316b - Mail Merge

Question 1

What is mail merge?

Answer 1

Technique of writing one letter, used as a template, then merging with a database of names and addresses. This creates the possibility of an automated mailing system

Question 2

Advantages of Mail Merge

Answer 2

Once merge set up, thousands of letters can be produced.
Letters can be personalised
Same data source can be reused - reducing risk of errors.

Question 3

What are the steps of a Mail Merge?

Answer 3

1. Create Letter/Document
2. Create Data Source
3. Start Mail merge wizard
4. Connect data source to letter
5. Insert Word Fields, e.g. Firstname
6. Merge document and data source
7. Now have personalised letters
8. Complete the merge - print/email.

Question 4

Disadvantages of Mail Merge

Answer 4

• letters can lack the personal touch
• Database must be kept up to date
• any mistakes in the letter are duplicated to all letters produced.