Issue
We have previously developed a contact database for a client which enables them to manage all their
customer and supplier contacts.
One of the functions this application provides is the ability to automatically print
address labels. Either individually on a Brother label printer or in bulk. By providing the client with
the facility to select contacts into a 'basket' they can then print formatted names and addresses onto A4
sheets of labels.
While this client does not produce enough mail to warrant the cost of a franking solution they were using
the facility to produce medium-bulk mailings of promotional material.
This entailed purchasing stamps, labels and envelope. The labels had to be printed and then both labels
and stamps needed to be affixed to the envelopes - a time-consuming process.
Solution
We made a small change to the client's contact database so that in addition to printing address labels
they now also have the option of preparing the contact details for use by Royal Mail's SmartStamp
application.
Once the contacts have been selected the client can now launch SmartStamp and easily print all the
required contact names and addresses as well as the appropriate postage directly onto envelopes.
Benefits
- The ability to print addresses and postage direct to envelopes gives this client's mailings a much
more professional look.
- While not mailing enough to require a franking facility, or buy stamps in bulk, the client was having
to purchase stamps from the local post office on a regular basis. This solution has eliminated this
inconvenience.
- Although not particularly expensive the solution has saved this client from having to purchase
sheets of address labels (or more expensive rolls of labels for the dedicated label printer).
- When a contact is selected (or multiple contacts are selected) their address details are
automatically retrieved from the database and formatted for SmartStamp. Saving the time and effort
of looking up and entering address details.