Junk Mail Magic

Review fundraising catalogs sent to a PTA

Keep the catalogs from the vendor running the fundraiser the PTA approved. Send the other vendors a short request to stop mailing sales packages to the PTA. The officer or volunteer who handles the PTA's advertising should send these requests. Members' home mail is outside this cleanup.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated .

Sort the pile against the current decision

  1. Write down this year's approved fundraiser and the one vendor contact who handles it. Catalogs from that vendor stay in use while the campaign runs.
  2. For each remaining catalog, note the sender and the PTA name exactly as it appears on the label.
  3. Set aside anything that looks like a bill or order confirmation for the treasurer. Check it against the PTA's approved records before anyone pays.
  4. Look up each unrelated vendor's contact details through a source you trust, and ask whether it can stop mailed advertising to the PTA.
  5. Ask for no more sales packages for future campaigns. Note on the vendor list who you asked and when.

When a bill arrives with a catalog

The FTC warns businesses and nonprofits about fake invoices and unordered goods, and advises checking any purchase or invoice against approved records before paying. If the vendor is not the approved one and the treasurer finds no order, the PTA has a payment question to settle before it worries about the advertising.

PTA vendor list

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

Approved fundraiser and vendor: [vendor, school year] Approved vendor contact: [one name and role] Current fundraising decision: [what the PTA voted] Vendors asked to stop sales packages: [vendor, date, route used] Vendor response or timeframe: [as stated] Still mailing: [vendor, date of last catalog] Open bill or order question for treasurer: [description]

Check repeat catalogs against the list

When a vendor you asked keeps sending catalogs, look up the date of your first request. Then write to that vendor again with the same PTA name as printed. If the vendor gave you a timeframe or a reference number, mention it.

Official source

Check a fundraiser vendor agreement before stopping mailControl sales brochures sent to a youth groupMove organization advertising away from a former officer’s homeCheck an advertisement that uses your organization’s nameClubs and organizationsAll 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