VLOOKUP syntax for a both whole and part postcodes

Hi

I need to create a mailing list to produce labels

The data is automatically launched in Excel from a website which lists names and addresses in columns.

I then need to write some sort of query to lookup part or all of the postcode and match them to a distributor. Some of the distributors cover a whole postcode (like EG2) and some only cover a street so I have to be able to write in some kind of, if "whole postcode" isn't in the list then match "part postcode"

Now I'm a little torn between excel and access, but I'm thinking excel at the moment because I was going to use a vlookup.

I'm a little confused as to how I can do the part/whole postcode element though, what is the syntax for a query of that kind?

More importantly, how can I make it "idiot proof" so I can give this to anyone to do? Macros perhaps?

thanks
Tash

Your post does not comply with Rule 1 of our Forum RULES. Your post title should accurately and concisely describe your problem, not your anticipated solution. Use terms appropriate to a Google search. Poor thread titles, like Please Help, Urgent, Need Help, Formula Problem, Code Problem, and Need Advice will be addressed according to the OP's experience in the forum: If you have less than 10 posts, expect (and respond to) a request to change your thread title. If you have 10 or more posts, expect your post to be locked, so you can start a new thread with an appropriate title.
To change a Title on your post, click EDIT then Go Advanced and change your title, if 2 days have passed ask a moderator to do it for you.