The Multichannel Merchant has an article on How to Outlast the Do-Not-Mail Movement. The article presents steps direct markers can do to "not only help your bottom line, but will also help the overall reputation of the industry":
Be mindful with your client’s campaigns —don’t over-reach/over saturate markets if it’s not necessary.
Be thoughtful with your creative—always essential with any campaign, but now more than ever, targeted messages not only garner better response, they ensure consumer respect that your company isn’t soliciting every household in America. This creates trust and, hopefully, begins a beneficial customer relationship.
Be responsible—recycle whenever possible. As greening is becoming more and more popular in today’s environment be sure you are using socially responsible materials when creating your next campaign. For more information, visit http://www.the-dma.org/Green15Toolkit/.
Give customers a choice—the Direct Marketing Association recommends that campaigns be designed with a commitment to consumer choice. Implementing this in your next campaign will empower consumers, and build their trust.
Get involved and become informed—reach out to your providers and see what they are doing to help prevent this type of legislation. As the Do Not Call laws drastically affected the telemarketing industry, Do Not Mail legislation could have the same impact on the direct marketing industry.
Discussion
By Bill King on Apr 18, 2008
Recently heard: "People are forgeting that direct-mail is all about list. Do-not-mail is just another list that adds value to our mailer's business.
But some say what if it impacts the Post Office viability?
Two answers:
The Post Office is moving the goods that we buy online, that is growing rapidly,
The price of postage has already passed where it is cheaper to deliver with private companies."
Buck Crowley