TCOA Nixie Codes
TCOA Nixies can have more than one footnote code. Multiple footnote codes translate into
multiple differences that prevent a good match. The following suggestions do not address
possible combinations with other codes, so take this into consideration. The following are the
Nixie footnote codes:
• "P" - Multiple TCOA records matched to the client record. These are good matches, but we
are unable to provide you either of the new addresses because one may be incorrect. The
important thing to understand is that your record has changed his address. Real move = Yes.
• "Y" - The first/middle names must match to call it a match to TCOA, There are no family
moves in TCOA. This code indicates that you made a match on surname and address but failed
on first/middle names. This is not a genuine TCOA move . Real move = No.
• "D" - Your record did not have a house number, and the TCOA record did. Assuming there
were no other Nixie codes present, this could be a real COA. If it's a prospect record, you should
drop the record from the mailing; it's missing a house number and is possibly a move. If it's a
customer record, flag for customer service.
• "M" - Both records had matching rural routes, but one record had a box number and the
other did not. Because the address is in a less densely populated area, it makes it more likely
that this is a real move. Drop from prospect mailings if your record is the one missing the box
number. If the customer record is missing the box number, flag for customer service. You may
want to drop from future customer mailings, as the address may be deficient; otherwise,
include in your next Change Service Requested mailing.
• "N" -Either the directionals (north, south, east, west) or the street suffix differed. The code
does not differentiate when information is simply missing, versus being present in both records
and different. Consider "123 Eagle Drive vs. 123 Eagle Road." Address standardization would
have added the street suffix to your record if there were only one option, so it is safe to assume
that if you are missing the suffix, your mail may get misdirected. Directionals are essentially
part of the street name, and if different, you are probably dealing with a different street.
Possibly a move, possibly undeliverable. Drop from prospect mailings if no ZIP-plus-four code
was assigned or if it's missing the street suffix. Flag for customer service if it's a customer
record.
• "O" - Street names unequal. The percentages would say this is probably not a real move, but
be careful if you abbreviate street names on your customer file. If the street name is a long
name (Pocahontas Trail) or one subject to abbreviations (JFK, MLK), it increases the chances
that it is a real COA. Retain on prospect mailings if your input record was assigned a ZIP-plusfour code; otherwise, drop. Retain on customer mailings and flag for customer service.
• "E" - Your record has an apartment number, and the TCOA record does not. Consider the
presence of other footnote codes. Real move = Yes. Drop from prospect mailings. Flag
customers and mail a Customer Service Requested form.
• "U" - The TCOA record has an apartment number, and your record does not. Consider the
presence of other footnote codes. Real move = Yes. Drop from prospect mailings. Flag
customers and mail CSR.
• "Q" -Unit designator values (apartment, floor, suite number) are present in both records and
are different. Be sure to see footnote codes "W" and "X." If there is a firm move and no other
footnotes, this is a real move. If an individual move, then you may want to retain on prospect
mailings if you are aggressive or the name comes from an exceptional list. Retain on customer
mailings, and flag for customer service.
• "W" - The last two digits of the apartment number are transposed. Barring other footnote
codes, consider this a real move.
• "X" - Exceptional unit number missing or different. Unit designators such as "front," "rear,"
"upper," "lower" usually don't have a number, but if the TCOA record does have a value
present, your record must have the same value to make a match. Consider this a real move.
• "I" -Firm name different. The company name on your record and the TCOA record are
different. For a
business-to-business mailer, this is usually not a real move. However, many businesses operate
under more than one name. If your market is consumers, you may want to drop this record
from prospect mailings, depending on how business addresses respond to your offer.
• "F" - The input surname - or I/P surname - is phonetically similar to the TCOA master file
record, but not similar enough to be called a match. If it's a single-family dwelling unit and
there are no other footnote codes of import, you should consider this a real move. If other
significant footnote codes are present, treat as a non-move.
• "H" - Missing or different "generation suffix" (Jr., Sr., II, III). A minor difference if your record
doesn't have the suffix; far more significant if both records have a suffix and they are different.
You can't "look at" the TCOA record, so if you can, use only your record to guide you. It's a real
move if I/P surname record is missing the suffix or if it's a prospect mailing.
• "G" -First name not equal. Both records have first names (not initials), and they are different.
Not a real move.
• "J" - Input record is missing first name. Drop from prospect mailings. Flag for customer service
on customer file to get first name.
• "K" - Different middle name or initial. Both records have the same first name, and both have
middle/secondary names/initials present, but they are different. Probably father/son or
other/daughter. Probably not a real move. Drop from prospect mailings if you need to cut back
or would rather play it safe.
• "L" - Gender not equal. Using the first names, a gender code is assigned to each record and
compared. Not a real move.
• "V" - One record has a fully spelled-out first name and the other has an initial only, but the
initial does match. Consider this a real move and drop from prospect mailings. Flag customers
for customer service and CSR mailings.