Junk mail can be annoying. I like to take the entire contents of unsolicited content and put it into one of those business reply envelopes. Stuff that sucker full, and they get to pay the return postage. That will shut off the mailings pretty quick!
Many years ago I use to feel guilty, not anymore. Just in the last month I have gotten 3 different ones and my husband has gotten 2. I usually made my own return address labels
DirtFarmer
Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA
I always look at my mail because maybe two or three times a year I get an envelope with a nickel or a dime in it and positioned behind a window so I can see it. My pocket knife extracts it without having to read the accompanying literature. Our town recycles unwanted paper.
And as far as address labels are concerned I wouldn't want to use one of the free ones, particularly when they are advertising something. In my youth I bought a package of address label sheets for my printer. Every other year or so I print a sheet. The amount of mail I send out with return labels has decreased significantly since (1) I retired; (2) I do more online bill payments; (3) I send fewer greeting cards (which I also print myself).
Same here. Look at them carefully to see if they have a product pitch.
DirtFarmer
Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA
John_F wrote:
Same here. Look at them carefully to see if they have a product pitch.
No looking necessary. You can tell without opening them usually. Bulk mail. Presorted first class. No return address, or someone you don't know. I used to open all that stuff but no more. Recycle.
Even the bills get emailed these days, or they show up on your bank account bill pay tab.
Dime? Nickel? The cheapskates! Back in the 90s EETimes would send a $1.00 bill...
DirtFarmer
Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA
RiJoRi wrote:
Dime? Nickel? The cheapskates! Back in the 90s EETimes would send a $1.00 bill...
Guess I was on the wrong mailing lists.
DeanS
Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina
Iget labels plus calendars. Think maybe I’ll open a Calendar Shop.
LOL, I am (sorta) one of your label senders.
I work for an advertising agency that has all non-profits for clients and we do some label packages in direct-mail appeals.
Don't feel obligated, if 10% of folks give anything at all for a mailing, that's good response rate, and the charity makes money on the deal even if it is way less than 10%. A 20% response rate is outstanding.
So it's not up to you, we expect most people to ignore us!
We actually try to get our clients to move away from "premium" (label) mailings like that, because the donors who reply because they got some labels or pens etc. tend to donate only once.
Much better to appeal more to donors who really care about your cause and will donate regularly or monthly.
If you are already mailing a letter, it costs very little add labels to the package. Postage is usually the biggest expense and the labels don't add to postage costs.
So give to causes you care about if you have spare change, and if you don't, don't sweat it.
And I'm sorry about all the labels!
Paralyzed Veterans, St. Judes Children, ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
That is my three!
Virgil
Sure, you donate to one, you will get solicitations from ten others.
I have the same, in fact I shredded probably 5 to 600 a few weeks ago and I only use about 2-3 per month. I still have enough to supply my needs until about age 150.
Jerry
Atary wrote:
Sure, you donate to one, you will get solicitations from ten others.
Ain’t that the truth - rabbits don’t hold a candle to charities.
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