February 2001

Exponential Savings

The Census Bureau recently compiled a report stating 43 million people moved in a one-year period. That is 16% of the population. Here are some highlights:

* 59% of the movers relocated within the same county, but only 18% moved to a new State.

* 1 in 3 renters moved, versus 1 in 10 homeowners

* 32% of the twenty-something's moved, while only 5% of the people over age 65 moved.

The U.S. Postal service has four basic options for you to advise them on how to have your mail handled for those who have moved. The more mail you send, the more important it is to have the proper endorsement on your outgoing mail, saving you both time and money.

I strongly recommend you perform an analysis of the endorsements you are using now, to determine if it is both efficient and effective. The analysis is one of those seemingly unimportant tasks, but the beauty is in the exponential savings that occur for years into the future. The greater volume of mail you send, the more important it is to use the proper endorsement. Also, anytime you have a mail return or new address, clearly flag your file to review all contact and employment information the next time you speak to the customer.

Below are the available USPS "endorsement" options:

Address Service Requested Forwarding and return service of the mail piece. Mail is forwarded or returned with the reason for non-delivery indicated. New address information provided for a $.50 fee.

Return Service Requested No forwarding, only return service of the mail piece. Mail is returned with new address or the reason for non-delivery attached. The new address notification provided on without an additional fee.

Change Service Requested No forwarding or return service of the mail. Separate notice of the new address or reason for the non-delivery provided; mail piece disposed of by USPS. New address provided for a fee of $.50.

Forward Service Requested Forwarding and return service of mail. Mail piece forwarded or returned with reason for non-delivery attached. New address provided only with return at no additional fee.

Be cautious of customers who move and do not file a forwarding address. If you are unable to contact them through mail or telephone, it is probably no accident. Don't forget to place those "skips", as we call them, with your collection agency promptly.

Of course, the question remains, who is going to do the analysis? The answer is someone who wants to show initiative, do something important and will probably get recognized by the boss. Can I see a show of hands? Don't worry, I can help, just call me.

R. J. (Bob) Barden, Jr.

President

Leadership Lenawee Class of 2000

What do you get when you put 28 strangers together? Friendships, learning, teamwork, camaraderie, skill-building, and lots of fun-if it's the Leadership Lenawee class of 2000. Last August, 26 class members plus two facilitators gathered for the first time at a two-day retreat. This was just the beginning of learning about leadership skills, community nonprofits, and each other.

The retreat and nine subsequent weekly sessions were packed with information and activities. Participants learned about personality styles, communication, fund raising, board responsibilities, diversity, group facilitation, volunteerism, working with the media, and much, much more.

Leadership Lenawee was founded by the Lenawee Chamber of Commerce seven years ago to prepare interested, motivated individuals for community leadership with a focus on the nonprofit organizations serving the Lenawee County community.

We wish to congratulate Linda Underwood, Credit Reporting Manager of our Adrian office, on her successful completion of the Leadership Lenawee program. Best wishes, Linda!

Calling All Cover Sheets

A cover sheet, or listing sheet as it is called, is a communication tool we use to help us get it right. We ask that you fill one out when sending over a batch of accounts for collection. The listing sheet asks questions about your company, and also the type of service you are interested in using.

It also gives you a bullet pointed guideline about the types of information we like to see when you send your accounts to us. We understand that you may not have all that we ask for, but it guides you on what we want. Here is that list:

* Your account number for customer/patient

* Name of customer/patient

* Name of responsible party or parent

* Current address or last known address

* Current phone number

* Social Security number of customer and responsible party

* Date of birth

* Date of service

* Date of delinquency

* Balance owing

* Spouse information

* Employment information

* Asset information: bank account numbers, etc

* Emergency contact name and information

If you don't have a listing sheet, please give us a call and we can fax or mail one to you. Feel free to make copies for future placements. Just call us at 800-710-4821 if you have any questions.

Kate Melasi
Client Sales & Service Representative

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Ann Arbor Credit Bureau, Inc.
311 N. Main   Ann Arbor, Michigan   48104
800.710.4821     734.665.6173
info@a2cb.com