Why can a store still mail you after a DROP request?

DROP sends deletion requests to participating registered data brokers. When a store collects your name and address because you shopped there, that is first-party data. CalPrivacy says first-party data is outside the deletion DROP describes. To reduce that store's catalogs and postcards, ask the store for a postal marketing preference.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated October 2, 2026.

Ask the store about its own mail

Note the store name and the exact name and address printed on the mailer. Check whether they match the details you gave when you ordered, joined a rewards program or opened a store card.
On the store's official website, look in the privacy or communication preferences for a setting that names printed catalogs, postcards or direct mail. An email setting alone may not cover them.
If you find no postal setting, contact the store's official customer service or privacy contact. Ask whether a postal marketing opt-out exists.
Limit the request to advertising. Say that you still want order, receipt, warranty and account notices.
Leave your DROP ID out of the request. The store does not need it to handle a marketing preference.

Where DROP stops

A DROP status for a broker tells you nothing about a store's own customer list. Public records and other exempt information are also outside the deletion DROP describes. If you unsubscribed from the store's email, read the store's preference page or reply to see whether postal mail was included. Don't assume either way. If several stores mail you, ask each one separately, because one store's preference does not change another's.

Sample postal marketing request to a store

Example for your own use. Replace the bracketed details and review what you share.

Please stop sending printed marketing mail to [name as printed] at [mailing address as printed]. I am a customer and want to keep receiving order, receipt, warranty and account notices. Please tell me whether you offer a postal marketing preference and when it takes effect. Code printed on the mailer, if any: [code].

If the catalogs keep coming

Record the store name, the date you asked and the store's reply. If mail arrives after the store confirms your preference, send the store the name, address and any code printed on the new piece and ask which record it came from.

Official source

CalPrivacy: How DROP Works

Can California DROP reduce junk mail?Combine DROP with direct postal preferences Request less mail without requesting every customer record Ask whether a postal preference covers partner sharing Privacy and marketing lists All practical mail guides

Choose the route that matches the mailing

Use the official route described in this guide for this kind of mail. For a separate ordinary advertisement, Junk Mail Magic can help prepare a sender-specific removal request.

Compare removal routes