Junk Mail Magic

Review marketing mail after returning a purchase

Handle the return and the mailing as two separate requests. Questions about a refund or exchange go through the retailer's order or returns channel. A postal marketing preference goes to the company named on the printed advertisement. Do not expect a return to change your marketing preferences, and do not expect a marketing request to settle a refund.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated .

Split the return from the mailing

  1. Write two headings on a private note: Return or refund, and Postal marketing. Put anything about an item, a credit or a shipment under the first heading only.
  2. Under the second heading, copy the retailer name exactly as printed on the advertisement. Add any catalog title, offer code or mailing label text.
  3. Find the retailer's own contact or privacy page by typing its web address yourself. Look for a choice that covers mailed marketing. If the page does not mention one, ask whether it exists.
  4. Word the marketing request so it covers printed advertising only. Say that order, return and warranty messages should continue.
  5. If a promotion arrives in the same envelope as a refund confirmation or return label, file the advertisement under marketing and the notice under the return.

Keep the open return out of the marketing message

Leave order numbers and refund questions out of the marketing request so a support team does not merge the two issues. Do not word the request as closing an account, cancelling an order or giving up a warranty.

The printed piece also does not show why it was sent. Ask the retailer which preference covers mailed offers instead of saying the purchase caused the mailing.

Private two-part note

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

RETURN OR REFUND Retailer: [name] Item and status: [brief description] Channel used: [order portal, store or phone] POSTAL MARKETING Sender as printed: [name] Catalog or offer title: [title] Mailing name and address: [as printed] Request: stop printed advertising to this address and keep order and return messages Date sent: [date]

Compare the next piece with your note

When the next advertisement arrives, check its sender name and label against your marketing heading. If it comes from the same retailer, ask about the status of your request. If a different company sent it, start a new line for that sender.

Official source

Keep account notices while stopping promotionsKeep delivery and order updates after a catalog opt-outRecord a request separately from confirmationAfter 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