Also, calling the 1-800 number costs the company as well. If I use it, I tell them that I’ll call again next month if I keep receiving their mailing or catalog. I save up junk mail and then spend about 1/2 hour calling or dealing with the business reply envelopes. I do the envelopes while I’m watching the evening news….gives me something to do with my hands. All of these methods cost the company money. I no longer get credit card applications AND in comments to the woman who donated to Heifer Project International, I sent them a donation ONCE and included this note: ‘If you do NOT sell my name and address to other NPO’s (non profit organizations) I will support yours for a lifetime.’ They have honored that note and I now have them included in my will. I only support two NPO’s and ONLY two. I have an agreement with both of them. ALWAYs send a note with a donation saying ‘Please do NOT sell my name and address to other NPO’s’ OR send a one time donation using a money order. Do not put a return address on the money order, nor on the envelope. (keep the receipt for tax purposes)
I hope some of this data helps.
HbG

If you have any tips on how to get rid of the bulk mail, like the weekly grocery store mailings, I would love to hear from you on it!

Two years ago I called the opt-out hot line and ordered forms for my old name (got married), new name, the most common misspellings of my name, and my husband (all times two because our old home turned into our office and we moved into a different house). Of course, I didn’t think to do any for our business name(s). At that time, only five major credit companies received a copy. And they only last for five years, so it’s only a matter of time before they expire.

While I saw a slight decrease in junk mail, it wasn’t what I had hoped for. But then, this was before the online forms. I didn’t know that I could mail the letter directly to the companies. I love the idea of sticking a form letter in the return envelope, because I’ll feel proactive and, since they pay for the postage, maybe they’ll take notice.

Speaking of charities, xmas 2006 I gifted an animal from Heifer International. When xmas 2007 rolled around I received 5 mailers in a range of thicknesses. After the third of fourth mailer, I was seeing red. I thought I bought an alpaca for a needy family, not a subscription to their mailer! The worst part is that now I can’t bring myself to support Heifer, even though I agree with their paradigm. I mean, what other b.s. are they spending my money on?!

Thanks for the tips, Joy! This is one great idea I’m definitely going to embrace.