Junk Mail Magic

Reduce postal marketing after entering a contest

Contact the contest organizer and each company printed on the mail that followed, one at a time. Do not assume a single list covers all of them. The organizer's request should name the contest you entered. Each other advertiser's request should name the piece it sent.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated .

Sort the mail by sender

  1. Write down the contest name, the organizer and the approximate entry date. If you kept a confirmation, copy the exact name and address you used on the entry form.
  2. Gather the advertisements that arrived afterward. For each one, note the company name printed as the sender rather than a logo or product line.
  3. Check the organizer's official website for contact or privacy information. If you cannot find a postal marketing choice, ask whether one exists.
  4. Contact each advertiser through its own official route. Describe the piece you received and ask it to stop printed marketing to your address.
  5. Record the date of each request. If more mail arrives, compare its printed name and address with your notes before you follow up.

Keep the request about marketing

Mail that arrives after a contest entry does not show where the sender got your address. Describe what you received and leave out guesses about the cause.

Asking an organizer to stop marketing mail is a different request from withdrawing an entry. If a drawing has not happened yet, say so and ask that prize or winner notices continue.

Private contest mail worksheet

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

Contest name: [name] Organizer: [organizer] Entry date: [date] Name and address on entry: [as entered] Sender 1: [printed name] Piece received: [description and date] Request sent: [date and route] Notes: [reply or new mail] Sender 2: [printed name] Piece received: [description and date] Request sent: [date and route] Notes: [reply or new mail]

Choose the first request

Keep one row for the organizer and one for each advertiser. Record which request is ready to send and which still needs a verified contact. Each reply should describe that sender's own preference; do not assume another advertiser offers the same choice.

Official source

Read a raffle entry’s mailing choicesAsk whether a postal preference covers partner sharingAsk which source supplied your mailing addressVerify a number printed on unfamiliar mailAfter a purchaseAll practical mail guides

Have an unwanted advertisement ready?

Photograph one piece you are authorized to handle, with the sender and full mailing label visible. Review the details before submitting. The first request is free; the sender controls the response.

Try one request free