IVS Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Insert Verification Service audit?

The IVS audit is a quantitative verification of the accuracy of a newspaper’s insert distribution processes. IVS verifies FSI distribution by measuring the correct number of inserts and versions per package, and the accurate delivery to retail and home-delivery locations.

When was the Insert Verification Service launched and why?

Launched on January 1, 2006, the Insert Verification Service was developed by U.S. publisher and advertiser members in conjunction with the Newspaper Association of America (NAA). FSIs can be a significant part of an advertiser’s total marketing investment; IVS was designed to provide advertisers with an independent verification that their preprints were delivered to the desired target.

Is IVS recommended for all newspapers?

IVS is designed for major metro newspapers but a similar qualitative program for smaller papers is being considered.

What is the cost of an IVS audit?

The cost of the service begins at $15,800 and is based on the time, materials and travel expenses associated with completion of the verification. A typical verification will cost between $18,000 and $23,000. To start, an invoice in the amount of $18,000 will be mailed to you 90 days prior to the scheduled audit and will be applied toward the initial insert verification. After completion of the verification, ABC will deliver an additional invoice that may include any additional expenses incurred or credits to be applied to your next verification.

How do I enroll in the Insert Verification Service?

Complete an enrollment form online.

What day will my IVS audit be conducted? Does IVS have to be conducted with my newspaper audit?

The publisher and ABC agree to the date chosen for IVS in advance. IVS is conducted on any representative Sunday during the year. IVS does not need to be conducted in conjunction with a newspaper's circulation audit.

Is an IVS audit conducted every year?

IVS reports have a shelf life of two years. However, as with all ABC audit services, publishers are able to request more frequent audits.

What records are required for an IVS audit?

In addition to traditional circulation records, the auditor should have access to the following information:

• Insert advertising schedules, including a listing of all insert advertisements scheduled for the test day.
• Identification of the specific advertising zones to which each insert is intended for delivery.
• Listing of inserts included in each home-delivery and single-copy route.
• Reconciliation, of each insert, for inserts ordered versus inserts delivered to the newspaper, versus draw of routes scheduled to carry the insert.
• Listing of all shortages to include identification of the routes, advertising zones, and/or geographic zones where shorted inserts were excluded from scheduled routes.
• Identification of all inserts that were out of specification and scheduled for delivery on the test date.
• Copy of the newspaper’s rate card with information regarding minimum specifications for FSIs.

• ABC and newspaper personnel will meet at the newspaper two weeks prior to the scheduled IVS audit.
• ABC auditors will identify specific home-delivery and single-copy routes to be included in the test.
• Each selected route will have at least one insert package reviewed by an auditor and the publisher’s personnel. Every effort will be made to include publisher’s personnel in the process of gaining access to insert packages.
• The auditor will determine if the sampled insert packages intended for the sampled routes are being delivered, by intercepting each package at the latest stage of the process prior to actual delivery to households and retail outlets.
• Each sampled package will then be compared to the schedule of inserts for that route for the test date. Errors (missing inserts, incorrect versions, or incorrect inclusions) will be identified and used in an error calculation for the final report.

The IVS report includes the following information:

• Average Paid Circulation
• Total Insert Proficiency
• Overall Error Rate
• Net and Gross Error Rates broken down by Distribution Method (Home Delivery, Single Copy, Mixed Distribution)
• Error Rate by Type (Missing Inserts, Incorrect Versions, Incorrect Inclusions)
• Definitions and Terms: Net Error Rate, Gross Error Rate, Insert Package
• Detailed information about the field test date, including a description of the geography tested, test date(s), and any occurrences beyond the normal operating procedures observed on the test date
• Detailed information about any additional testing and reconciliation necessary
• General information about a newspaper’s insert days, policies, specifications, and delivery requirements
• Explanatory paragraph for additional disclosures deemed necessary

Yes, a prototype report can be found online.

Where will the final reports be made available to ABC members?

IVS reports are available online at no extra charge, alongside Audit Reports and Publisher’s Statements, to subscribers of ABC’s eStatements service.

Finished reports can be viewed through eStatements via the "Reports and Data Access" blue box at right.

How soon after the IVS audit will the reports be released?

Proof copies of the final audit reports are submitted to publishers within three weeks of the test date, with the intent to publicly release the reports within four weeks of the test date.

What other information will be available to ABC members as a result of the IVS verification?

ABC is considering developing an analysis tool for advertiser use that would report cumulative error, gross and net error results by advertiser.

Is the Insert Verification Service (IVS) similar to the Coupon Distribution Verification Service (CDVS)?

No, the CDVS focuses on the security of cents-off coupons, and the IVS focuses on the distribution of FSIs. For more information about these services, please visit: http://www.accessabc.com/services/cdvsvsivs.htm.