NOTE:
This file is available in a four formats:

1. README.TXT - an ASCII text version (this file).
2. README.WRI - a Windows Write version of the file.
3. README.DOC - a Word for Windows 2.0 version of the file.
4. README.PS  - a PostScript printer file.

The same information is in all files.

========================================================================

                       Preparing a Mailing for
                  US Post Office First Class Presort
                     With Paradox for Windows 4.5

    This set of files will allow you to use Paradox for Windows 4.5 to
prepare a mailing that conforms to Postal regulations for a First
Class Presort mailing.

    I developed this set of scripts and reports when the need arose for
me to attempt to save money doing a monthly mailing for a newsletter
I produce. I don't claim that the code here is in the best format
available, and I don't claim you can't do better yourself. The reason
I am posting this is because I've had assistance along the way from the
Paradox community and I'd like to give back a little of what I learned.
It would have been nice if I had something like this to reference while
I was developing these scripts. Needless to say, I will not be held liable 
for anything as a result of your use of these files.

    My understanding of the Postal regulations for preparing a mailing for
First Class Presort, and the way this script works, is as follows:
o  To participate in a First Class Presort mailing, you must obtain a valid
   permit number from the Post Office. At the time I applied, there was a
   $75.00 application fee and a $75.00 annual fee (for a startup cost of 
   $150.00). Even with this overhead, I saved more than $75.00 the first
   year I participated.
o  A First Class Presort mailing must consist of 500 or more pieces of mail.

Each mailing must be sorted and bundled as follows:
o  10 or more mail pieces with the same 5 digit Zip code qualify for a
   First Class Presort rate of $ .248 each. The Post Office refers to
   this category as "Direct". The scripts set the "Cat" (Category) field
   in the MAIL.DB table to "1" for addresses that fall into this category.
o  After the above category is exhausted, 50 or more mail pieces with the
   same first 3 digits in the Zip code qualify for a first class presort
   rate of $ .248 each. The Post Office refers to this category as "Zip 3".
   The scripts set the "Cat" field in the MAIL.DB table to "2" for addresses
   that fall into this category.
o  All remaining mail pieces may bear the indicia (the pre-printed insignia
   that replaces the stamp) but are charged at the normal postage rate of
   $ .29 each. The Post Office refers to this category as "Residual". The 
   scripts set the "Cat" field in the MAIL.DB table to "3" for addresses
   that fall into this category.

    I use Category number instead of the Post Office names to keep the
tables a little more compact and to provide the sort order I need when
printing the mailing labels.

    The scripts presume a starting table called NAMES.DB that contains
all of the entries for the mailing and has the following structure:
                        Name     A23
                        Address  A30
                        City     A13
                        State    A2
                        Zip      A5

                       Before Using the Script

1. Unzip all of the files from the .ZIP file into a working directory
   of your choice.  All of the files should reside in the same directory.
2. Edit GENLIST.SSL to reflect the name of the directory where the
   files reside.  Before using the script, start Paradox for Windows
   and open the GENLIST.SSL script in Design mode. Edit the file to
   reflect the correct Drive and Path name where you unzipped the files.
   Look for the line:
   ;<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
   in the script file for the location of where editing should occur.
   Be sure to save the file after editing.


                         Instructions For Use

1. Make the directory where the files reside your Working
   Directory in Paradox.
2. Insure your address table is called NAMES.DB and has the same
   structure as above. (The names of the fields must be the same
   as above - the lengths of the fields can vary.)
3. Run the script GENLIST.SSL (File | Open | Script. Select
   GENLIST.SSL - make sure the Open Mode specifies Play - click OK.)

A number of tables will be created and displayed in the Paradox workspace.
The script takes approximately 18 seconds to run on my machine using the
included example table.

You are now ready to print a summary report and the labels.

3. Print the summary report. (File | Open | Report. Select
   SUMMARY.RSL - make sure View Data is the selected Open Mode - click OK.)
   The report is set up to use standard fonts and should print to any laser 
   printer. If you don't have a laser printer, you'll have to modify the
   report to print on the printer you do have. I use this report as I'm
   applying the mailing labels to check the counts. I later give it to the
   Post Office (complete with my hand written checkmarks on the counts)
   when I turn in the mailing -- they seem to like getting a computer
   generated printout -- kind of makes them feel like they didn't make
   a mistake letting me have a First Class Presort permit!
4. Print the labels. Again, I use a laser printer to print the labels
   (Avery 5160 labels - 30 per sheet, 2 5/8" X 1"). There are 2 variations
   on the label reports:
    1.  Labels printed Left to Right, Top to Bottom (LABELS.RSL)
    2.  Labels printed Top to Bottom, Left to Right (LABELCOL.RSL)
Choose the report of your preference; be careful when applying the labels
to insure you keep the sorted order.  The labels are sorted by Zip Code
with the "Direct" (Category 1) labels printed first, followed by "Zip 3"
(Category 2) labels, followed by "Residual" (Category 3). You'll have to
bundle the mail according to Post Office regulations (a rubber band in
each direction, horizontally and vertically) and apply the appropriate
sticker ("D" for Direct, and the "3" for Zip 3) in the lower left corner
of the front mail piece.

Fill out PS Form 3600-R and take it along with the summary report,
your mail and payment to the Post Office.

If you have any questions or comments, you can send me CompuServe mail
at [71341,1463]. Feel free to send compliments -- you can keep criticisms
to yourself!!

Happy Mailing!


Norm Tiedemann
