What Is Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)?

Every Door Direct Mail — commonly called EDDM — is a USPS program that allows businesses to deliver marketing materials to every address on a chosen mail route, without needing a mailing list or individual addresses. You simply select the routes you want to target, design your mailer, and USPS delivers to every door.

EDDM is especially popular with local businesses: restaurants, real estate agents, dentists, gyms, contractors, and retailers looking to reach households in a specific geographic area.

Who Should Use EDDM?

EDDM works best for businesses that:

  • Serve a specific geographic area (local or regional)
  • Want to reach a broad audience within that area rather than a targeted demographic list
  • Are running promotions, announcing openings, or distributing menus and coupons
  • Want a cost-effective alternative to building or purchasing a mailing list

If your business serves a very narrow demographic (e.g., high-income households only), a targeted mailing list through Marketing Mail may be more efficient than EDDM's blanket approach.

EDDM Retail vs. EDDM BMEU

There are two versions of EDDM:

EDDM Retail

Designed for small businesses sending fewer than 5,000 pieces per mailing. You handle the process yourself through the USPS EDDM online tool, select routes, and drop off pieces at your local Post Office. No postal permit is required — you pay at the Post Office counter.

EDDM BMEU (Business Mail Entry Unit)

For larger mailings with no piece limit per day. Requires a USPS bulk mail permit and delivery to a Business Mail Entry Unit. Better suited for larger campaigns or marketing firms managing high-volume sends.

EDDM Mailpiece Requirements

Your mailer must meet specific size requirements to qualify for EDDM pricing:

  • Minimum size: 6.125" x 11"
  • Maximum size: 12" x 15"
  • Maximum thickness: 0.75"
  • Maximum weight: 3.3 oz

Common formats include oversized postcards, folded self-mailers, and menus. The USPS EDDM logo and required facing slip must be included on each piece or bundle.

How to Launch an EDDM Campaign: Step by Step

  1. Go to the USPS EDDM Tool: Visit USPS.com/eddm to access the online mapping tool.
  2. Select your routes: Browse a map to choose carrier routes by ZIP code. You can filter by demographics like household count, average age, and household income (based on census data).
  3. Design your mailer: Create your print piece following USPS size and format requirements. Include the EDDM indicia and required markings.
  4. Print your pieces: Use a local or online print shop. Order in bundles of 50 for easier postal processing.
  5. Prepare facing slips: Print the facing slips from the USPS EDDM tool for each route bundle.
  6. Drop off at the Post Office: Bring bundled pieces and completed PS Form 3587 (EDDM Retail). Pay at the counter.

EDDM Pricing

EDDM Retail postage rates are among the lowest USPS offers for physical mail. Current rates are published on USPS.com and are updated when Marketing Mail rates change. The low per-piece cost makes EDDM particularly attractive for businesses that need to reach a large number of households affordably.

Keep in mind that postage is just one part of the total cost — printing, design, and any fulfillment labor are additional expenses to factor into your campaign budget.

Tips for an Effective EDDM Campaign

  • Use a clear call to action: Tell recipients exactly what you want them to do — visit your website, call for a quote, bring in the coupon.
  • Make the most of the large format: EDDM pieces are big — use that space with bold visuals and headlines that are readable at a glance.
  • Track your results: Use a unique promo code, phone number, or landing page URL so you can measure response rates.
  • Time your mailing strategically: Avoid mailing during high-volume postal periods (holidays) if delivery timing is important.

Is EDDM Right for Your Business?

EDDM is a practical, low-barrier way for local businesses to run direct mail campaigns without the complexity of traditional bulk mail. If you serve a local market and want consistent visibility with area households, it's worth testing as part of your marketing mix.