Getting the fastest results

Although we can accept your mailing list in hundreds of different electronic forms, there are obviously some that are more helpful for automated list processing than others.  While there is normally no charge associated with conversion of some arcane legacy format you may be stuck with, there are ways to make your processing job even easier with a few simple steps.

Microsoft Excel Users

Creating/Arranging Your List:

First, arrange your information into columns so that they look like the example below.  Note:  the columns for city, state and zip code are all separate columns; those elements are not combined in a single cell.  If your list has more fields than this example, that's okay too, as long as these columns are there.

Saving Your List:

Now, pull down the File menu and click the Save As... menu item.  You'll get a save dialog like the one in the picture below.  Pull down the 'Save as type' dropdown and select 'CSV (Comma Delimited)', just like in the example.  Then click 'Save'.

Note:  Some newer versions of Excel will give you some warnings and ask you if you are sure you wish to save to this format.  Don't worry, we're very sure, so answer 'Yes'.  If you follow these steps exactly, your original file will not be affected in any way.

Microsoft Word Users

Creating/Arranging Your List:

First, arrange your information into columns so that they look like the example below.  There are many free tutorials and instruction sheets available online that show how to do columns in Word, as well as Word's own excellent Help system.

Note:  the columns for city, state and zip code are all separate columns; those elements are not combined in a single cell.  If your list has more fields than this example, that's okay too, as long as these columns are there.

Saving Your List:

Now, pull down the File menu and click the Save As... menu item.  You'll get a save dialog like the one in the picture below.  Pull down the 'Save as type' dropdown and select 'Text Only', just like in the example.  Then click 'Save'.

Note:  Some newer versions of Word will give you some warnings and ask you if you are sure you wish to save to this format.  Don't worry, we're very sure, so answer 'Yes'.  If you follow these steps exactly, your original file will not be affected in any way.

Lastly, if all of this seems intimidating or complicated, then we can probably convert your list for you -- in some cases, even totally automatic, and usually at no extra charge.  But you should be aware that arcane or proprietary files or layouts can potentially involve a conversion fee.  If you're not sure about your file layout, contact us for a free analysis.