What is Personalized Mail and Why Use It?
Think of personalized mail, also known as addressed mail, as your secret weapon when it comes to precision targeting with direct mail. Unlike generic mass mailers, it allows you to handpick your audience and deliver a message that speaks directly to them. With a targeted mailing list, you’re not just sending postcards—you’re connecting with people who are most likely to become customers.
This is especially powerful for businesses with niche audiences. By tailoring your message based on customer behavior, demographics, or preferences, personalized mail significantly boosts response rates and engagement. It’s direct mail with extreme precision.
The Benefits of Personalized Mail
The numbers don’t lie—customized marketing works. Here’s why personalized mail is a game-changer:
- Response rates up to 6.5% (compared to just 2% for non-personalized mail)
- 52% of consumers expect direct mail to reflect their preferences
- 68% of recipients engage more with personalized mail than generic pieces
- 84% of consumers are more likely to open direct mail when it’s addressed specifically to them
How Much Does Personalized Direct Mail Cost?
The cost of sending a personalized direct mail postcard to a consumer varies based on three key factors:
- Postcard Size – Bigger postcards can make a bigger impact, but they also typically come with slightly higher printing and postage costs.
- Postcard Quantity – The more postcards you mail at once, the lower your cost per piece, helping you save more on your campaign.
- Mailing List – Using your own customer list can be more budget-friendly, while purchasing a highly targeted list adds to your investment.
Understanding the Pricing Chart
The pricing chart included above breaks down the cost per piece for different postcard sizes and mailing list options. Here's how to read it:
- The first column shows the number of postcards being mailed.
- Each size category (4x6, 5.5x8.5, 6x11, and full-sized 8.5x11 in an envelope) has two price points:
- "Our List" (if you need to purchase a list)
- "Your List" (if you're providing your own list)
- The more you mail, the lower the cost per piece—making bulk campaigns a smart move.
For example, sending 500 6x11 postcards with a purchased list costs $1.09 per piece, while mailing 50,000 4x6 postcards with your own list brings the cost down to just $0.63 per piece.
Note: The pricing for B2b personalized mail differs. View B2b personalized mail pricing here.
How to Save on Mailing Lists
A mailing list is one of the biggest costs in a personalized mail campaign. But you can cut costs without cutting corners by using Taradel’s free targeting tool.
- Choose a geographic area
- Filter by demographics (income, age, household size, etc.)
- Get real-time audience counts before you launch
With Taradel, it’s easier than ever to build a hyper-targeted list that connects your business with the right customers.
Key Takeaways
- Personalized mail delivers results—higher engagement, more conversions, and stronger brand connections.
- Costs depend on postcard size, quality, and mailing list strategy.
- Bulk mailing saves money per piece, making it a cost-effective choice.
- Building your own mailing list is the best way to lower costs while keeping targeting precise.
Learn more about personalized mail here.
Addressed Mail Alternative: Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)
If targeting individual addresses doesn’t fit your needs (or your budget), Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) offers an affordable alternative. Instead of selecting recipients one by one, you blanket entire neighborhoods—no mailing list needed.
Why Choose EDDM?
- Lower cost per piece – No mailing list purchase required and postage is included
- Great for local businesses – Ideal for restaurants, retail stores, and service providers
- Easy to launch – Skip the mailing permits and address labels
To learn more about Every Door Direct Mail, click here.
Final Thoughts
Personalized mail is a powerhouse marketing tool that helps businesses reach the right people, with the right message, at the right time. While it requires a bit more investment, the payoff in response rates and conversions makes it worth it.
And if you’re looking for maximum reach on a smaller budget, EDDM is an incredible alternative that keeps costs low while ensuring high visibility.
Whatever your business goals, direct mail remains one of the most effective ways to connect, engage, and grow. Ready to get started? Let’s make it happen.