- Machinable Wallet:
- An envelope that is machinable. The flap is gummed and on the long edge of the envelope.
- Machine Enclosing:
- The process of inserting material into envelopes by machine rather than by hand.
- Mailing List:
- A list of addresses to be mailed.
- Mail Merge:
- The personalisation of a mailing piece by inserting the address and other data into a mailing letter at the laser printing stage.
- Mailshot:
- Personally addressed advertising sent through the post
- Mailsort:
- A method of posting UK mail at a discount by sorting the addresses into Postcode Groups according to a complex list designed by Royal Mail. Mailsort is available as Mailsort 1 and Mailsort 2 (1st and 2nd Class equivalent) and Mailsort 3 (7 – 10 days delivery).
- Matching:
- The process of keeping together a unique insert to the addressee that goes with at least one other unique insert in the same package, or a unique insert to the addressee that goes with the address information located on the outside of the package. For example a personalized letter that needs to be matched with the address displayed on the outside of the envelope.
- Merge:
- The process of combining two or more lists into a single one using the same sequential order, then sorting them together, usually by Company Name or Postcode
- Merge-Purge:
- The combining of one or more computer files and comparing them to eliminate duplicates. Can sometimes imply that MPS services are required.
- MPS (Mailing Preference Service):
- An official body which registers the names and addresses of those who do not wish to receive unsolicited mail. The Mailing Preference Service regularly issues a list of these people in computer data format. Before a mailing list is sent, it can be compared to the MPS list and those not wishing to receive the mail can be excluded.
- NCOA (National Change of Address):
- A suppression file which records details of home owners who have registered a change of address with Royal Mail and requested re-direction of mail.
- Nest:
- To place a piece inside a part or all of another piece.
- OCR (optical character reader):
- A computerised mail processing machine that scans addresses on mail and applies the proper barcode.
- OE (outer envelope) or Outer:
- The envelope that your package will be delivered in. Usually, a “teaser” line is on the front to entice the recipient to open your letter.
- One Piece Mailer:
- A type of mailing which is formed from a single sheet of paper. Specialised machinery prints, personalises, folds and forms an envelope in one continuous process.
- Outworkers:
- People who perform mailing operations – inserting items into envelopes, applying labels etc. at home in their own time. MCM Direct does not use home workers.
- Overs (or overruns):
- The portion of a print run that exceeds the quantity specified in the purchase order. Allow 2% on small mailings and 1% on larger runs (100,000+)
