Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) Guide

What is EDDM?

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a USPS program that allows you to mail to every address in selected postal routes without needing a mailing list. It offers significant postage savings compared to First-Class mail while providing complete geographic coverage.

68% postage savings vs First-Class mail (2025 USPS rates)

EDDM Cost Advantages

Current EDDM rate: $0.247 per piece vs $0.78 First-Class stamp (68% savings)
No mailing lists required
100% geographic market coverage
ROI varies by business type and execution (consult for projections)

How EDDM Works

EDDM allows you to select specific postal carrier routes and mail to every deliverable address on those routes. You don't need names or addresses - just specify the geographic areas you want to target.

EDDM Requirements

Size requirements: Minimum 6.125" x 11.5", maximum 12" x 15"
Paper weight: Must be substantial enough for postal handling
Bundling: Must be bundled by postal route
Quantity minimums: Minimum 200 pieces per route

Perfect EDDM Applications

Ideal Businesses for EDDM:

Local Business - Service area marketing
Geographic Marketing - Target specific neighborhoods
Restaurant Promotion - Reach every household in delivery area
Service Area Coverage - Contractors, landscapers, cleaners

Targeting with EDDM

Route Selection Strategies

Use USPS mapping tools to select routes based on:

Demographics: Age, income, household size
Geography: Proximity to your business
Market characteristics: Urban, suburban, rural
Competition analysis: Areas with opportunity

EDDM Design Considerations

Design Requirements:

Address panel: Must include "POSTAL CUSTOMER" addressing
Permit information: Required postal markings
Size compliance: Must meet EDDM dimensions
Paper weight: Minimum thickness requirements

Design Best Practices:

Bold, clear messaging: Stand out in the mailbox
Strong call-to-action: Tell them what to do
Local relevance: Reference local landmarks or areas
Contact information: Make it easy to respond

EDDM Process Overview

Step-by-Step EDDM Campaign:

Define target area: Select postal routes
Design your piece: Follow EDDM specifications
Print and prepare: Bundle by postal route
Complete paperwork: EDDM forms and permits
Deliver to post office: Schedule drop-off
Track and measure: Monitor response rates

Cost Analysis

EDDM vs. First-Class Comparison (per 1,000 pieces):

EDDM postage: $247
First-Class stamps: $780
Savings: $533 per 1,000 pieces (68%)

Additional EDDM Costs:

Printing: $100-300 per 1,000
Design: $300-800 one-time
Processing: $25-50 per 1,000

Measuring EDDM Success

Key Performance Indicators:

Response rate: Track phone calls, website visits
Cost per lead: Total cost divided by responses
Geographic performance: Which routes performed best
ROI calculation: Revenue generated vs. campaign cost

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does EDDM cost compared to regular mail?

EDDM costs $0.247 per piece vs $0.78 for First-Class stamps - a 68% savings. Total campaign costs include printing and processing fees.

What businesses benefit most from EDDM?

Local service businesses, restaurants, retailers, contractors, and any business that serves specific geographic areas benefit most from EDDM's complete coverage approach.

Do I need mailing lists for EDDM?

No! EDDM eliminates the need for mailing lists. You simply select postal routes and mail to every address on those routes.

What response rates does EDDM typically achieve?

EDDM response rates vary by business type, offer quality, and market conditions. Local service businesses often see strong responses due to geographic relevance.

Ready to Launch Your EDDM Campaign?

Contact Hudson Printing to plan an EDDM campaign that reaches every prospect in your target area while maximizing your postal savings.

Phone: Contact us for consultation
Email: Get in touch through our website
Website: hudsonprinting.com