vLetter Direct - Data Conversion Service
Why Databases Need to be Converted
To make a natural-looking handwriting style, multiple forms of each character need to be used. This is because the shape of each character depends upon the shape and type of connection of each surrounding character. vLetter calls this a contextual font. In addition, each font has a slightly different way to connect each letter, since each handwriting style is slightly different. vLetter's patented technology accomplishes this with an elegant solution.
Following is an example showing the word "subsystems" converted into a handwriting style. Just like in real handwriting, each character shape is chosen to connect naturally to the preceding character. All character shapes are stored in various high-ASCII positions within the handwriting font.
A non-handwriting font, like Times New Roman, which has only one shape per character, will show only upper ASCII characters and won't make sense without the exact handwriting font used in the conversion. But the specific handwriting style that was used in doing the conversion will show a realistic handwriting flow.
Notice all the variations of the "s" character in the word "subsystems" below. A font without this contextual feature will simply not look realistic.
Before Conversion |
After Conversion |
|
| Times New Roman |  |
 |
| Tsui Handwriting |  |
 |
Database List Conversion Pricing
Prices are based on one-time use in direct mail. Prices subject to change without notice. NOTE: Database List Conversion fees INCLUDE the Direct Mail License fees. Printing services not included or available. Fonts must be purchased in addition to conversion service.
Setup fee = $200 per list (each time the list is converted)
Fees per each name (record) converted:
- 1 - 50,000 = $.03 per name
- 50,001 - 100,000 = $1,500 + $.015 per name in excess of 50,000
- 100,001 - 1,000,000 = $2,250 + $.007 per name in excess of 100,000
- 1,000,001+ = $8,550 + $.004 per name in excess of 1,000,000
| 5,000 mailing | 50,000 mailing | 75,000 mailing | 500,000 mailing | 1,500,000 mailing |
| Setup = $200 | Setup = $200 | Setup = $200 | Setup = $200 | Setup = $200 |
| Process = $150 | Process = $1,500 | Process = $1,875 | Process = $5,050 | Process = $10,550 |
| TOTAL = $350 | TOTAL = $1,700 | TOTAL = $2,075 | TOTAL = $5,250 | TOTAL = $10,750 |
Database List Conversion Procedures
List and text submission format:
- Lists must be submitted as tab-delimited or comma-delimited ASCII text files.
- List should be "cleaned" (NCOA, CASS, PAVE, etc.) and pre-sorted before being exported to the ASCII text file.
- Other text, for example, the appeal letter, must be in a plain ASCII text document.
Font selection:
- Specify a vLetter Pro or vLetter Sig font for Windows or Macintosh: provide the registration number of the font.
- SuperScripts font: provide the name of the font.
- Ready-Made Handwriting style: provide the name of the font. View the available Ready-Made Styles.
To purchase a handwriting font, go to the Products list. Ready-Made Handwriting Styles may also be purchased on the List Conversion Order form.
List Submission procedure:
- Zip the ASCII text list and the text document (if any) together.
- Send the list to our email address (instructions on the List Conversion Order form).
- eMail us to let us know you have dropped the list off.
- Send the List Conversion Order form to us (print out and fax in to 503-296-2429).
- Send the License Agreement to us (print out and fax in to 503-296-2429).
Processing time: allow 1 week for completion. Rush processing (1-2 days) is available for $50.
Retrieval procedure: the converted list will be emailed back to you.
Payment: include payment information (credit card or check) when you mail, fax, or eMail the List Conversion Order form to us.