DEAR SUN SPOTS: You are our “Dear Abby” in this area. You’ve answered my request many times. My problem is that I have tried many, many times to delete the company Figi’s from my e-mail, to no avail.

A year ago I ordered something from their catalog that was very disappointing, and when I made my payment I asked them not to send me any more catalogs or e-mails. I get an e-mail from them at least once a week telling of their wonderful bargains.

I was able to call them once to ask them not to send any more e-mails, but since then no phone numbers appear with their advertisements. It is such a hassle. I thought you might have an answer. — No Name, South Paris

ANSWER: Whenever you get a marketing email, at the bottom of the email there should be a line that says something along the lines of “This is an email advertisement” and below that the option to “subscribe, modify or unsubscribe.” If you click “unsubscribe,” it should bring up a website where you can enter your email address. That should stop the emails.

In the event this does not work, you can set the spam filter on your email program to reject any emails that come from figis.com.

Sun Spots thinks that online efforts will work better than calling and sending letters (these systems are highly automated), but here are the address and phone number: Figi’s, 3200 S. Central Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449, 866-855-0203.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You are so very helpful that I was wondering if maybe you can help me again. Does anyone out there know where I might be able to get an appraisal on a 46-inch Chianti bottle of wine, unopened, dated 1967 in a basket with a ribbon around the neck; two bubble-glass dome oval frames; and a crochet couch and chair set of doilies like new with a little metallic thread in it? Any help would be greatly appreciated. — No Name, Mexico

ANSWER: Sun Spots gets this question quite frequently and is afraid she too often disappoints those letter writers, especially the ones without a computer. The collectibles market is brisk online, and one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get an idea of what something is worth is by checking on eBay and other websites.

To do so, you could go to the library and ask the reference librarian to help you look your items up online.

Sun Spots looked for your Chianti online. She found one seller offering the empty bottle for $20, but there were no bids yet. She didn’t find the wine for sale, but gift basket wines often aren’t the most expensive vintages.

The prices on the frames varied widely. Sun Spots cannot give you an estimate without more details, but some of the antique ones were offered for several hundred dollars. The doily market, on the other hand, is not strong.

Another option is to try visiting local antique stores and see if they can offer you some advice. Sun Spots called Timberlake’s Antiques in Canton, 597-2923, where the owner said he would look at small items and give his opinion. He said to keep in mind that he will only pay about half of the value of an item if he buys it, as he must pay for his time and the cost of keeping it in his shop until it sells.

He also referred Sun Spots to Charles M. Talbot Assoc. in Turner, 225-3797, auctioneer and licensed appraiser. There will be a fee for appraisal services.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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