Dutch increasingly annoyed by junkmail in their postboxes, consumers' assoc. says

Dutch consumers are increasingly annoyed by the junkmail they find in their postboxes. These advertisements usually end up unopened in the recycling bin, according to a survey by consumers' association Consumentenbond. The association calls on companies to look for a more customer- and environmentally friendly alternative for getting consumers' attention.

Consumentenbond surveyed over 12 thousand Dutch people about their experience with mailed advertisements. The researchers found that the National Postcode Lottery is the biggest culprit in sending these ads. 79 percent of respondents found a Postcode Lottery add in their postbox in the past six months. Charities also like this type of advertisement, with 77.2 percent of respondents receiving mail from charities.

The respondents mainly complained about the uselessness and the environmentally unfriendly aspect of the mail, according to the association. The fact that such mail is usually addressed "To the resident of" is also a source of irritation.

The researchers found that consumers are also very annoyed by the fact that such addressed advertisements seem to only want more from them. 91 percent of respondents complained about Lotteries trying to convince them to buy more lottery tickets, and 89 percent about charities trying to get more and more generous donations.

It's time for companies to change course, according to Consumentenbond director Sandra Molenaar. "The results of the study are clear. Consumers are not served by that huge stream of addressed advertising mail. Companies cannot and must not ignore that signal", she said. "Look for a more customer- and environmentally friendly alternative."