What is EDDM?
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a game-changing, cost-effective marketing solution offered by the USPS that allows businesses to send mailers to targeted neighborhoods—no mailing list required. That means you can get your promotions, special offers, and brand message directly into the hands of local customers who matter most.
If this is your first time using EDDM, don’t sweat it! Below, we’ll walk you through the essentials, helping you avoid common pitfalls and maximize your results.
Tips for First-Time EDDM Users
The EDDM Process: How It Works
EDDM is designed to be user-friendly, but there are a few steps to get right to ensure your campaign goes off without a hitch:
- Pick Your Target Area – Use an online mapping tool to select ZIP codes or carrier routes.
- Design Your Mailer – Follow USPS guidelines for size and layout.
- Print & Prepare Your Mailers – Bundle them correctly to avoid delays.
- Submit to USPS – Drop off your mailers at the post office or let an all-inclusive service handle it for you.
- Track Your Campaign – Measure responses and refine your approach.
Choose EDDM All-Inclusive for a Hassle-Free Experience
If you’re looking for the easiest way to send a campaign, EDDM All-Inclusive is your secret weapon. It handles every aspect of your mailing—from printing and bundling to paperwork and USPS delivery.
EDDM All-Inclusive Includes:
- Full-color printing (front and back)
- Mail preparation
- Bundling and facing slips
- Digital proofs via email (optional)
- Postage
- Delivery by the USPS®
Why is this a big deal? Because manual processing can lead to errors, wasted time, and even rejected mailings. With an all-inclusive service, you don’t have to worry about bundling requirements, facing slips, or meeting post office drop-off times—it’s all handled for you.
If you’re a small business owner wearing multiple hats (we see you!), this could be the smartest way to launch your first EDDM campaign stress-free.
Understand Pricing
The more you send, the lower your cost per piece—that’s the golden rule of direct mail.
- For instance, for EDDM all-inclusive, a 6.25″ x 9″ postcard mailed at 1,000 quantity costs about 69¢ per piece. But if you scale up to 10,000, the price per piece drops to just 43¢.
- Keep in mind that EDDM Retail pricing does not include postage, so be sure to factor that in when calculating your budget.
This is why planning ahead and sending larger batches can lead to significant savings over time.
Follow USPS Size Requirements
One of the biggest mistakes new EDDM users make is using incorrect mailer sizes. If your mail piece isn’t within USPS size regulations, it won’t be accepted.
The USPS requirements state that postcards mailed through Every Door Direct Mail (Retail) need to meet the following guidelines:
- Minimum Size: Be greater than either 6 1/8 inches high or 10.5 inches long on one side.
- Maximum Dimensions: No side can be longer than 15 inches or 12 inches high.
- Weight: Cannot weigh more than 3.03 ounces
- Thickness: Must be thicker than 0.007″ and less than .75″ thick.
Postcards that do not fit within these guidelines are not eligible for EDDM rates.
Want a shortcut? Use free online design templates that are already formatted to USPS specs. Which brings us to our next tip…
Use Online Design Templates
Nothing derails an EDDM campaign faster than a poorly formatted or low-quality mailer. That’s why Taradel offers a free online EDDM postcard design tool that guarantees your mail piece:
- Fits USPS size guidelines
- Prints at high quality
- Templates specifically designed and tailored for YOUR industry
With 79% of consumers responding positively to mailers that feature coupons or special offers, your design should highlight those key elements. The right design can be the difference between your mailer landing in the trash—or landing you a new customer!
Properly Bundle Your EDDM Mailers
If you’re handling EDDM yourself, proper bundling is a must. USPS has strict rules, and failing to follow them can delay or even cancel your mailing.
Smart Bundling Hack
Save yourself the time (and frustration) of counting every single bundle manually. Instead, use a simple weighing method to streamline the process.
- First, make sure one bundle meets USPS requirements (between 50-100 pieces).
- Weigh that bundle and record the weight.
- Use that weight as your guide—weigh the rest of your bundles to ensure consistency.
No Scale? No Problem!
If you don’t have a scale, you can still bundle like a pro using a simple stacking method:
- Count out one bundle to meet USPS requirements (50-100 pieces).
- Use it as your guide—stack the rest of your bundles next to it.
- Check for uniform height—each bundle should match the first one and stay under 6 inches tall to meet USPS guidelines.
Use Facing Slips Correctly
USPS EDDM® facing slips are essential for getting your mail delivered—you can’t mail without them. But filling them out one by one is time-consuming.
Instead, streamline the process by pre-filling the details that don’t change and making copies for your bundles.
Information That Stays the Same for Every Bundle:
- Company Name
- Post Office of Mailing
- 5-Digit ZIP Code
- Route Number
- Delivery Type
- Date
Information That Changes for Each Slip:
- Total # of Mail Pieces per Bundle (e.g., 50)
- Total # of Bundles (e.g., 2 of 4)
If you need a facing slip for your campaign, USPS provides both EDDM® Retail and EDDM® BMEU versions—make sure you download the correct one before bundling your mailers.
EDDM Mailer Design: Stand Out & Convert
Your mailer design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about getting results. Follow these best practices:
Create a Compelling Offer & Tracking Method
A strong offer can skyrocket your response rate. Examples:
- “$10 Off Your First Order”
- “Free Consultation – Limited Spots Available”
- “Exclusive VIP Discount for Our Neighbors”
But don’t stop there—track responses with: Promo codes, QR codes, Custom landing pages, and Call tracking
Tracking lets you measure ROI and tweak your strategy for future campaigns.
Use High-Quality Visuals
Customers judge your business in seconds based on your mailer’s design. Here’s what works:
- Professional Images: Use crisp, high-resolution photos.
- Bold Headlines: Keep them short, clear, and benefit-driven.
- Strong Call-to-Action (CTA): Tell them exactly what to do next—”Call now,” “Visit us online,” or “Redeem this coupon today!”
Less is more when it comes to direct mail. A cluttered design overwhelms the reader and reduces effectiveness.
Other Critical EDDM Tips
Track, Measure & Improve
Your first EDDM campaign isn’t just about sending mail—it’s about learning what works.
- Compare Campaign Performance: Test different headlines, images, and offers.
- Analyze Redemption Rates: Track how many people used your promo codes or visited your website.
- Adjust for Future Success: Scale up winners, cut losers. This is how you optimize over time.
💡 Businesses using direct mail and digital ads together saw a 60% increase in ROI.
Final Thoughts
EDDM is a powerful marketing tool that helps businesses reach their ideal customers at an affordable cost. Whether you’re going the DIY route or opting for EDDM All-Inclusive, following these best practices will help you launch a winning campaign.
✅ Use a great design.
✅ Bundle your mailers properly.
✅ Track and analyze results.
And most importantly—keep mailing! Marketing success is about consistency. The more often people see your business, the more likely they are to choose you.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get mailing!
