EDDM Cost: Complete 2026 Pricing Guide for Every Door Direct Mail
EDDM postage is just $0.26 per piece - the lowest postage rate available from USPS. This comprehensive guide breaks down every cost component so you can budget accurately for your next Every Door Direct Mail campaign.
TL;DR: EDDM costs $0.50-0.75 per piece fully delivered
Postage is $0.26/piece. Add printing and mailing services for $0.25-0.50 more. 1,000 postcards = ~$720 total. Select your EDDM routes or get a free quote
Quick Answer: 2026 EDDM Postage Rate
Current USPS rates (effective July 2025)
EDDM saves up to 66% vs First-Class Mail. Select your routes
Plan your EDDM campaign with our interactive route selector. Learn more about our EDDM services →
What is EDDM?
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a USPS program that lets businesses send mail to every household on selected carrier routes without needing names or addresses. You simply choose ZIP codes and routes, and your postcards, flyers, or menus go to every door on those routes.
Calculate your exact EDDM costs with our free EDDM planning tool--see postage and printing costs for any neighborhood in America.
MPA Editorial Team
Expert insights from Mail Processing Associates, a SOC 2 Type 2 certified and HIPAA compliant commercial mail facility in Lakeland, FL. Serving businesses nationwide since 1989. Veteran-owned. View compliance documentation.
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EDDM is the most affordable way to reach local customers because:
- No mailing list required - saves $50-200+ in list rental costs
- Lowest postage rates - $0.26/piece vs $0.43 for Marketing Mail
- No address processing - reduces data handling fees
- Saturation coverage - reaches every household in target areas
EDDM is ideal for businesses that serve geographic areas: restaurants, real estate agents, home service providers, retail stores, political campaigns, and any business wanting to introduce themselves to a neighborhood.
Complete EDDM Cost Breakdown
Your total EDDM campaign cost includes three components: printing, postage, and mailing services. Here's exactly what to expect:
Cost Breakdown: 1,000 EDDM Postcards
Printing Costs
Printing costs vary based on quantity, size, paper stock, and finishing options. Standard EDDM postcards use 14pt or 16pt cardstock with UV or aqueous coating for durability. For a detailed comparison of printing and postage costs across all postcard sizes and mail classes, see our complete guide to postcard costs.
| Quantity | 6.25x9 | 8.5x11 | Per Piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | $150 | $200 | $0.30-0.40 |
| 1,000 | $200 | $275 | $0.20-0.28 |
| 2,500 | $375 | $500 | $0.15-0.20 |
| 5,000 | $600 | $800 | $0.12-0.16 |
| 10,000 | $950 | $1,300 | $0.10-0.13 |
Postage Costs
EDDM postage is fixed at $0.26 per piece for flat mailpieces up to 3.3 ounces. This rate applies to both EDDM Retail and EDDM BMEU. There are no volume discounts on postage - the rate is the same whether you mail 200 or 200,000 pieces.
Important: EDDM mailpieces must meet minimum size requirements: at least 6.125" tall OR 11.5" long OR 0.25" thick. The standard 6.25x9" postcard is the most popular choice because it meets requirements while minimizing printing costs.
Mailing Services Costs
Mailing services include preparation required by USPS: bundling by carrier route, creating facing slips, completing paperwork, and delivering to the post office or BMEU. At MPA, our mailing services typically run $0.15-0.25 per piece depending on volume.
🎯 Serving this industry — See our political campaign mailing services
EDDM Retail vs EDDM BMEU
USPS offers two ways to submit EDDM mailings. Both have the same $0.26 postage rate, but differ in process and convenience:
EDDM Retail
- Drop off: Any Post Office
- Max per day: 5,000 pieces
- Best for: Small/occasional mailings
- Pros: Convenient, simple process
- Cons: Daily limit, requires counter service
EDDM BMEU
- Drop off: Bulk Mail Entry Unit
- Max per day: No limit
- Best for: Large/regular mailings
- Pros: No daily limits, faster processing
- Cons: Specific drop-off locations
Most businesses working with a mail house like MPA use EDDM BMEU because we handle all preparation and delivery to the appropriate facility.
EDDM Size Requirements
EDDM mailpieces must be "flats" - larger than standard letters. Your piece must meet at least ONE of these minimums:
- Height greater than 6.125 inches, OR
- Length greater than 11.5 inches, OR
- Thickness greater than 0.25 inches
Maximum dimensions are 12" x 15" x 0.75" and 3.3 oz weight.
Most popular EDDM sizes:
- 6.25" x 9" - Standard EDDM postcard (most economical)
- 6.5" x 9" - Slightly larger for more design space
- 8.5" x 11" - Letter-size for menus, detailed offers
- 9" x 12" - Large format for maximum impact
Real Campaign Examples
Here's what actual EDDM campaigns cost at different scales:
| Campaign | Qty | Postage | Services | Total | Per Piece | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Test | 500 | $150 | $125 | $125 | $400 | $0.80 |
| Neighborhood | 1,000 | $200 | $260 | $200 | $660 | $0.66 |
| ZIP Code | 2,500 | $375 | $650 | $400 | $1,425 | $0.57 |
| Multi-ZIP | 5,000 | $600 | $1,300 | $650 | $2,550 | $0.51 |
| City-Wide | 10,000 | $950 | $2,600 | $1,050 | $4,600 | $0.46 |
Prices based on 6.25x9" postcards, 14pt cardstock, full color both sides. Actual pricing may vary.
