Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM®) is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reach local customers. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions businesses ask about how EDDM® works, how much it costs, who it’s best for, and how to get the most results from your campaign.
What is Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM®)?
EDDM® is a USPS® program that lets you mail postcards to every home on a mail route—no mailing list required. It’s one of the most affordable ways to reach local customers at scale.
Do I need a mailing list?
No. With EDDM®, you mail to every address on selected USPS routes, making it ideal for local awareness and lead generation without list costs.
How much does EDDM® cost?
Costs depend on postcard size, quantity, and printing options. EDDM Retail (with Taradel) can cost as low as $0.07 per piece, making it one of the lowest-cost direct mail options available.
View full pricing breakdown for both EDDM All-Inclusive & Retail here.
What is EDDM® All-Inclusive, and how is it different from EDDM® Retail?
With All-Inclusive EDDM®, your provider manages production and USPS logistics for you, making it ideal for businesses that want a faster, easier experience without manual steps.
While EDDM® Retail offers slightly lower postage, EDDM® All-Inclusive saves time, reduces errors, and simplifies the entire mailing process—especially for larger or repeat campaigns.
Is there a minimum or maximum quantity?
Yes, there is a minimum of 1,000 postcards per EDDM campaign order.
There is no maximum, so mail away!
What postcard sizes can I use?
EDDM® postcards offer flexible sizing, giving you room to choose the format that best fits your message. Popular USPS-approved options include 6.25″ x 9″ (Standard), 6.25″ x 11″ (Large), 8.5″ x 11″ (Jumbo), and 12″ x 15″ (Oversized).
To qualify as an EDDM® flat, postcards must meet USPS® size requirements—at least 6.125″ x 11″, no larger than 12″ x 15″, and between 0.007″ and 0.25″ thick.
How long does an EDDM campaign take?
From design to delivery, most campaigns take 2–3 weeks. This includes design approval, printing, USPS processing, and delivery.
Can I choose which neighborhoods to mail to?
Yes. You can target by ZIP code, carrier route, or neighborhood, allowing you to focus on areas most likely to convert.
Try out our advanced targeting mapping tool for free here!
Does EDDM® work for small businesses?
Absolutely. EDDM® is especially effective for home services, restaurants, real estate, medical practices, gyms, and local retailers looking to drive awareness and local leads.
How do I track results from EDDM®?
You can track performance using:
- QR codes
- Call tracking numbers
- Promo codes or special offers
- Dedicated landing pages
These tools help measure response and ROI.
Can I add digital ads to my EDDM campaign?
Yes—and it’s highly recommended. Adding Facebook, Google Display, Hulu, Spotify, or Nextdoor ads increases impressions, reinforces your message, and boosts overall response.
Do I need design experience?
No. You can use USPS-compliant templates, upload your own design, or work with a professional design team.
Bonus tip: Taradel will design your postcard design for completely free. Just ask!
Is EDDM® better for awareness or leads?
EDDM® excels at brand awareness, but with strong offers and tracking, it’s also highly effective for lead generation and bookings.
What makes EDDM® different from traditional, addressed mail?
EDDM® sends your postcard to every home on selected USPS mail routes, while traditional addressed mail is sent to specific individuals or households using a mailing list.
Key differences:
- No mailing list needed: EDDM® targets neighborhoods, not names
- Lower cost per piece: EDDM® postage is significantly cheaper
- Best for awareness: Ideal for blanket coverage and local visibility
Conclusion
Every Door Direct Mail® makes it easy for local businesses to reach the right households, stay visible in their community, and drive real results—without the complexity or cost of traditional mailing lists. With flexible sizing, affordable postage, simple targeting, and powerful tracking options, EDDM® is a proven way to build awareness and generate leads at scale. When paired with digital ads, it becomes an even more effective, multichannel strategy that keeps your business top-of-mind wherever your audience is.
Ready to launch your EDDM® campaign?
Taradel makes it simple to get started. Use our free mapping and targeting tools, choose from USPS-compliant postcard templates, and get professional postcard design at no extra cost. Plus, amplify your results by adding digital ads—all from one easy platform.
Start your EDDM® campaign with Taradel today and reach every home that matters most.
