Last updated: January 2025
To stop catalogs: Register with DMAchoice.org ($4, stops many at once), use CatalogChoice.org (free, 10,000+ catalogs), and opt out of the Abacus database (email abacusoptout@epsilon.com). For stubborn catalogs, call the company directly. Expect 70-90% reduction within 2-3 months. Important: This won't stop EDDM 'Postal Customer' mail.
How to Stop Catalogs in the Mail
Unwanted catalogs waste paper, clutter your mailbox, and often advertise products you'll never buy. The average American household receives dozens of catalogs each year. Here's how to stop them.
Quick Answer:
Use CatalogChoice.org (free) to stop specific catalogs. Register with DMAchoice.org ($4) for broader coverage. Email abacusoptout@epsilon.com to stop catalogs from companies you've never ordered from.
Catalog Opt-Out Services Compared
| Service | Cost | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CatalogChoice | Free | 10,000+ catalogs | Stopping specific catalogs |
| DMAchoice | $4 (10 years) | DMA members | Broad reduction at once |
| Abacus Opt-Out | Free | Shared catalog lists | Catalogs you never ordered from |
| Direct Contact | Free | Any catalog | Companies you've ordered from |
Register with DMAchoice
dmachoice.org — $4 for 10 years of coverage
Start with DMAchoice because a single registration notifies thousands of catalog companies at once. Select the "Catalogs" category when registering.
How to Register:
- Visit DMAchoice.org
- Create an account
- Pay the $4 registration fee
- Select "Catalogs" category (and others if desired)
- Submit your registration
Time to take effect: 2-3 months
By mail: Send $6 to DMAchoice, P.O. Box 900, Cos Cob, CT 06807
Use CatalogChoice for Specific Catalogs
catalogchoice.org — Free, nonprofit service
CatalogChoice lets you target specific catalogs. They've helped over 2 million people stop unwanted catalogs and saved half a million trees in the process. They have nearly 10,000 catalogs in their database.
How to Use:
- Visit CatalogChoice.org
- Create a free account
- Search for catalogs you want to stop
- Submit opt-out requests for each catalog
- Track your requests in your dashboard
Cost: Free
Bonus: Free iPhone app available
Opt Out of Abacus Database
Stop catalog data sharing at the source
Abacus (owned by Epsilon) is a data cooperative where catalog companies share customer information. If you ordered from one catalog, dozens of others may get your info. Opting out stops this sharing.
How to Opt Out:
- Email: abacusoptout@epsilon.com
- Include your full name and complete mailing address
- Request removal from the Abacus catalog database
Or mail to:
Abacus Consumer Opt-Out
P.O. Box 1478
Broomfield, CO 80038
Time to take effect: 4-6 weeks
Cost: Free
Contact Catalog Companies Directly
For persistent catalogs or companies you've ordered from
Companies you've ordered from have a direct relationship with you, which may not be covered by DMAchoice or CatalogChoice. Contact them directly for fastest results.
How to Contact:
- Phone: Call the customer service number on the catalog
- Website: Use the "Contact Us" or "Mailing Preferences" page
- Email: Many catalogs list an email for catalog removal
- When ordering: Uncheck "Send me catalogs" and add "NO CATALOG" to order notes
This Won't Stop EDDM Mail
These services stop addressed catalogs—mail with your name on it. They do not stop EDDM "Postal Customer" mailers that look like catalogs. EDDM mail is delivered to every address regardless of who lives there, and there is currently no way to opt out.
Learn why EDDM can't be stopped →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop all catalogs at once?
Unfortunately, there's no single service that stops all catalogs immediately. Register with DMAchoice.org (stops many at once for $4), then use CatalogChoice.org to target specific remaining catalogs. Most people see significant reduction within 2-3 months.
Is CatalogChoice really free?
Yes, CatalogChoice.org is completely free for basic use. They're a nonprofit organization (part of The Story of Stuff Project). They offer a premium MailStop Shield service for data broker opt-outs, but the catalog opt-out is free.
Why do I still get catalogs after opting out?
Catalogs may continue arriving for several reasons: some companies aren't in the database, your name may be on multiple lists under different spellings, or the company hasn't processed your request yet. Keep submitting opt-out requests as new catalogs arrive.
What's the Abacus database and should I opt out?
Abacus (owned by Epsilon) is a data cooperative where catalog companies share customer information. Opting out of Abacus can significantly reduce catalogs from companies you've never ordered from. Email abacusoptout@epsilon.com to opt out.
Can I stop catalogs from companies I've ordered from?
Yes, but you'll need to contact them directly. Your purchase history creates a direct relationship, which DMAchoice and CatalogChoice may not cover. Call the customer service number in the catalog or email their support.
How long does it take for catalogs to stop?
Most catalog opt-outs take 4-8 weeks to process. Catalog companies print and mail in batches, so catalogs already in the pipeline may still arrive. Be patient and keep opting out of new catalogs as they appear.
Related Guides
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