Recently my post office changed the zip code for my area. One week ago, I got a notification from Netflix that my address zip code had changed from 95616 to 95618. How did they know? I have also noticed that other companies like my cell phone provider and my utility company also modified my zip code to the most current one. Mail still gets delivered to me through both zip codes so I know no mail was returned to the senders.
2006-10-03 11:59:13 · 7 answers · asked by Homestar 1 in News & Events ➔ Current Events
I'm sure that the post office keeps them apprised of any changes if they pay for "return service requested" or other such services. That, or the post office sends out notice of changes so that mass mailers have the most current information.
2006-10-03 12:08:45 · answer #1 · answered by CruelNails 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a number of ways for them to have gotten this information. The most common way is through the "Address Service Requested" request when sending you mail. When you see this on a letter it means that the company has requested to be updated when your address changes (either though a move, or though a situation like you described). The other way is that at least quarterly (it may be monthly) the post office sends out a file containing all the zip codes and other related information. I don't know what all is contained in this file (a coworker of mine uses it, not me) but they could get that information from this.
2006-10-03 19:28:49 · answer #2 · answered by John J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most businesses that do a lot of direct mail prefer to spend as little as possible on it because mailing in bulk can be quite expensive on a national scale. Because of this pennies count and so things like non-deliverable addresses also cost money. Most businesses us the USPS AVS (Address Verification Service) to keep their lists up to date, therefore if your zip code changed but your address remained the same, they would see that and the correction would have been made automatically when they scrubbed or updated their customer list.
2006-10-03 19:13:54 · answer #3 · answered by Matt 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The post office would have sent a correction to these groups because if you look at your mail prior to opening it you will see a notice to the post office to send address corrections to them. This allows them to correct their address on the off chance the consumer does not make correct notification to them.
2006-10-03 21:12:54 · answer #4 · answered by mom of girls 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Considering Netflix makes huge contributions to the USPS' workload (and income), I'm sure the Postal Service told them in advance of the change.
2006-10-03 20:02:36 · answer #5 · answered by manabovetime 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Companies who send a lot of mail use computerized lists to address packages, and letters. They are notified when such changes occur so they can update accordingly
2006-10-03 19:12:03 · answer #6 · answered by sdh0407 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since they do deliver kinda business, zipcode or address change is really important, so they try to get information asap by using any kinda way.....might be buying info from some kinda agent...personal info is merchandise...idk
2006-10-03 19:10:00 · answer #7 · answered by *shortie* 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