available now - arose. The first zip code directories were local, pencil-and-paper, affairs, ineffective, but the best thing available.

All that changed with the advent and growth of computers, until today there are vast amounts of data gathered in zip code databases nationally, internationally, for city and state levels and as part of every business or corporation. We can’t communicate without the location information they contain.

The national online zip code database constantly adds, updates, and verifies zip information for every person or business at every location in the country. Canada has a comparable setup; other countries have varying coverage. International corporations have them. To name just a sample, many businesses, hospitals, and educational institutes develop and use zip code directories.

The online processing of zip code data allows the system to fill in missing information on addresses, add new address information, and identify non-deliverable addresses, among other things. This first-time accurate delivery gets mail to the right place more quickly and saves millions of dollars each and every year in the process.

There are zip code maps of all sorts, zip code ‘finder’ software, zip code directories, and online zip code search engines. We’ve come a long way from the Pony Express rider riding hard to deliver his cargo!