Stop Junk Mail

How to stop junk mail?

Junk mail may seem like a harmless annoyance, but its creation requires about 100 million trees every year. Every year the U.S. Postal Service delivers more than 90 billion pieces of advertising mail. Most of this mail is unwanted, or “junk” mail.

Recycling your junk mail is better than sending it to the landfill, but in many cases you can stop it before it gets to your door. For tips on reducing junk mail go to Stop Junk Mail or to Opt-out of telephone book delivery visit National Yellow Pages Opt-Out.

Say No Thanks

Before you toss the junk into the recycling bin, take the time to call the company sending you the junk mail and ask to be removed from their list. All you need is the 1-800 number listed in the catalog or offer and the information on the mailing label. If your company has someone who takes care of your mail, start a collection for them. When they have free time, they can call the companies in batches. A little effort can go a long way in reducing wasted time and resources.

Don’t let your name get on mailing lists

Whenever you fill out a form, order something over the phone or Internet, enter a raffle, or give out your personal information, let the organization know not to share your info. Tell them “please do not rent, sell, or trade my name or address.” They can flag your record so that your name does not end up on additional mailing lists. Order forms often provide a check box or similar to let you “opt-out” of future promotional offers.

Contact Companies and Organizations Directly

To stop receiving mail from specific sources, call the number on the catalog or the customer service number of the organization or business. Request that your name is removed from their mailing list. You can also make your request via e-mail from the company’s website or send in a written request.

Tip: It is easier for the organization to remove your name if they have the exact copy of your address label. Have it handy when you call or include it in your written request.

Sign Up for the Mail Preference Service

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) is the single largest provider of mail lists. Getting off their master list is the most effective junk mail prevention step you can take.

You can make the request online at DMAChoice or send a letter with your mailing address and removal request to:

DMA Mail Preference Service
PO Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512

Note: there is a $1 fee for this mail-in service.

Catalog Choice also offers a free Mail Preference Service to opt-out of catalogs, coupons, credit card offers, phone books, circulars, and more.

Contact the Big Guys

Mail Preference Service
P.O. Box 282
Carmel, NY 10512
212-768-7277
www.dmaconsumers.org

Database Operations
416 S. Bell Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
888-633-4402

Don’t forget to include all of the members of your team, former employees, and common misspellings of those names.

Hire someone to do it for you

Don’t forget these lessons when you send out mailings.

Keep your mailing list up to date, and don’t waste your time and money mailing to uninterested parties.

What are you looking for?