How New Postage Increase Affects Direct Mail Costs in 2024

Direct mail is a highly effective marketing channel for businesses of all sizes due to its ability to reach targeted audiences with tangible, personalized messages. However, in 2024, the United States Postal Service (USPS) raised postage prices on July 14, increasing the cost per piece from 68 cents to 73 cents—the second hike this year. This change affects various direct mail options, including Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), EDDM Retail, and Personalized Mail for both B2B and B2C markets.

Below, we provide an updated overview of the costs associated with these direct mail services, along with a brief description of each product and their benefits.

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)

EDDM is a USPS service that allows businesses to send promotional mail to every household in a specific geographic area without needing a mailing list. It's ideal for local businesses looking to reach a wide audience within a defined area.

Why Choose EDDM? 

  • No mailing list required.
  • Cost-effective for high-volume mailings.
  • Ideal for local marketing campaigns.

EDDM All-Inclusive vs. Retail 

EDDM All-Inclusive and EDDM Retail differ primarily in terms of service convenience and cost structure. EDDM All-Inclusive, the done-for-you option, provides a complete package that includes the printing, postage, bundling and delivery, making it a hassle-free option for businesses. 

In contrast, EDDM Retail, the do-it-yourself option, requires the business to handle more of the process themselves, including obtaining a USPS permit, bundling mail pieces, and delivering them to the post office. This option often results in lower per-piece costs but more hands-on involvement.

This chart below shows you a brief visualization of the differences between the two EDDM options. 

EDDM All-inclusive vs retail chart

Learn more about the difference between EDDM All-Inclusive & Retail here

EDDM All-Inclusive Pricing Breakdown | POSTAGE INCLUDED

As previously mentioned, EDDM All-Inclusive is a comprehensive, done-for-you solution that not only saves you time but also money. This all-inclusive service covers every aspect of your mailing needs, including mail preparation, printing, bundling, post office drop-off, postage, and delivery—all included in the price you see.

With EDDM All-Inclusive, you can print, mail, and deliver a postcard for as low as 46 cents per piece. This is significantly cheaper than the new price of a single stamp, which currently sits at 73 cents a piece.

View the complete breakdown of EDDM All-Inclusive pricing by quantity and size below or by visiting this link

EDDM All-Inclusive Pricing Chart

EDDM Retail Pricing Breakdown | POSTAGE NOT INCLUDED

Want to save some money by handling parts of the mailing process yourself? EDDM Retail might be the perfect option for you! With EDDM Retail, your mail pieces are printed and shipped to you. You'll need to bundle them, drop them off at the post office, and pay for postage separately.

Postage rates for EDDM Retail are $0.223 per mail piece. So, while this option appears cheaper compared to EDDM All-Inclusive, keep in mind that it requires more effort from you and includes additional postage costs.

View the complete breakdown of EDDM Retail pricing by quantity and size below or by visiting this link.  

EDDM Retail Pricing Chart

Personalized Mail (B2B & B2C)

Personalized mail involves sending customized promotional materials to a targeted mailing list of recipients. 

Personalized mail is recommended for businesses and individuals with niche audiences, aiming to amplify marketing effectiveness by tailoring messages to specific recipients based on their preferences, behaviors, or characteristics.

Why Choose Personalized Mail? 

  • Highly targeted and personalized.
  • Greater engagement due to personalized content.
  • Suitable for both B2B and B2C campaigns.

Personalized Mail (B2c & B2b) Pricing Breakdown | POSTAGE INCLUDED

Personalized mail is a data-driven, efficient marketing solution that can save you money by targeting customers with the highest conversion potential. This method allows you to connect directly with specific consumers, offering a comprehensive service from printing to postage and delivery — all included.

You have the flexibility to use your own mailing list or opt for our free tool to build a carefully curated list for a slight price increase. This tool makes it easier than ever to create a super-targeted mailing list, allowing you to focus on any geographic location and refine your search using various demographic filters.

Below, you can view the complete breakdown of personalized mail (B2c & B2c) pricing by quantity, size, and list type. For more detailed information, please visit this link.

Personalized Mail (Consumer) Pricing

Personalized Mail (Consumer) Pricing Chart

Personalized Mail (Business) Pricing 

Personalized Mail (Business) Chart

Conclusion

Despite the increase in postage rates, direct mail remains a powerful tool for reaching and engaging with customers. By understanding the updated costs and benefits of each direct mail option, businesses can better plan their marketing budgets and strategies to maximize their return on investment.

For more detailed pricing information and to explore the best direct mail options for your business, visit Taradel.

Note: All pricing information is sourced from Taradel.com and reflects the latest updates following the USPS postage increase on July 14, 2024.

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