Consumers prefer to receive marketing messages, special offers, and coupons from brands via email more than any other communication channel, according to a recent report from Message Systems.

The report was based on data from a survey conducted in September 2014 from 500 adult Internet users in the United States.

Half of respondents say they do not want to receive any marketing communications at all from brands.

A quarter say they prefer to be contacted by email, the most popular communication channel by far.

Some 9% like text messages and 7% are fans of snail mail. Just 5% of respondents say social media is their preferred way of being contacted with marketing messages and offers.

For non-emergency customer service issues, email again is the most liked channel, with 32% of respondents saying that is how they prefer to initiate interactions.

Phone conversations are the next most popular channel for non-emergency customer service issues (29% prefer), followed by online chat (9%) and social media (7%).

About the research: The report was based on data from a survey conducted in September 2014 of 500 adult Internet users in the United States.