How to Prevent Catalogs From Coming in the Mail

You don't need to get catalogs in the mail that you don't want. That may be surprising to some people, who feel like they are overwhelmed with catalogs, particularly around the holidays. Granted, simply throwing away a catalog is not necessarily a hassle, but it can become a waste of paper and clutter your mailbox. The bottom line is if you don't want a catalog, you can easily have it stopped from being delivered. The most common method is through free online services, such as the Direct Marketing Association or Catalog Choice.

Direct Marketing Association

• 1

  Go to the Direct Marketing Association website (see Resources) and click on "Get Started." This allows you to create a free account. You will then need to activate the account by visiting your email and clicking on the activation link. This action will return you to the website, where you will be prompted to enter your login information (username, password).

• 2

  Find the catalog and remove your name. Once logged into the system, you will be able to perform a search for the catalog you no longer want, or at least the catalogs in the DMA database. After you find the catalog, click the link that reads "Remove My Name," and then confirm you wish to be removed.

• 3

  In the event you no longer want to receive any catalogs in the mail, repeat the above process, by indicating you want to be removed from all catalog lists in the DMA database (as opposed to a single catalog). According to the DMA, catalog-manufacturers in their database will comply within 90 days, likely sooner.

Catalog Choice

• 1

  Go to the Catalog Choice website (see Resources) and click the "Get Started' link. Enter a username and password, as well as your name and mailing address to create a free account, and then click "Next."

• 2

  Perform a search. Once you've created an account, you can search for the catalog you no longer wish to receive by entering its name in the search box. Click the "Search" tab. If the catalog appears, click on the tab that reads "Set Mail Preferences for this Catalog." You will be prompted to enter the customer number, found on the catalog mailing address. However, you can skip this step if you cannot find the number. Click on "Enter" to complete the process.

• 3

  To cancel the delivery of several catalogs, repeat the first two steps by entering the name of each catalog you no longer wish to receive. According to the Catalog Choice site, your name should be removed from any and all lists within three months.