Have you heard about Every Door Direct Mail?

In recent months, more and more of our ministry clients are opting to use the Every Door Direct Mail service (EDDM) through the USPS.

Here’s a quick look at the differences between using EDDM versus a traditional direct mailing.

1. Map vs. Mailing List

With EDDM, you would use the USPS website’s online EDDM tool to create your target mailing map. You can select and eliminate postal routes and filter the selection bases on recipient age, income, and household size. Every mailing piece must say “Local Postal Customer” and will not be addressed to a specific person.

With direct mail, we would generate a mailing list for you—and could filter it to suit your needs. The list would include specific addresses and names where they are available.

2. Size and Quantity Limits

EDDM cards must be more than 10.5" in length or 6.125" in height, and you cannot mail more than 5,000 cards per day.

With direct mail, you can mail any size card, starting from 4.25" x 6", and there is no maximum mailing quantity.

3. Manual Prep vs. Automated Mail Processing

EDDM requires more work on your part. The same web tool that allows you to create your mailing map will prompt you to print the appropriate forms for your post office. You will need to bundle the postcards in groups of 50’s or 100’s and attach appropriate facing slips.

With direct mail, we would handle all the addressing and processing of the cards for you.

4. Local Post Office Drop-Off

With EDDM, you would need to drop the prepared cards and forms at your local post office (or more than one post office, depending on the routes you selected).

With direct mail, we deliver the cards to the post office for you.

5. Costs Vary with Each Method

The cost to mail with EDDM depends on the specifics of your targeted area. Cost is generated with the same online tool used to create your map.

Direct mail costs vary based on the size of your card and the size of your mailing list. For more specific information, visit our mailings page, or contact us for a specific quote.

In short....

Each method of mailing has its pros and cons. But with some extra work on your part, using EDDM may save you some money on postage for a local mailing. If you have questions about which option is best for you, we’d love to be of service—whether that means designing your postcard with EDDM in mind or handling the entire process, start to finish.

Contact us with your questions or visit our page about direct mail.