> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.openletterconnect.com/olc-help-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.openletterconnect.com/olc-help-docs/product-and-order-guide/placing-an-order.md).

# Placing an Order

Once you’ve designed your mailer and uploaded your contact list, you’re ready to place an order. This guide walks you through each step of the process, from selecting your template to confirming delivery.

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/ec6a9bd9501244b7a142d563a6cb6fc7>" %}

### Step-by-Step: How to Place an Order

#### 1. Navigate to “Create New Order”

* Log in to your **Open Letter Connect** dashboard.
* Click on **Orders** from the top navigation bar.
* Select **Create Order**.\ <br>

  <figure><img src="https://3163187684-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSP96nBmkaaFJC8FJquKi%2Fuploads%2F3BQJ44DU51QDzMZFZTc7%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=0aac0eb7-ff99-4193-9f2f-f78ba7221eae" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 2. Add Your Contacts

* Choose how you’d like to add recipients for this mailer:
  * **Mail My Contacts**\
    Select contacts from your existing list using **Tags** to filter and choose **multiple recipients** at once.
  * **Find New Contacts**\
    Search by address or area, OLC will help you build a targeted list of new contacts to mail.
  * **Upload a List**\
    Import a **CSV file** to add new contacts in bulk.
    * **Tip:** Download our [**sample CSV**](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xOPlzne4njrFOqerT5EDXrfvxc_DM63KxnOa3Af6EQ8/edit?usp=sharing) file for correct formatting.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://3163187684-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSP96nBmkaaFJC8FJquKi%2Fuploads%2FoSBrd6JD3XsUrQlHKopD%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=5fffb860-baf5-4cd1-9a7b-3ac00a35abed" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* If you choose **Upload a List** OLC will guide you through the **field-mapping process**.
* Confirm all **required fields** (e.g., first name, mailing address) are correctly mapped and **Process CSV**.<br>

  <figure><img src="https://3163187684-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSP96nBmkaaFJC8FJquKi%2Fuploads%2FEsm4dvgA2r1TXkEHEExY%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=11fd4c34-fabb-4611-a2c9-bb27aee5edf6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> **Cash Offers**\
> \
> **Important:** If you do not map the property address, no cash offers will be generated. The system requires the property address to differ from the mailing address for proper processing.

#### 3. Cleaning Your Data (Automatic Validation)

After uploading your **CSV contact list**, this step ensures that your mailers are only sent to **valid and unique recipients**.

Once your file is uploaded:

* The system **validates the data**, ensuring all **required fields** (like mailing addresses) are present.
* **Duplicates** are automatically removed based on address data.

**Cleaning Summary:**

* **Valid Contacts:** Displays the total number of contacts eligible to receive mail.
* **Skipped Contacts:**
  * Contacts missing **required information** (e.g., incomplete addresses).
  * **Duplicate contacts** (those with identical mailing data).

**What to Expect:**

* You will **receive an email** with a CSV file containing all **skipped records** for your review.
* You can also **download the cleaned report** immediately by clicking **Processed Result**.

> Example (from screenshot):
>
> * **41 contacts will be imported**
> * **0 contacts skipped** due to missing information.
> * **0 contacts skipped** due to duplicates.

<figure><img src="https://3163187684-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSP96nBmkaaFJC8FJquKi%2Fuploads%2FvI8dFDfdumIAt8ROwZyO%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=95a15a12-a3ca-4f0d-bc3f-fe640a0eb38b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 4. Select Your Mailer Template

* Confirm the **Order type** (Single Mailer, Campaigns)
* Choose from your **saved templates**.&#x20;
* Review the **design preview** to ensure it matches your intended format.

<figure><img src="https://3163187684-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSP96nBmkaaFJC8FJquKi%2Fuploads%2FMHdtKe4noQrMwhkKi9dN%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=73a65548-1f65-465e-8f7a-5dad0e32117a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click on **Next** to proceed to confirming Order details

#### 5. Order Details

* **Return Address (Required)**\
  Select the **return address** that will be printed on your mail pieces.
  * This ensures **undeliverable mail returns** to the correct address.
  * If you do not wish to receive return mail, simply select **"No Return Address"**.
* **Scheduled Date (Required)**\
  Choose when your mailers should be sent:
  * **ASAP:** Your order is processed and mailed as soon as possible.
  * **Schedule for Later:** Pick a **future mail date** to coordinate your campaign with other marketing efforts.
  * **Mailing Schedule**\
    Choose how you want to send your mailers:
  * **Send at Once:** All mailers will be processed and sent at the same time.
  * **Send in Batches:** OLC will split your list into the number of batches you specify, allowing you to spread your mailings over multiple sends.

> **Mail Date Preview:**\
> Once selected, the **mail date** appears below the dropdown for confirmation.

* **Order Name (Optional)**\
  Assign a name to your order for **easy tracking** within your dashboard.
  * Example: *NY Absentee Owners List*, *Spring Promo Campaign*.

<figure><img src="https://3163187684-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSP96nBmkaaFJC8FJquKi%2Fuploads%2FF0reSnW5DkW6UT3nv5Tt%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=984f52db-7159-464d-93b9-05075f9e4c93" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 6. Proof Your Order (Critical Step)

This step ensures your mailers are **error-free and properly formatted**.

Navigate to the **Review Order** tab:

**Proofing Checklist:**

* **Download the Proof**: Open the generated PDF.
* **Check that merge fields populate correctly**:\
  Ensure there are **no blanks** (e.g., first name or property address fields).
* **Confirm mailing to at least one deliverable contact**:\
  The system will display the number of valid recipients after upload.
* **Check for spelling and formatting errors**:\
  Review headlines, body text, and design elements.
* **Confirm mailing dates and batching settings:**\
  Confirm that the **mailing date** is set to your desired send date and that your **batching settings** match how you want your mailers to be distributed.<br>

  <figure><img src="https://3163187684-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSP96nBmkaaFJC8FJquKi%2Fuploads%2FNBy3UNlu2wvHY4eFzAdK%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=4bf55e00-5dfe-45f7-9053-6cd0678677d7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 7. Submit Your Order

* Once everything looks correct, click **Submit Order**.
* OLC will **debit your wallet** (ensure you have sufficient funds).<br>

  <figure><img src="https://3163187684-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSP96nBmkaaFJC8FJquKi%2Fuploads%2FMrsogs9F4mitAklXyHnH%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=7752f764-9b93-49b0-9afa-b408452849f0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### FAQs about Placing Orders

1. **What happens if I don’t have enough wallet funds?**
   * OLC will auto fund your account using your saved payment method.
2. **Can I cancel or edit an order after submission?**
   * Orders may be canceled **prior to 12:00 AM UTC** on the date of submission. Please note that cancellations are outside the standard order processing procedure and may result in delays or complications.
   * Double-check everything during the **proofing stage**.
3. **When will my mailers be sent?**
   * Mailers are typically **processed within 1-2 business days** after order confirmation.
   * Delivery times vary based on **mail class**.