FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions - PostGhost

General

FAQ

What exactly is PostGhost?

PostGhost is a service that aims to eliminate unwanted physical junk mail from your mailbox. By simply subscribing to one of our packages and submitting your basic information, our AI backed technology goes to work on your behalf opting you out of most common forms of junk mail, streamlining the process to reduce clutter and saving you the time and hassle that associated with opting out of junk mail manually.

Additionally subscribers are able to download our mobile and use it to snap and upload photos of unwanted mail to help us eliminate over 90% of all junk mail! 

How does it work

Our service directly tackles the problem of junk mail, often referred to as prospect mail or direct mail, which encompasses various forms such as catalogs, pre-qualified credit card offers, charity solicitations, and promotional offers. These are sent out based on information gathered by data aggregators and resellers. By pinpointing which organizations possess your details, we actively request your removal from their lists, effectively reducing your incoming mail volume significantly within a few weeks.

To enhance the efficiency of our solution, we've developed an app that allows users to easily capture and submit photos of any unwanted mail. Our advanced technology then identifies the sender and takes the necessary steps to contact them on your behalf, requesting the removal of your information from their mailing lists. This process ensures we eliminate as much junk mail as possible, streamlining your mailbox and contributing to a less cluttered environment.

Is it effective

PostGhost is designed to significantly reduce unsolicited mail, which typically falls into two categories: mail sent using customer lists and mail distributed broadly across zip codes. Our service is highly effective at addressing the first category, including magazines, catalogs, credit card offers, and similar items, by identifying and opting you out from these senders' lists. However, the second category, such as mail sent through the USPS's Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) service, is beyond our direct control and would require legislative changes for complete elimination.

For local coupons or mailers from businesses like grocery stores or pizza chains, results can vary. While our technology may not always automatically opt you out from these types of mail, we have seen successful cases. Our aim is to facilitate a substantial reduction in junk mail, making your experience as seamless and effective as possible.

What types of junk mail can you get rid of?

PostGhost targets junk mail addressed to specific recipients by contacting companies and organizations with direct mail databases. When you submit your name and address through our service, we go to work contacting these entities on your behalf requesting that they search their databases to find and remove or suppress your details.

Smaller organizations typically delete your information from their databases, while larger ones add you to a direct mail suppression list. This suppression list is crucial for campaign management, as it is used to ensure that individuals who have opted out are omitted from the final mailing lists used for production and distribution.

Our service is designed to help you stop direct mail from a wide variety of sources, including associations, catalogs, charities, coupon and credit offers, direct marketers, insurance offers, local mailers, magazines, and national mailers. By leveraging our technology and process, PostGhost effectively reduces the amount of unwanted junk mail you receive, streamlining your mailbox and contributing to a less cluttered environment. Additional information can be found here: https://www.postghost.io/what-types-of-mail-does-postghost-get-rid-of/

What types of junk mail can you not stop?

There are specific types of mail that PostGhost cannot stop. These include:

Our service focuses on reducing unsolicited promotional and junk mail outside of these categories to minimize clutter and the environmental impact of unwanted mail.

How do I know if its working?

You'll notice PostGhost is working by a visible reduction in the amount of junk mail you receive. Within a few weeks of starting the service and submitting mail through our app, you should see a significant decrease in unwanted catalogs, credit card offers, charity solicitations, and other types of direct mail. 

The process isn't instantaneous, as it takes time for opt-out requests to be processed and for companies to update their mailing lists. However, by consistently using our app to report new junk mail and allowing some time for these changes to take effect, the volume of unsolicited mail in your mailbox should markedly decrease, demonstrating the effectiveness of our service.

Will opting out of credit offers affect my ability to get credit?

Opting out of pre-qualified or pre-approved credit offers through PostGhost will not affect your ability to apply for and obtain credit. This process only removes you from the mailing lists used by credit card and insurance companies to send unsolicited offers, based on your creditworthiness information shared by credit reporting agencies. 

You will still be eligible to apply for any credit card, loan, or insurance policy on your own by contacting the providers directly or applying through their websites. The opt-out simply helps reduce clutter in your mailbox and minimizes the risk of identity theft from stolen mail, without impacting your credit score or access to financial products.

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How it works

How It Works

How do I use the service?

Using PostGhost is straightforward and designed for ease of use. Here's how to get started:

By consistently using PostGhost to report unwanted mail, you'll effectively reduce the clutter in your mailbox and contribute to a cleaner, greener environment.

