Direct mail is one of the most cost-effective ways to grow your business—especially when it’s done right. But like any form of marketing, it can add up quickly if you’re not careful. The good news? There are plenty of smart strategies that can help you cut costs without cutting corners.
Whether you’re new to direct mail or a seasoned pro looking to trim your budget, here are five easy ways to save money on your next campaign:
1. Use Free Design Templates Instead of Hiring a Designer
Custom design work can cost hundreds of dollars—but it doesn’t have to. Platforms like Taradel offer free, professionally designed postcard templates for a wide range of industries. These templates are 100% USPS-compliant, fully customizable, and created with proven design principles in mind.
Pro tip: Look for templates specifically designed for Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) to ensure a perfect fit without having to hire a designer or worry about sizing requirements.
2. Send Your Mail with EDDM Instead of Traditional Mailing Lists
If you want to save big on postage, Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is the way to go. With EDDM, you don’t need to purchase a mailing list—you simply choose neighborhoods or ZIP codes to target, and your postcards get delivered to every address in those areas.
Compared to First-Class or Standard Mail, EDDM postage rates are significantly lower, especially when you’re sending to a large area. It’s perfect for local businesses like restaurants, salons, home services, and more.
3. Choose EDDM Retail to Save Even More on Postage
Want to lower your costs even further? Go with EDDM Retail. This option allows you to mail up to 5,000 pieces per day per ZIP code without needing a postal permit, making it an ideal choice for small businesses.
With EDDM Retail, you’ll benefit from some of the lowest postage rates available—often under 20¢ per piece—while still reaching every household on your selected routes.
4. Print in Bulk (But Not Too Much)
Larger print quantities usually mean lower cost per piece, so it’s wise to print enough to meet your current and upcoming campaign needs. That said, avoid overprinting—you don’t want to waste money on materials that sit unused.
Need flexibility? Some direct mail platforms (like Taradel) let you print now and schedule future drops, giving you the best of both worlds.
5. Track Your ROI to Avoid Wasting Money
One of the most effective ways to save money is to stop wasting it. Make sure your direct mail campaigns include trackable elements like:
- QR codes
- Unique promo codes
- Dedicated landing pages or phone numbers
This allows you to see exactly what’s working—so you can double down on high-performing offers and avoid repeating campaigns that didn’t deliver.
6. Reuse and Repurpose Your Designs
If you’ve created a postcard that performed well—don’t reinvent the wheel. Reuse or slightly tweak the layout, message, or offer for future drops. This saves both design time and money while maintaining brand consistency.
7. Use Standard Postcard Sizes to Avoid Extra Fees
USPS has very specific size requirements for EDDM. Staying within standard EDDM postcard dimensions (like 6.25″ x 9″ or 6.5″ x 11″) helps you avoid custom print costs or surcharges.
Bonus: These sizes also maximize your visual real estate while still qualifying for EDDM rates.
8. Bundle Direct Mail with Digital Ads
Multichannel campaigns often increase response rates and ROI, meaning fewer mailers may be needed to get the same (or better) results. Platforms like Taradel allow you to bundle Google, Facebook, and Instagram ads with your direct mail for a unified campaign—and often at a discount.
9. Schedule Mailings Strategically
Timing matters. Avoid busy mailing periods (like just before major holidays) when postage costs may rise and your mail could get lost in the shuffle. Plan ahead and mail during off-peak times to improve deliverability and stretch your budget.
10. Target Routes with the Highest ROI
Instead of blindly blanketing every neighborhood, use smart route targeting (like Mapfire) to focus on households most likely to convert—like areas with your ideal income range, homeownership rates, or ages.
With EDDM tools that offer demographic filters, you can eliminate waste and mail more efficiently.
11. Consider Self-Service Platforms
Hiring an agency for every campaign can get pricey. Self-service platforms (like Taradel’s) let you do it all yourself—design, print, and mail—often for a fraction of the cost.
Bonus: You still get professional-grade tools, templates, and support without the big agency fee.
Final Thoughts
Direct mail doesn’t have to be expensive—and when you use the right tools, it can deliver massive ROI at a surprisingly low cost.
By following these tips, you’ll get more value from every marketing dollar—without sacrificing quality, reach, or results.
