How to Stop Getting Unsolicited Direct Mail?
If you’re one of the many people who get unsolicited direct mail, you may wonder how to stop getting such mail. Direct marketing is a great way to promote products and services to potential customers. However, it’s important to know that the same companies that sell you those items are also likely to send you junk mail. Here are some tips to help you reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive.
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First, you can try to remove your name from a few of the major databases that contain mailing lists. These are Direct Mail, the Mail Preference Service (MPS), and the Email Preference Service. The MPS is a free service offered by the Direct Marketing Association. It is also possible to unsubscribe from certain mailing lists. There is no guarantee that your name will be removed, however.
Another option is to call the sender and ask them to stop sending you their junk mail. Some businesses will stop their mailings if you contact them directly. You can also write a letter and tell them you no longer want to be on their list.
You can also find a website called Paper Karma that helps you take a photo of the unwanted mail and then attempts to unsubscribe you. Some types of junk mail cannot be stopped with this service, however.
A third option is to use DMAchoice, which is a non-profit organization. They are a membership-based company that helps consumers reduce unwanted national advertising mail. To stop receiving catalogs, you must pay a $1 check or money order. Unlike the MPS and the MPS, DMAchoice does not promise to delete your name from all of their mailing lists. Although, it does keep information on its database for three years.
One thing you can do to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive is to put up a sign. You can do this by writing “No Commercial Leaflets” on the front of your door or by placing a ‘No Junk Mail’ sign on your mailbox. Other options include calling the Royal Mail to stop delivering leaflets and brochures.
While these methods are not guaranteed to eliminate all your unwanted direct mail, they are effective. The best thing to do is to be diligent in removing yourself from mailing lists. For example, you can opt-out of pre-screened offers, such as pre-approved credit card offers. This will ensure that you will not be contacted by companies that offer those items.
Opting out of a pre-screened offer can significantly limit the amount of junk mail you receive. You will still be able to apply for credit, but you won’t be contacted by any of the companies that sell these items.
Finally, you can contact USPS. If you do not have a USPS account, you can download their form. The USPS will return any unaddressed mailings within six weeks. But you must complete the form and have it filled out before it can be returned.