Address Guardian will collect 10,000 pieces of direct mail by Oct. 15 sent to people who have died to support its claim that mail goes to nearly 17 million deceased people each year, Address Guardian said yesterday.
Address Guardian said it is asking families who receive solicitations for the deceased to send them in. The company plans to compile the results and bring them to the annual Direct Marketing Association conference Oct. 19-23.
It will reach out to consumers to promote the campaign in several ways. Jim Veilleux, president of Address Guardian, said it will use word of mouth and PR. It also will post notices on Web-based forums and discussion groups related to issues involving seniors, privacy, grief support and hospice organizations.
Address Guardian said consumers who want the deceased addressee to be added to its marketing suppression database should indicate that, along with the name and city of the funeral home (for verification), when they mail in their solicitations. Address Guardian said it will add the listing for free and distribute it to mailing list companies who have agreed to use the service.
