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1. Do they update their
data monthly?
If not, you’re
probably getting stale data - some providers even have the wrong ZIP Codes
in their maps!. There are thousands of ZIP Code boundary
changes and hundreds of thousands of carrier route boundary changes every
quarter.
2. Do their carrier routes nest within ZIP Codes or do they cross
multiple ZIP Codes?
You will notice
in Maponics' maps, the carrier routes nest perfectly within every ZIP
Code. If you receive a carrier route map where the routes cross ZIP
Codes, you will know that data cannot be trusted.
3. Do they clearly
explain the project specifications and ask for your explicit
agreement?
That way, you
know exactly what you are getting before you are charged a dime.
4. Do they provide clear
samples representing what you will receive?
If it’s hard to
get good samples from a provider, how confident can you be in their
commitment to you as a customer?
5. Do they understand the
direct marketing industry?
Find a mapping
service bureau that specializes in direct marketing. They will be able to quickly understand
your priorities.
6. Do they have
additional offerings that are easy to understand and customize?
You may just
need a simple map now but what happens as your needs evolve?
7. Can you read all the
labels?
While mapping
multiple map features is difficult, the carrier routes should all be
labeled, even carrier routes that are "split" (where part of the
route is on one side of town and the other part is farther away).
8. Are their streets up
to date?
If the street
data is too old, the maps will not be useful. Find a mapping provider that
updates their street data quarterly.
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