These days, I enjoy receiving credit card applications from the banks that are aimed at enslaving me. Inside the envelopes I receive, the credit card institution have conveniently included a pre-paid postage return envelope. I simply tear off the section showing my contact information on the opening letter and write, "remove my address". The bulk mail they use is much cheaper then using first class stamps. I know, I've used the same services. However it still accounts for a significant amount of their expanses and if this became a trend, it could have a massive impact on their ability to market in this fashion.

Also, I write down information about important causes on the return envelope. I like to think that someone in the mail department or perhaps an employee of the credit card company will take note of my message and share it with others.

However you do it, I guarantee you'll enjoy dropping the pre-paid return envelope back in the mail box, knowing you've just cut into the pockets of the credit card institutions.


Evan T. Little
EcoBroker® Certified
Search Orange County homes now
www.volklinvestmentsinc.com
 

8 Comments on Battling junk mail - credit card applications

SEP
15
2007
283,419 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog
Yep thats exactly what I do.  Stick it back to em!
8:54pm • #1
SEP
16
2007
Localism Sponsor

Ooooohhh!  I love that idea!  I've just been shredding my info and recycling them.  This is sooooo much better!

12:28pm • #3
SEP
17
2007

Even better would be to stop the offers all together and save the paper.  You can opt-out at http://www.optoutprescreen.com/ or call toll-free 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688).  This will stop the prescreened offers of credit and insurance.  You can opt out of receiving them for five years or opt out of receiving them permanently.

8:11pm • #4
2 Featured Posts
Evan - I have been doing this for quite some time. The other benefit is that the companies do not pay for the prepaid postage UNTIL the return envelope gets dropped in the mail. By returning their envelopes to them it increases their cost to send these things out -- maybe they will start to get the message. I like your idea of writing worthwhile causes!
8:30pm • #5
OCT
05
2007
1 Featured Post
Thanks for the comments.  Also, like Linda pointed out, there are non-profits that help you receive less mail.  I purchased Green Dimes product and am going through the process of removing my information from the major distributors of junk mail.  41 Pounds is another company that offers the service.  I'll post about it as soon as finish and see some results.  It seems to be a matter of just having the addresses of the right people and mailing them with a request to be removed from their lists.
5:48pm • #6
NOV
09
2007
I started doing this just last night.  My preferred method is to shred the application and then shove it all back into the envelope.  Makes for a nice, fat, bulky envelope.  I even added the credit apps of those who didn't include a business reply envolope into the trash I stuffed into the ones that did.  I had a GREAT time and it sure made me feel a lot better after having received 4 of the same offers in one month from Mariott Rewards...
Thomas
12:06pm • #7
DEC
10
2007
Been doing this for years. What I do is include some nice money saving coupons from other junk mail. Even credit card companies can benefit from free pen offers... LOL!
Geezer
9:58pm • #8

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Evan T. Little - EcoBroker®

Costa Mesa, CA

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Surterre Properties

Address: 1400 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100, Newport Beach, CA, 92660

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