EDDM vs Targeted Direct Mail: Cost Comparison
When should you use EDDM vs. targeted mailing with a purchased list? Here's how the costs compare:
1,000 Pieces: EDDM vs Targeted
EDDM saves ~$300 per 1,000 pieces but reaches everyone on a route. Targeted mail costs more but reaches specific demographics or existing customers.
Choose EDDM when: You want to reach an entire neighborhood, you're a new business building awareness, or your product/service appeals to most households.
Choose targeted mail when: You have a specific customer profile (age, income, homeowner status), you're mailing to existing customers, or you need to reach specific addresses across multiple areas.
Learn more about targeted mail costs in our complete direct mail pricing guide.
How to Maximize Your EDDM ROI
Want to see your projected ROI before mailing?
Our free calculator shows expected responses, customers, and profit based on your campaign specs and industry benchmarks.
Calculate Your EDDM ROI →EDDM typically generates 2-5% response rates for well-designed campaigns. Here's how to maximize your return:
1. Design for Impact
Your postcard competes with bills and other mail. Use bold headlines, clear offers, and professional imagery. Include a strong call-to-action and make contact information prominent. See our EDDM design tips for more guidance.
2. Choose Routes Strategically
Use the EDDM route selection tool to target routes by demographics. Focus on areas within your service radius where your ideal customers live. Start with routes closest to your business location.
3. Include a Trackable Offer
Use unique promo codes, dedicated phone numbers, or specific landing pages to track responses. This data helps you optimize future campaigns and calculate true ROI.
4. Mail Consistently
One-time mailings rarely generate maximum results. Plan a series of 3-6 mailings to the same routes over several months. Repetition builds recognition and trust.
5. Time Your Campaigns
Consider seasonal factors for your business. Restaurants do well before holidays. HVAC companies should mail before summer and winter. Plan your in-home dates around when customers are most likely to need your services.
Ready to Start Your EDDM Campaign?
MPA handles everything: printing, postage, preparation, and delivery to USPS. Get started with a free quote or select your routes now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does EDDM postage cost in 2026?
EDDM postage costs $0.26 per piece for flat mailpieces up to 3.3 ounces. This is the lowest postage rate available from USPS, saving you 42% compared to Marketing Mail ($0.43) and 66% compared to First-Class Mail ($0.73).
What is the total cost to send 1,000 EDDM postcards?
The total cost for 1,000 EDDM postcards is approximately $660-760, which includes printing ($200-250), postage at $0.26/piece ($260), and mailing services ($200-250). This works out to about $0.65-0.75 per piece fully delivered.
What size postcard qualifies for EDDM?
EDDM mailpieces must be larger than standard letter size. The minimum is 6.125" tall OR 11.5" long OR 0.25" thick. Most businesses use 6.25x9" postcards as the standard EDDM size. Maximum dimensions are 12x15 inches and 3.3 ounces.
What is the minimum quantity for EDDM?
EDDM requires a minimum of 200 pieces per carrier route and a maximum of 5,000 pieces per day for EDDM Retail. There is no minimum total quantity requirement, making it accessible for small businesses testing local markets.
What's the difference between EDDM Retail and EDDM BMEU?
EDDM Retail allows drop-off at any post office with a 5,000 piece daily limit - ideal for smaller mailings. EDDM BMEU requires delivery to a Bulk Mail Entry Unit but has no daily limits - better for large or frequent mailings. Both have the same $0.26 postage rate.
Is EDDM cheaper than targeted direct mail?
Yes, EDDM is significantly cheaper. EDDM postage is $0.26/piece vs. Marketing Mail at $0.43/piece. Plus, EDDM requires no mailing list purchase (saving $50-150). Total savings: approximately $300 per 1,000 pieces compared to targeted mail.
How long does EDDM take to deliver?
EDDM typically delivers within 3-14 business days after drop-off. Delivery depends on local post office workload and carrier schedules. For time-sensitive campaigns, plan to drop off mail 2 weeks before your desired in-home date.
Do I need a mailing list for EDDM?
No, EDDM does not require a mailing list. You select carrier routes by ZIP code and your mail goes to every residential address on those routes. This eliminates list rental costs and data processing fees.
What industries benefit most from EDDM?
Local service businesses benefit most: restaurants, real estate agents, home services (HVAC, plumbing, landscaping), dental offices, gyms, retail stores, and political campaigns. Any business serving a geographic area can effectively use EDDM.
Can I track EDDM delivery?
EDDM doesn't include tracking since mail goes to every address on a route. However, you can use USPS Informed Delivery campaigns to see engagement metrics for households enrolled in the program, and track responses with unique offers or phone numbers.
Get Your Quote: Ready to see real pricing? Use our free EDDM map tool to select routes and get instant costs.
Why Choose MPA for Your EDDM Campaign
Mail Processing Associates has been helping Florida businesses with direct mail since 1989. Our EDDM mailing services include everything you need to get your campaign out the door. When you work with us, you get:
- Full-service handling - We print, prepare, and deliver to USPS
- Competitive pricing - Volume discounts on printing and services
- Expert guidance - Help selecting routes and optimizing your campaign
- Quality assurance - Professional printing on premium cardstock
- Fast turnaround - Most campaigns ready to mail within 3-5 business days
Whether you're mailing 500 postcards to test a new neighborhood or 50,000 pieces across multiple ZIP codes, we handle every detail so you can focus on your business.
Ready to get started? Request a free quote or call us at (863) 687-6945.