What is the app for?

The app is the PostGhost mobile application, a mobile and web-based platform that serves as the primary tool for users to interact with the PostGhost service. This app is designed to simplify the process of opting out of unwanted physical junk mail. Here's a brief overview:

Functionality: Through the PostGhost app, users can take pictures of unwanted junk mail and submit these for removal. The app uses AI technology to identify the sender and processes opt-out requests on the user’s behalf.

Availability: The PostGhost app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users with smartphones or tablets. It can also be accessed via a web interface for users who prefer to use a computer.

User Interface: Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the app provides a simple and intuitive interface that allows users to easily navigate its features, submit mail for opt-out, and monitor the status of their requests.

Features: Beyond submitting junk mail for removal, the app offers additional features such as tracking the reduction of junk mail over time, managing subscription settings, and receiving updates on new features or tips for further reducing unwanted mail.

The PostGhost app is central to the service's offering, enabling users to actively manage and reduce their incoming junk mail in a convenient and effective manner.

Signing up with PostGhost can eliminate up to 80% of the junk mail you receive within as little as 8 weeks. Over time, using the PostGhost app can help you reduce up to 90% of unwanted mail. We recommend waiting 8-12 weeks to allow our service to handle most of the current junk mail before extensively using the app. This period will enable much of the junk mail you're receiving at the time of sign-up to be effectively removed.

How do I use the app?

The PostGhost app functions as a user-friendly tool to help you opt out of unwanted physical junk mail, utilizing a straightforward process:

Download and Register: First, download the PostGhost app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store, then create an account by providing some basic information, such as your name, email, and physical address where you receive mail.

Capture Junk Mail: When you receive unwanted junk mail, open the PostGhost app and use it to take a clear photograph of the piece of mail. Make sure the sender's details and any other relevant information are visible in the photo to facilitate the opt-out process.

Submit for Opt-Out: After capturing the mail, submit it through the app. The app's AI technology analyzes the photo, identifies the sender, and matches it against a database of companies and organizations known to send junk mail.

Processing Request: PostGhost then generates an opt-out request on your behalf. This request is sent to the sender or the relevant data aggregators and resellers, asking them to remove your information from their mailing lists.

Feedback and Tracking: The app provides feedback on the status of your opt-out requests and allows you to track the reduction of junk mail over time. Users can see which submissions have been processed and monitor the overall effectiveness of the service in reducing their junk mail intake.

The app's aim is to make the process of eliminating unwanted mail as easy and efficient as possible, saving you time and reducing the environmental impact of paper waste. Through its intuitive design and AI-driven technology, PostGhost streamlines the opt-out process, allowing for a cleaner, less cluttered mailbox.

Signing up with PostGhost can eliminate up to 80% of the junk mail you receive within as little as 8 weeks. Over time, using the PostGhost app can help you reduce up to 90% of unwanted mail. We recommend waiting 8-12 weeks to allow our service to handle most of the current junk mail before extensively using the app. This period will enable much of the junk mail you're receiving at the time of sign-up to be effectively removed.

Do you Guarantee your service?

PostGhost is a convenient way to expedite opt-out requests, working with a wide network of verified mailers. We save you the time and hassle of researching, emailing, and calling each individual mailer to stop junk mail. Our service is effective at eliminating approximately 80% of junk mail in as little as 8 weeks and can reduce junk mail by as much as 90% over time when using the app for additional opt-out requests.

Addressing chronic junk mail issues can take longer, especially if your information circulates among seasonal mailers or has been extensively shared among charities. It's important to note that the success of our service also relies on mailers honoring your opt-out requests.

For best results, we recommend using PostGhost for all household members who receive mail, as well as any past tenants or other residents. Opting out only one individual while others continue to receive mail will likely not yield the desired reduction in junk mail.

If PostGhost does not significantly reduce your junk mail, we encourage you to reach out for a refund consideration. Each case will be reviewed independently to ensure our service is being utilized properly for maximum results. If you follow the recommended steps and still do not see significant improvement, we are committed to making things right. While we can't control the actions of every mailer, our aim is to significantly cut down on your junk mail, and we don't want to charge you if we haven't improved your situation.

Additionally, if you're unsatisfied with our service, you can cancel at any time. Monthly subscriptions can be canceled at any point, and annual subscriptions can be canceled prior to the renewal date to avoid further charges. We strive to provide a service that meets your needs, and we offer flexibility to ensure your satisfaction.

