Stop Junk Mail – Free at Last! January 12, 2008

If one of your 2008 resolutions is to reduce your junk mail, read on…

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) announced on January 8, 2008 enhancements to DMAChoice with changes to DMA’s Mail Preference Service:        

• Elimination of the $1 verification fee online. Now it doesn’t cost to get rid of something you didn’t want in the first place!
• Allowing you to choose individual brands and catalogs you no longer want to receive through the website. This eliminates the ‘all or nothing’ opt-out procedure previously in place and gives you greater control over your mail.
• DMAChoice also includes tips on how to be a smart shopper with sage advice on how to protect yourself online through fraud alerts. 

“As a result of this latest upgrade, consumers have greater control over their mail,” said Steven K. Berry, DMA executive vice president, government affairs and corporate responsibility. The elimination of the $1 verification fee online is a positive next step by DMA to support its commitment to consumer choice and ensure privacy on behalf of consumers.” 

To get started:

1. Go to: DMAChoice.org. 
2. Click on: DMAChoice – DMA’s Suite of Preference Services.
3. Then select: How to remove your name from mailing lists.
4. You must register first before you can add or remove your name from lists. You will be asked for a credit card number to validate your identity and mailing address. In other words, you are who you say you are. This is a secure no-charge transaction, although, as with many credit card verification programs, you may see an authorization pending for 3-7 days. However, no charge will be issued to your monthly bill. DMA will not keep personal, identifiable information and will not use the information for marketing purposes.

Why do they send catalogs?

In 2007, marketers — commercial and nonprofit — spent $173.2 billion on direct marketing in the United States. Measured against total US sales, these advertising expenditures generated approximately $2.025 trillion in incremental sales.

Resource: Direct Marketing Association

Related posts:

• Christmas Catalog Crush
• Reducing Junk Mail 

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