We use the zip code file that comes with Alpha 5. It's great to be able to lookup zip codes but no matter how I set it up, I can no longer enter 9 digit zip codes when needed (without using the look up function) as it deletes any digits past 5. Help!
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RE: zip code file
Kathryn, did you give the field (zipcode) a mask of default "zipcode 9"? I thimk you may not have done this. This way the field can have either a 5 character number or a 9. I believe that the zipcode dbf only has 5 characters. (could this be why you are getting return of 5 characters) Let us know if there is more to this than I am assuming. -
RE: zip code file
It worked! Thanks....maybe this tip should be added tothe instruction sheet for use when loading the zip file.Comment
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RE: zip code file
Well, I spoke too soon. This change does now show the ability to enter the 9 digits (the mask appears ready to take the characters), but as soon as the last 4 digits are entered and I advance to the next field, the digits disappear. Help! I love the zip code look up function but we need the 9 digit codes for many entries.Comment
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RE: zip code file
Hi:
The way I got by this is to make another field called zip4. Then I just tab to it next and enter the next 4 digits.
DanComment
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RE: zip code file
Good idea to make a 4 digit field but I don't know how my mailing/fulfillment house will like it. I use the database for a subcriber base and they are not going to be happy if they have to merge the fields. I hope there is a better solution: the zip code lookup file is not totally useful if we can't use it for 9 digit codes. Apparently, I'm not the only one with this problem....Comment
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RE: zip code file
Is the field wide enough in form properties?Comment
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RE: zip code file
Yes
The field on my form is C 15. On the form I've stretched that puppy out to 2 inches and upped the Field charteristic on the properties to 25. Still no go. As soon as you type in the 4 digits and tab out they disappear.
DanComment
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RE: zip code file
I'm not sure how your mail house uses the data but after the zip4 field is filled in you can have another field that is a calculated field. The calculated field combines the two zip codes into one field and that would be the one that all data output would pick up on.
You can also get creative and place the two fields side by side in the form. Set the field rules so that when the field is filled up it automatically advances to the next tab and they can type the zip4. If the fields are close enough together the user won't be able to tell they are two different fields.
DanComment
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RE: zip code file
WELL! I thought this was all taken care of. I personally do not like the zip4 method, just one more piece of coding you have to do. I have the lookup to the zipcode database as a default in field rules, I have the mask set at zipcode9 I have the field on the form set at 10 with left justify. I can enter any numbers anywhere in the field. Make sure your table lookup will allow any value, I do not know what else could be the problem. Jack Please send the form and table in a zip file for us to examine for you.Comment
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RE: zip code file
Hi Jack:
Attached is the small zip4 problem of the zip4 not accepting a value.
DanComment
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RE: zip code file
WELL............ Thanks for the zip file. I think we can make a couple of rules that would serve us well to understand and abide by.
1.under field rules, if there is not a default value, and there is a table to lookup the values, the fill values should have the same number of characters. In the zipcode.dbf the zipcode will have only 5 characters, you need 9 or 10
2.Under field rules if you have a conditional lookup, it will override the table lookup. The number of characters do not matter.
HOWEVER WHEN I TRIED A DEFAULT FORM ALL CRITERIA WORKED! FOR WHATEVER REASON THERE IS HERE ARE A COUPLE OF ITEMS TO TRY BEFORE GIVING UP NEXT TIME. JACKComment
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RE: zip code file
Jack is right; it does work. After trying all kinds of adjustments, it never occurred to me to change the field values on the zipcode databse. I did and it now works. Thanks, Jack, for your help and thanks to rest of you who made me realize this wasn't just my problem! (PS--instructions that come with the zipcode dbf might want to include how to set the field values for 9 place zip codes.)Comment
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RE: zip code file
Kathryn,
Your mailing house probably won't like having the +4 in a second field, but should be able to deal with it.
It's really academic anyway, unless you are regularly using currently updated CASS coding software on your file. If you aren't (providing the 3553 CASS certification form generated by the coding software, along with your file in the process), your mailing house will have to code and certify it as per USPS automated bulk mail regs before they can take advantage of automated or carrier route discounts anyway.
If you are going to the trouble of typing the +4's in for their benifit or for postal discount purposes, don't waste the time -- they have to code and certify for the mailing to be accepted.
If, on the other hand, you aren't using CASS coding software yet still want the currently correct postal info in your file, have the mailing house return a copy of your file after they have coded it and then post the cleaned up addresses, cities, states and zip(+4) back in. (Post ALL these fields back in as the software also standardizes the address and its format as well as the city designation and the +4.)
Remember, you will have to give each record a unique ID and include in the file you give to the mailing house so that when you get it back, you can use it to match records when posting in the new address data.
If you end up going that far, and you mail a lot, you might want to use the ACS (Address Chnage Service) to keep your list up to date as far as address changes and Nixies are concerned. It's easy and costs only .20 per update (as opposed to .50 on paper). Not only do you save 60% in return postage costs, but by posting the new info in -- the same way you would post newly coded records from the mailing house into your list -- you save a lot of samolians by performing the updates electronically; rather than having a data entry person do them by hand.
Additionally, by getting the Nixies -- records that are "unmailable" or no new address was given after a move was made -- out of your list, you save the money that only sends them directly to the dumpster per USPS regulations.
The USPS estimates that fully 35% of all bulk mail sent in the US each year ends up there because of addressing problems. Since many companies don't track the movement in their list, they spend thousands mailing to recipieants or addresses that aren't there each year.
(You can get all the info and specs on this program from the USPS Business Information Center in Memphis -- (800) 331-5746.)
Hope that this may add some additional insight to the good advice already posted.
Regards,
Geoff Hollander
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