I signed up several weeks ago but I'm still receiving junk mail?

Processing Time: Opt-out requests can take time to process. While some reductions in junk mail can be noticed quickly, it often takes several weeks—or even up to a few months—for all opt-out requests to fully process and for you to see a significant reduction in junk mail. This delay is due to the time it takes for companies to update their mailing lists and for already in-process mailings to cycle through.

New Senders: You may be receiving junk mail from senders that were not included in your initial opt-out requests. It's possible for new companies to obtain your information and begin sending unsolicited mail at any time.

Name Variations and Past Residents: If you're receiving mail under variations of your name or for previous residents, and these variations were not included in your initial opt-out requests, this mail would not be stopped. Ensure you've included all variations of your name and any past residents' names if you're on a premium plan that allows this.

Resilient Types of Mail: Certain types of junk mail, such as Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) by USPS, which targets all addresses in an area without using a mailing list, cannot be stopped through opt-out requests. Additionally, legally required notices and some forms of local advertisements might still arrive.

Snap And Submit (BETA)

Our Mobile Application is currently in development however you can still take advantage of our snap and submit feature by simply texting us photos of your unwanted mail. Simply snap a picture of your unwanted mail and text it to ‪(720) 310-0146. Be sure to save our number to your phone as PostGhost!

Snap and Submit Do's and Dont's:

DO:

  • Submit Only One Image at a Time: Send one image per submission to ensure clarity and accuracy.
  • Include Necessary Information: Make sure the image includes both the company and sender’s name and information as well as the recipient’s name and address.
  • Ensure Clarity: The logo, sender, and recipient information should be clear and easy to read.
  • Lay Mail Flat: Place the mail flat on a table and stand directly over it when taking the picture.
  • Good Lighting: Ensure the mail is well-lit to avoid shadows and ensure all text is visible.

DON’T

  • Avoid Multiple Items in One Image: Don’t submit images with multiple pieces of mail as it can cause confusion and delays in processing.
  • Avoid Blurry Images: Ensure the image is not blurry. Blurry images can prevent our system from accurately reading the necessary information.
  • Don’t Obscure Information: Make sure no part of the mail is obscured or covered. All relevant details must be visible for accurate processing.

 

Remember our service only works with mail addressed to you from companies that you don't have an existing relationship with. More information the types of mail PostGhost eliminates is available in the section below. For additional information on snap and submit best practices check out our blog post: HERE

 

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Mailers and Mail Types

Mailers and Mail Types

How I do know what type of mail can be stopped with your service?

Recognizing which mail can be effectively addressed with the PostGhost app involves identifying the types of junk mail that our service is designed to reduce. Here are some guidelines to help you determine which pieces of mail to submit through our app:

However, there are certain types of mail that the PostGhost app may not be able to help with:

When in doubt, use the app to submit a photo of the mail in question. Our technology will analyze it and determine if it's something we can address. If it's outside our scope, we'll let you know. This process helps you learn over time which types of mail can be reduced through our service. Additional information can be found here: https://www.postghost.io/what-types-of-mail-does-postghost-get-rid-of/

What do I do with mailers with no visible name or address?

For mailers with no visible name or address, it can be challenging to identify the sender and request an opt-out directly. However, PostGhost is designed to assist with this issue as well. Here’s what you can do:

Submit Through the App: Even if a piece of mail lacks visible sender information, go ahead and submit a photo of it through the PostGhost app. Our AI technology and team will analyze the content and design of the mailer to identify potential senders or associated marketing networks.

Check the Interior: Sometimes, the sender's information is not on the outside but may be included inside the mailer. Open the mail piece carefully to see if there are any details about the sender or how to opt out of future mailings.

Use Generic Opt-Out Requests: For mailers that cannot be directly traced back to a sender, PostGhost may use generic opt-out requests that address a broader category of junk mail. These requests are sent to data brokers and marketing associations that manage mailing lists, asking them to remove your details from categories of mail that match the type you submitted.

Patience and Persistence: While it might take longer to see results for these types of mailers, submitting them helps improve our system. Over time, as more users submit similar pieces, our ability to identify and block these anonymous senders improves.

Recycle What You Can't Opt Out Of: For mail that remains unidentifiable or is part of a blanket mailing strategy (like Every Door Direct Mail - EDDM), recycling is the best option. While PostGhost strives to reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive, some types of mail may not be stoppable through opt-out requests.

