Postal marketing - more commonly known as 'junk mail' - can form an important part of any organisation's marketing strategy. From simple flyers and response forms to competition entries and interactive CDs, postal campaigns can generate important new leads and business.
Reducing 'junk mail'
To reduce the volume of 'junk mail', register your name and address with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS).
The MPS is a free service set up by the direct-marketing industry to help people who don't want to receive junk mail. The MPS can remove your name and address from up to 95% of direct-mail lists. However, it will not stop direct mail from companies who don't check their list with the MPS before sending direct mail, and it won't stop mail addressed to 'the occupier'.
It will take up to four months for the service to take full effect, but you should notice a reduction in junk mail during this period.
To register, contact the MPS:
Online at www.mpsonline.org.uk
By phone on 0845 703 4599
In writing to:
Mailing Preference Service (MPS), DMA House, 70 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8SS.
You can also reduce the amount of 'unaddressed mail' you receive by registering with the Royal Mail's Door to Door opt-out service. However, this will not stop mail addressed to 'the occupier'.
To register with the Royal Mail's Door to Door Opt Out Service:
Write to:
Freepost RRBT-2BXB-TTTS, Royal Mail Door to Door Opt Outs, Kingsmead House, Oxpens Road, Oxford, OX1 1RX or
Email at optout@royalmail.com.
Who do I contact if I have difficulty stopping junk mail?
If you have registered with the MPS but are still receiving junk mail, you can complain directly to them. They will investigate and contact the company sending the junk mail.
To complain, write to the MPS with a copy of the unwanted mail you have been sent, including the envelope, as this will help them to identify the source of the mailing.
Send these to:
Mailing Preference Service, MPS Freepost LON20771, London, W1E 0ZT.
If you still continue to receive unwanted mail after registering with and complaining to the MPS, you should contact the company directly to complain.
If, after that, they keep sending you unwanted mail, you can complain to us.