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I'm Really Starting to Resent Having to Shred Junk Mail! So I'm Getting Even!

Last night, I sifted through bags of junk mail, and a lot of it was the stuff you're not supposed to throw in the trash - you know, credit card solicitations and offers to lower your mortgage interest rate.

Identity thieves could be skulking around my back alley right now trying to be me! Yikes!

Now, I do have a shredder. The confetti holder part of it was full. When i tried to empty it into a trash bag, most of the contents spilled onto the rug.

Rats!

So, instead of shredding all of the solicitations for credit, I simply took the business reply envelopes, inserted the stuff they mailed me, sealed the envelopes, and sent the stuff back to them.

It was easier than shredding and each one took about thirty seconds to handle - my shredder is slower than that.

I'm not sure how much the mortgage people and credit card companies have to pay every time someone uses a business reply envelope - I think it's a couple of bucks. And if everyone started to do what I did, might it discourage the junkers?

Just maybe!

Posted by Patricia Kennedy on 11/08/2007 06:55 PM

Comments (18)

junk mail

18 Comments on I'm Really Starting to Resent Having to Shred Junk Mail! So I'm Getting Even!

I have been doing this for years...glad to hear there are others out there doing it too. Do you think we will make a difference? Save a tree?

11/08/2007 06:59 PM

by Gail Gladstone (Coldwell Banker)

Patricia - Great idea, I never thought of that! That will show them!

11/08/2007 07:07 PM

by Bergen County Realtor, Sal Poliandro, SRES, ePRO, Short Sale Specialist (RE/MAX Properties)

I like it!!! Count me in, from this moment on that"s what I'll be doing. And I'm sure it helps the federal gov't, this is the post office.

Scott R Turner Sr

http://www.TheTurnerTeam.info

http://www.TurnerTeam1.com

11/08/2007 07:08 PM

by Cape Coral Florida Real Estate Scott R Turner - Turner Team 1- 239-633-5765 (The Turner Team - CENTURY 21 Birchwood)

WOW!!!! Never thought of that. Great idea!! I think I am going to send one company the other's application and let them figure that one out.

I got tired of shredding, so I just put it into a box and take it to the local mail box center. They will shred it all for a couple of bucks.

11/08/2007 07:10 PM

by Eric Blum, Franchise Partner, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? (1-800-GOT-JUNK?)

My junk mail seldom makes it to my desk. I pass a fire starter on the way from the mailbox. I think I will take up your technique.

11/08/2007 07:45 PM

by David Spencer & Assoc., Broker & Lic. Instr. CE and Pre-Lic.

You should see me when I pick up mail at my office. I walk down the hallway throwing pieces in trashcans as I pass! I love the idea of just shoving it all back at them!

11/08/2007 07:54 PM

by Bethesda Real Estate Sales ~ Josette Skilling (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)

Hit them where it hurts - in the pocketbook. If the costs for returns exceeds the profits they make, they'll soon stop.

11/08/2007 07:58 PM

by Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS (RE/MAX Metro)

that is a wonderful idea and I think I am also going to start doing just that! thanks for the idea!!!! I love it!

11/08/2007 08:04 PM

by Barbara-Jo & Bill - - Florida Realty Professional - AHWD (Charles Rutenberg Realty)

I am starting this Friday! I am soooo over all the shredding!

The first time I emptied my shredder - I made a HUGE mess - now I just line the inside with a trask bag..

11/08/2007 08:35 PM

by James Downing - REALTOR® - Washington DC Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)

That's evil............I like it too! I like Eric Blum's idea...switching the contents from one company to another. Nice post....saves the poor shredder and electricity too and maybe a tree or two. Nice post Patricia.

11/08/2007 08:54 PM

by Gary White~ Grand Rapids Real Estate, FlexIt Realty, a call or click away! (Flexit Realty~Serving West Michigan)

Patricia ~ Great idea! I'm going to start doing that. Maybe when they have to pay for it, they will think twice before sending it out.

11/08/2007 08:59 PM

by Kathy Passarette, L.I. Staging/Decorating (Creative Home Expressions)

Hello Pat, As of October I started burning junk mail. I do this through out the fall/winter season,. On the other hand I farm my areas, so I'm going to assume my mail outs are going in the same direction. Any suggestions on how to replace my way of marketing?

11/08/2007 10:34 PM

by Maria Couto,ABR,CRS-Berkeley Heights & Long Hill Real Estate Homes for Sale (RE/MAX Classic Group-Berkeley Heights Realtor For Sale/Sold)

Patricia- I love that idea! I will have to start doing that! That is a great way to get back because I do not like wasting time. Katerina

11/09/2007 12:28 AM

by Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.)

I love it. I now have to try this. LOL :-), I sure needed a laugh.

11/09/2007 12:48 AM

by Gary Miljour - Mortgage Lending for Tempe Arizona (Cherry Creek Mortgage Company)

Patricia,
I love the idea and am going to start doing the same thing. Let's get them! LOL.

11/09/2007 08:06 AM

by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)

Now, let me put a new twist on this my friend. If someone takes these envelopes they can still apply for credit as you. (NOT GOOD) So, what do I do that is even meaner than you? I shred the the documents inside then stuff the envelope with the shreded docs and send it back.

I'm pretty sure that is even more annoying to them and protects me a little more. (EVIL GRIN)

Todd

11/09/2007 10:06 AM

by Todd Clark (Realtor), GRI (Washington Co, Beaverton Oregon) (Kastings & Associates, Beaverton Oregon Real Estate)

You, like me, probably get those checks that allow you to pull money from your credit card. I've always shredded those to keep someone from pulling them out of the trash and using them.

I like your idea. But what happens if they just toss it in the trash instead of shredding it?

11/09/2007 05:37 PM

by Bradenton Florida Real Estate - Dan Forbes (Sarasota Metro Properties)

Patricia, I'm surprised I never ever thought about this great idea! Todd's idea above is even more fun (and evil -- hahahahahahahaha)

11/10/2007 11:48 AM

by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)

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