Remember, every piece of mail you submit helps PostGhost refine its approach and improve the service for everyone. If you encounter difficulties or have questions about specific types of mail, our customer support team is available to assist. Additional information can be found here: https://www.postghost.io/snap-and-submit-tips-and-best-practices/

What about mail i still want to receive?

For mail you still wish to receive, PostGhost ensures that your preferences are respected and managed according to your wishes. Here's how to handle mail you want to keep receiving while using our service:

PostGhost's goal is to reduce unwanted mail clutter while preserving the mail that matters to you. By carefully selecting which mail to submit for opt-out, you can tailor your mailbox to better suit your preferences, keeping the content you value and eliminating the rest.

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Removal By Names and Addresses

Removal By Names and Addresses

How many names can I opt out from my address?

With PostGhost's standard subscription, you can opt out two names at a single address, perfect for individual users or couples aiming to reduce unwanted mail. For households needing more extensive coverage, our premium subscription allows opting out up to four family members at the same address, plus the option to include past residents or tenants. This structure provides the flexibility to tailor our service to your household's specific needs, ensuring an effective reduction in junk mail for both current and previous occupants.

What about names of past residents / tenants?

For names of past residents or tenants, the premium subscription of PostGhost specifically caters to this concern. With the premium plan, you have the capability to opt out names of individuals who no longer reside at your address but whose mail continues to arrive. This feature is invaluable for keeping your mailbox free from the clutter of junk mail not only for current household members but also for stopping the influx of mail addressed to those who have moved away.

To manage mail for past residents or tenants effectively:

Identify All Names: Collect all variations of the names of past residents or tenants whose mail you're still receiving. This includes any misspellings or alternate names under which mail might be sent.

Submit Opt-Out Requests: Use the premium service features to submit opt-out requests for these names. Ensure each name is accurately entered to match the junk mail you're receiving.

After submitting your requests, keep an eye on any junk mail that might still slip through. If new variations or names of past residents come to light, submit additional opt-out requests as needed. This proactive approach ensures that your efforts to clean up your mailbox address the full spectrum of unwanted mail, providing a more comprehensive solution to junk mail reduction.

What about variations of names?

With PostGhost, handling name variations is streamlined to ensure comprehensive coverage in reducing your junk mail. For both the standard and premium subscriptions, you have the flexibility to submit opt-out requests for name variations that might appear on unwanted mail. This includes nicknames, initials, or any other variations under which junk mail is received at your address.

Standard Subscription: Allows you to opt out two names or variations at a single address, catering to the most common variations you might encounter.

Premium Subscription: Expands your ability to manage junk mail by including up to four family members or occupants at the same address, along with past residents or tenants. This tier is particularly beneficial for addressing a broader range of name variations, ensuring that even mail addressed to slightly different versions of your name or the names of family members can be effectively reduced.

When submitting mail for opt-out, simply include the specific name variation as it appears on the piece of junk mail. This attention to detail helps PostGhost more accurately process your opt-out requests, enhancing the effectiveness of the service in minimizing unwanted mail.

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Privacy

Privacy

How is my information used ?

Processing Time: Opt-out requests can take time to process. While some reductions in junk mail can be noticed quickly, it often takes several weeks—or even up to a few months—for all opt-out requests to fully process and for you to see a significant reduction in junk mail. This delay is due to the time it takes for companies to update their mailing lists and for already in-process mailings to cycle through.

 

New Senders: You may be receiving junk mail from senders that were not included in your initial opt-out requests. It's possible for new companies to obtain your information and begin sending unsolicited mail at any time.

 

Name Variations and Past Residents: If you're receiving mail under variations of your name or for previous residents, and these variations were not included in your initial opt-out requests, this mail would not be stopped. Ensure you've included all variations of your name and any past residents' names if you're on a premium plan that allows this.

 

Resilient Types of Mail: Certain types of junk mail, such as Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) by USPS, which targets all addresses in an area without using a mailing list, cannot be stopped through opt-out requests. Additionally, legally required notices and some forms of local advertisements might still arrive.

Do you sell personal information?

No, PostGhost does not sell personal information. Our commitment to your privacy and trust is foundational to our service. We prioritize the security of your data and uphold strict privacy standards, ensuring that your personal information is used solely for the purpose of reducing unwanted junk mail and improving your experience with our service. For more detailed information, please refer to our privacy policy.

Why do you need my Phone and Email?

We request your phone number and email for essential communication, account security, and to facilitate opt-out requests effectively. When we handle opt-out requests via email, we use a system-generated, non-identifiable email address on your behalf. This approach ensures your privacy while allowing any responses from mailers to be redirected to you without exposing your personal email.

