Q. What are data services?
A. Data services help to make sure you have the most up to date information for your records. Data services append or add data to your records to make sure you have the most up to date, accurate information about your records. Popular data services include: National Change of Address, Address Verification, and Email Append. Data services ensure that you are getting the maximum return on the investment in your communications and outreach.
Q. How do data services work?
A. A client’s data is sent to a data service provider who matches it against a large database that is known to be correct. For example, our National Change of Address data service takes each record out of the current list and then matches the address against the Postal Service’s list of National Change of Address cards. Then the address is appended, if necessary.
Q. Why should an organization purchase data services?
A. You shouldn’t pay extra to store bad information or send information to incorrect addresses. These services are especially important if you are paying for the number of emails you are sending, or are investing in materials and postage to send direct mail. Data services ensure that you are getting the maximum return on the investment you are making in communication and outreach.
Q. What should an organization expect after running a data service append?
A. An updated list that should lead to better open rates and engagement, therefore getting more donations from fundraising appeals, and less “bad address” return mail. Match rates vary, but typical match rates for email append services are 20-30%.
Q. How can an organization order data services?
A. thedatabank offers data services for clients and non-clients. Clients can order data services from within their own Databank by visiting the Data Services tab under Setup. Organizations that are non-clients or want information about prices and services, click here.
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