This time of year it seems that every company in the world is sending me catalogs or coupons or advertisements. I have never purchased anything for Harry & David yet I still get their catalog every holiday season. Why is that?
The truth is that companies are buying address lists from other companies, that sell similar products or services, so they can increase their customer base. So, unfortunately, if your name and address gets on one list you will likely end up on hundreds of other lists. The problem is, that receiving junk mail adds clutter to your home and wastes your time in dealing with it.
Several months ago I did a blog about a company call Paper Karma. They help stop junk mail by using an app on your smartphone. With the holidays coming and the additional junk mail rolling in, I thought it might be good to revisit this topic.
I have discovered two additional websites that help stop junk mail. DirectMail.com is a site that works like the Do Not Call Registry. You simply add your name and email address to the list, you are asked what types of mail you would like to receive or if you want to be taken off all mailing lists and DirectMail.com takes care of the rest for you. I like this because you can choose the mail you actually want to receive and decline the rest. Catalog Choice is another option to help curb the junk mail. According to their website you “simply log in to create a free account and register your opt-outs online. Just search for the company, and submit the opt—out”, then Catalog Choice takes care of submitting your requests. With Catalog Choice, you can keep track of your opt-outs and can change your preferences if you would like to receive mail from that company again.
Whatever you choose, or if you don’t choose any of these options, just be sure to take care of the junk mail the first time you touch it. Respond to it, file it, or trash it at once. You will waste a great deal of time handling that junk mail more then once and we all know that this time of year, time is the most valuable gift you can get.
Happy Holidays and Happy Organizing! Bridges