# 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.

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How to Place an Order
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### 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**.

<figure><img src="/files/9dW3oV5FcnZckCmIXJT9" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 2. Select Your Mailer Template

* Choose from your **saved templates**.
* Confirm the **mailer type** (postcard, letter, snap pack, etc.).
* Review the **design preview** to ensure it matches your intended format.
* Click on **Next** to proceed to uploading/selecting your contacts.

<figure><img src="/files/2wUoMW5PB9ThnlAyykbw" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/HO7Vg2sTZegKstMEDLUE" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 3. Add Your Contacts

* Choose how you’d like to add recipients for this mailer:
  * **Single Contact**\
    Send a mailer to **one individual contact** by entering their details manually.
  * **Multiple Contacts**\
    Select contacts from your existing list using **Tags** to filter and choose **multiple recipients** at once.
  * **Upload Contacts**\
    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.

<figure><img src="/files/cx0xE3zMChctUy8KIDUs" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* OLC will guide you through the **field-mapping process**.

<figure><img src="/files/xgSVHrgVJH1Ayg7L9esf" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Confirm all **required fields** (e.g., first name, mailing address) are correctly mapped and **Process CSV**.

> **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.

#### 4. 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):
>
> * **523 Contacts will be mailed.**
> * **19 contacts skipped** due to missing information.
> * **11 contacts skipped** due to duplicates.

<figure><img src="/files/hVBbHhx0mPSTdgJCotnZ" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 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.

> **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="/files/iF1nakGanqg9raEVq5MB" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 5. 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.
* **Verify address formatting**:\
  Ensure it’s USPS-compliant, especially if sending to international addresses.

<figure><img src="/files/CIDE0mqI7HrsFbsNuV2o" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 6. Submit Your Order

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

<figure><img src="/files/R3MTreEtciqrB27gwxZJ" alt="" width="303"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### FAQs about Placing Orders

1. **What happens if I don’t have enough wallet funds?**
   * If **Auto-Funding** is enabled, your saved payment method will be charged to top up your wallet.
   * If not, you’ll need to manually add funds before submitting.
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**.


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