A method for web-based direct mail advertising that is consumer-driven and vendor-tracked is disclosed. A vendor is selected to participate in a web-based vendor tutorial and consumer-driven direct mail marketing service, while consumers are provided access to a web-based vendor promotions portal. Consumers receive information regarding access to the web-based promotions portal through a magnet postcard by mail, or alternatively, through radio, billboard or television advertisements. Once a consumer accesses the web-based vendor promotions portal, it can search for promotions of interest by selecting a geographic region and selecting a particular category of promotion. Based on the consumer search entries, vendor promotions of interest are retrieved and displayed to the consumer.