Occasionally, providing your phone number to certain mailers is necessary to complete an opt-out request, adhering to their specific requirements for removing you from direct mail lists. Rest assured, this is only done with mailers who have demonstrated a commitment to privacy, including a clear policy against reselling personal data. Our practices are designed to protect your information while efficiently reducing unwanted mail, keeping you informed and your data secure throughout the process.

Why do you need my Social Security Number?

Requiring your Social Security Number (SSN) is a step taken only for specific purposes, such as facilitating the opt-out process from certain types of mail linked to your financial identity, like pre-approved credit offers. These offers are typically based on your credit history, and opting out necessitates verifying your identity to ensure the request is legitimate and processed accurately.

Identity Verification: Your SSN enables us to precisely match your identity with your credit profile. Financial institutions and credit reporting agencies use this information for individual verification.

Secure Opt-Out: Providing your SSN allows us to effectively opt out on your behalf, especially for halting pre-approved credit offers that rely on credit bureau data.

Privacy and Security: We prioritize the security and confidentiality of your SSN, using it strictly for necessary opt-out processes. We ensure your information is transmitted securely to uphold your privacy.

We handle your SSN with the utmost care, recognizing its sensitivity. Its use is confined to essential processes, underpinning our commitment to comprehensive opt-out services for mail deeply tied to your financial identity. For detailed insights into our data storage, handling practices, and security measures, please refer to our privacy policy. This document outlines our steadfast commitment to safeguarding your personal information.

How do you secure your data?

Your data security is paramount to us. We employ advanced data capture and management techniques focused on privacy-preserving practices to ensure the highest level of protection for your personal information. Here's how we secure your data:

Encryption: All data, whether at rest or in transit, is encrypted, rendering it unreadable to unauthorized users. This ensures that sensitive information, such as your Social Security Number, is securely protected at all times.

Access Control: Strict access controls and authentication measures are in place, allowing only authorized personnel to access your data when necessary. This approach minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and ensures responsible handling of your information

Compliance: Our practices adhere to industry standards and regulations, guaranteeing that we meet top data protection levels. We commit to maintaining a secure environment that aligns with various certifications and frameworks.

Continuous Monitoring: Our systems are continuously monitored for any signs of unusual activity or potential vulnerabilities. This proactive stance enables us to quickly address threats and uphold a robust security infrastructure.

For more in-depth information about our data security practices and our dedication to safeguarding your personal information, we encourage you to review our privacy policy. This document highlights our comprehensive approach to data security and our ongoing commitment to your privacy.

Can you deliver your service without my Social Security Number?

Yes, we can still deliver our service without requiring your Social Security Number (SSN). While providing your SSN can enhance the effectiveness of certain opt-out processes, particularly those related to financial offers and credit-related mail, it is not mandatory for utilizing the core features of our service. Without your SSN, you can still benefit from a significant reduction in unwanted junk mail, including catalogs, flyers, and other general advertising materials. 

Our system employs various methods to identify and opt you out from these types of mailings, ensuring your mailbox becomes less cluttered over time. For services requiring more specific identity verification where an SSN might typically be used, we strive to offer alternative solutions to protect your privacy while still achieving your mail reduction goals.

How are cookies used on this website?

Cookies on our website are used to enhance your browsing experience, provide personalized features, and gather insights into how our site is used. Here’s a breakdown of how we use cookies:

Functionality: Some cookies are essential for the operational aspects of our website, enabling you to navigate and use features such as accessing secure areas. Without these cookies, services you've asked for, like shopping baskets or e-billing, cannot be provided.

Performance and Analytics: We use cookies to collect information about how visitors interact with our site, such as which pages are visited most often and if any error messages are received from web pages. This helps us improve the way our website works, making it easier for users to find what they're looking for.

Personalization: Cookies allow our website to remember choices you make (such as your user name, language, or the region you're in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. They can also be used to remember changes you've made to text size, fonts, and other parts of web pages that you can customize

Advertising: We, or our advertising partners, may use cookies to serve you with ads that we believe are relevant to you and your interests. These cookies may also help us and our partners to measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns and to monitor how many times you've seen an advertisement.

Social Media: Cookies are used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on our website through third-party social networking and other websites. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties.

For more detailed information about the specific cookies used on our website and how to manage your cookie preferences, please refer to our privacy policy.

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