Catalogs for Shopping Freaks

If you have a problem saying "no thank you" to catalogs, the internet, and cable TV shopping channels, but don't want to be rude when someone gives you one as a gift, it may be time to take matters into your own hands. There are services available that will keep your name off any mailing lists which distribute catalogs. This way, receiving catalogs is up to your own discretion.

But if you're buying online or subscribing online and have no desire for more physical mail in the mailbox (or perhaps because of a lack of funds), there are ways for such individuals to stay in their comfort zone.

Asking the online store to remove your name from their mailing list is a good start. Most companies will honor that request, although some may take a couple days before they stop sending you mail. If you still get mail after that wait period has ended, there are a few other options for you to consider.

If it's just one company or subscription service (such as magazines or catalogs), then it's time to make notes about the company and what to do with their future mailings. You can write "Refused, Return to Sender" across the address label on the back of the mail piece and send it back. Be sure to send it according to the company's postage guidelines (i.e. a stamp or a presorted bulk rate envelope), otherwise you'll get charged for their postage and it may not get returned to them.

If you're dealing with a larger mailing list from a variety of companies, then you may want to consider contacting your local postmaster. Most post offices have information about how to contact them on their website, but if not, calling your local customer service number will usually get you connected in the right direction. Just remember that if your issue is an unusual one or if you have mail of some value (especially checks), the post office cannot take responsibility for its return. They only accept mail for return according to their own guidelines.

If you're dealing with a large paper bill but don't want to pay it, there are a few ways to fight back. You can call your local postmaster and ask that they write a paid item cancellation on your account. You might also contact the company's customer service representative and explain your situation (again, be sure to include any checks or other important items in the box). If you decide to hand-deliver your "paid" bill and they don't take it in, you might get lucky enough that they'll just tack it onto the next month's bill (in which case you may redeliver later). If not, some postmasters will let you pay your bill in full with a credit card and then ship it back to the company for later payment. Others will just accept new checks or cash payments.

Or you can take matters into your own hands and ruin their mailing list! The latter method is recommended only for those who have a legitimate gripe against any company (such as a phone company) which sends unsolicited mailings or telemarketing calls. A younger friend of mine once got so pissed off about his phone bill that she tried to take down his name from their database (she did this by sending him a destroyed piece of paper with his name crossed out). A year later, I received a letter from the company which said, "Thank you for your patience for this invoice. However, due to the amount of mail we send each month and the number of complaints from recipients, it is impossible to confirm that this mailed was received by the proper addressee."

I mean... that's why they were calling me in the first place! And if she hadn't been so careful in crossing out my name, there probably wouldn't have been any problem. Although it would've been more effective if she had removed her own name from their database as well.

Hopefully you keep your name off enough mailing lists to stay in your comfort zone, without doing anything illegal or immoral. But at least now you know how you can handle the problem if the mail does come anyway...

Original Article: http://theinternetartgallery.com/catalogs-for-shopping-freaks/

Author: Michelle Delgado

Articles Source: http://theinternetartgallery.com/catalogs-for-shopping-freaks/ - Articles Website URL: http://theinternetartgallery.com/

Photo Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Grocery_store_catalog_canada.svg

Catalogs for Shopping Freaks

Posted by: Michelle Delgado

Date: Dec. 25, 2012

If you have a problem saying "no thank you" to catalogs, the internet, and cable TV shopping channels… but don't want to be rude when someone gives you one as a gift, it may be time to take matters into your own hands. There are services available that will keep your name off any mailing lists which distribute catalogs. This way, receiving catalogs is up to your own discretion. Or better yet… If it's just one company or subscription service (such as magazines or catalogs), then it's time to make notes about the company and what to do with their future mailings. You can write "Refused, Return to Sender" across the address label on the back of the mail piece and send it back. Be sure to send it according to the company's postage guidelines (i.e. a stamp or a presorted bulk rate envelope), otherwise you'll get charged for their postage and it may not get returned to them. If you're dealing with a larger mailing list from a variety of companies, then you may want to consider contacting your local postmaster. Most post offices have information about how to contact them on their website, but if not, calling your local customer service number will usually get you connected in the right direction. Just remember that if your issue is an unusual one or if you have mail of some value (especially checks), the post office cannot take responsibility for its return. They only accept mail for return according to their own guidelines. If you're dealing with a large paper bill but don't want to pay it, there are a few ways to fight back. You can call your local postmaster and ask that they write a paid item cancellation on your account. You might also contact the company's customer service representative and explain your situation (again, be sure to include any checks or other important items in the box).

Conclusion:

If you keep your name off enough mailing lists to stay in your comfort zone, without doing anything illegal or immoral. But at least now you know how you can handle the problem if the mail does come anyway...

If you have a problem saying "no thank you" to catalogs, the internet and cable TV shopping channels… but don't want to be rude when someone gives you one as a gift, it may be time to take matters into your own hands. There are services available that will keep your name off any mailing lists which distribute catalogs. This way receiving catalogs is up to your own discretion. Or better yet...