Every Door Direct Mail (All-Inclusive & Retail) - FAQ

1. What is EDDM?

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a local advertising solution delivered through the United States Postal Service (USPS). With EDDM, advertisers can send promotional materials like flyers, postcards, or brochures to every home or business in a particular area without having to know individual addresses or purchase mailing lists. It's a cost-effective way to reach a broad local audience.

2. What is the difference between Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) and regular/bulk direct mail?

EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) and direct mail are both marketing strategies involving sending physical mail to potential customers, but they have some key differences. The main difference is that standard direct mail campaigns require a mailing list whereas, with EDDM, the need for a mailing list is avoided by targeting local postal carrier routes similar to neighborhoods.

3. How much does EDDM All-Inclusive cost?

With EDDM All-Inclusive, the price of a delivered postcard can cost you as little as 29¢ (including postage and delivery), which is less than the price of a single stamp. The key factors that go into EDDM pricing include postcard size, quantity, and design. For comprehensive pricing, click here: https://www.taradel.com/pricing/eddm

4. What are the requirements for EDDM mailing?

To use EDDM, there are a few requirements you need to meet. These typically include selecting specific mail routes, ensuring your mail piece meets the size and weight guidelines specified by the USPS, and adhering to specific design and formatting requirements. However, by using Taradel’s all-inclusive service, you can be confident that your mailers will be prepared  exactly as required.

5. How does EDDM mailing work?

EDDM mailing works by allowing businesses to select specific postal routes they want to target with their mailings. Once the routes are chosen, the design for the mail piece needs to be created, in accordance with all the USPS guidelines, ensuring it meets the size and weight restrictions. 

The mail pieces are then prepared and bundled according to USPS specifications, including the necessary paperwork and facing slips. Finally, the bundled mail pieces are delivered to the appropriate USPS Business Mail Entry Unit or dropped off at the local post office for distribution to the targeted areas.

Using our services, you don’t have to waste your precious time doing all that. Let us take care of every single detail of the EDDM service, making it as efficient as possible.

6. How long does it take for EDDM to be delivered?

The time required for EDDM to be delivered can vary depending on several factors, including the location they are sent to and the volume of mail. According to the USPS guidelines, the EDDM delivery may take 7 to 14 business days, counting from the day mail pieces are accepted for distribution.

7. What is the average response rate for direct mail?

According to the ANA, the average direct mail response rate is 5% (to new prospects) — the highest level in recorded history.

8. What are the postcard sizing options?

From small postcards to giant-sized flyers, choose from a variety of popular formats. EDDM sizes include: 4.25 x 11 postcards, 6.25 x 9 postcards, 6.25 x 11 postcards, 8.5 x 11 postcards, and 11 x 17 flyers.

9. What is the most popular EDDM postcard size?

The best-selling EDDM size is 6.25" x 9". This format provides ample space for most creative needs while being large enough to stand out in the mailbox.

10. What is the minimum order for EDDM All-Inclusive?

The minimum order for EDDM All-Inclusive is 1000 postcards. If you are looking to send less, check out EDDM Retail — the order minimum is only 200! 

11. How do you measure the success of your EDDM campaign? 

Just because direct mail isn’t a digital medium, doesn’t been it can’t be tracked just as effectively! There are multiple ways to analyze the success of your direct mail campaign including: QR codes, call tracking, personalized URLs, coupon codes, and more. 

12. How do I choose where I want my EDDM postcards delivered?

With our point-and-click mapping tool, Mapfire, you can select your desired audience using a variety of demographic and geographic filters.

13. Who is EDDM All-Inclusive recommended for? 

EDDM All-Inclusive is strongly recommended for advertisers who plan to mail 2,500 or more pieces or those who prefer to save time and have expert support pre and post-purchase

14. What is the difference between EDDM All-Inclusive & EDDM Retail?

The big difference between EDDM All-Inclusive EDDM Retail is who does the work. With EDDM Retail, the “do-it-yourself” option, you must do all of the bundling, paperwork, drop-offs, and payment on your own. However, with EDDM All-Inclusive, the “done-for-you” option, everything from the prep, paperwork, drop-off, and postage is handled by Taradel.

15. Can EDDM Retail save you money?

Yes, EDDM Retail can cost less per piece in comparison to an all-inclusive EDDM campaign. However, it does require you to handle all bundling, mail prep, paperwork, and drop-offs at Post Office locations. For many advertisers, the time-saved by Taradel’s all-inclusive service results in indirect savings.

16. Who is EDDM Retail recommended for?

EDDM Retail is recommended for advertisers who plan to mail less than 2,500 pieces or prefer to self-manage their campaign including: bundling, mail prep, paperwork, and drop-off at Post Office locations.

17. Why is EDDM All-Inclusive more expensive than EDDM Retail? 

EDDM All-Inclusive may cost a few cents more per piece, but the entire process is done-for-you and can be completed online in minutes, saving you time and avoiding the potential for costly mistakes.

18. Does EDDM Retail require any USPS permits?

With EDDM Retail, no USPS postage permits or annual fees are required, but registration with USPS is required. 

19. What are the requirements for EDDM Retail? 

• Mail at least 200 (and up to 5,000) pieces per day per ZIP Code
• Mail piece weight is 3.3 ounces or less per piece
• Bundle your mailing in stacks of 50-100 mail pieces
• Bundles must not be higher than 6"
• Fill out and attach facing slip to the top of every bundle
• Write the number of pieces in the bundle on the facing slip
• Include a completed PS Form 3587
• Drop-off at Post Office® serving the target market
• Pay postage at Post Office® or online (requires USPS.com account)

20. How much does postage for EDDM Retail cost?

The current postage rate for EDDM Retail is $0.198. Postage payment must be made directly to your local Post Office on the day of drop-off. 

21. How long does it take EDDM Retail mail to be delivered after drop-off?

According to the USPS guidelines, delivery may take 7 to 14 business days, starting from the day mail pieces are accepted for distribution.