Kable Fulfillment ServicesSM, a division of Kable News Company, Inc., announces the availability of direct mail web pages with finder number processing. This type of web page is currently available to all Kable Web Fulfillment Services clients.
In order to use this feature, a client must have a direct mail finder tape created using Kable'sSM standard format. The finder tape is processed through normal channels, where the information from the tape is dropped to a keyed VSAM finder file on the mainframe.
When a client launches a promotion, they would include information in the content to utilize the direct mail finder feature. This includes the URL of the direct mail web page and the direct mail finder number. The manner in which this information is included can vary depending on the desired resulting functionality and the channel the client uses to distribute the promotion. The most common forms are either via an email broadcast or via regular mail, although other forms may be used.
In an e-broadcast, the direct mail finder number may be sent in via the URL, causing the web page to automatically attempt to read the finder file and pre-populate the web form with the name, address, and source information from the direct mail finder file. Alternatively, the finder number may be included in the content of the email, separate from the URL. In this case, the web page will prompt the potential subscriber to enter the finder number included in the email. Once entered, the web page will then attempt to read the finder file and use that information to pre-populate the web form.
For regular mail promotions, a client can choose the same options on how to include the direct mail finder number. If the client includes the direct mail finder number in the URL it will work similar, as with the e-broadcast, where it automatically attempts to pre-populate the web form with information taken from the finder file. Otherwise, if the client includes the finder number elsewhere on the mail piece (e.g. post-printed "offer" code), but not in the URL, the direct mail page will prompt the potential subscriber to enter the finder number before attempting to pre-populate the web form.
If a finder number cannot be found on the finder file, the web page allows the potential subscriber to continue to place an order. In this case, the potential subscriber is prompted to type in his or her name and address information and the order uses a default publisher specified source code.
Web Fulfillment Services clients interested in adding direct mail web pages with finder number processing to their Fulfillment Services package should contact their Account Executive for assistance in getting started or for additional information.
Kable Fulfillment ServicesSM and KableSM are registered servicemarks of Kable News Company, Inc. All rights reserved.
