Quick Answer
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a USPS program for route-based marketing mail without a purchased mailing list. You choose routes by ZIP code or neighborhood, and USPS determines eligible delivery points, acceptance, and postage under the applicable conditions. Mail Movers reviews the route, mailpiece, preparation, and entry method before quoting a campaign. EDDM can suit restaurants, home services, real estate, and other businesses that serve a geographic area.
How EDDM Works
EDDM uses route selection rather than a purchased mailing list, while USPS program requirements still apply. Here's the process from planning through USPS entry:
Select your carrier routes
Use the USPS EDDM mapping tool (or let Mail Movers do it for you) to select the carrier routes you want to reach. Available route data and filtering options are subject to USPS tools and program conditions. Mail Movers can confirm the selected routes and their eligible delivery points during planning.
Design and print your piece
Create a flat-size mailer (minimum 6.125" × 11.5") with your offer, contact information, and call to action. Mail Movers can print EDDM-compliant pieces in-house. Your design must include an EDDM indicia (postage permit) in the upper right corner.
Bundle and prepare for USPS
EDDM preparation requirements, including bundling and documentation where applicable, depend on the selected USPS program and entry method. Mail Movers reviews and handles the applicable preparation steps as part of our EDDM service.
Submit to USPS and pay postage
Mail is prepared for the appropriate USPS entry location with the required documentation. USPS eligibility, entry, and postage are confirmed for the specific campaign before induction.
USPS delivers to every door
USPS processes the mailing for eligible delivery points on selected routes. Delivery timing is not guaranteed; available tracking or scan information depends on the specific campaign and USPS conditions.
EDDM Size Requirements
EDDM mailpieces must meet applicable USPS physical and program requirements. The dimensions below are reference points, but size alone does not establish EDDM eligibility or postage:
| Dimension | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.125" | 12" |
| Length | 11.5" | 15" |
| Thickness | 0.007" | 0.75" |
| Weight | — | 3.3 oz |
Most Popular EDDM Sizes
6.5" × 9"
Common EDDM format — confirm USPS program conditions before production
8.5" × 11"
Letter-size flat — more space for offers and copy
9" × 12"
Oversized flat — maximum visual impact
EDDM vs. Targeted Direct Mail
EDDM and targeted direct mail serve different goals. Use this comparison to decide which is right for your campaign.
| Feature | EDDM | Targeted Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Postage | Quoted after USPS eligibility, mailpiece, preparation, and entry review | Quoted after USPS product, shape, weight, sort, and entry review |
| Mailing list required | No purchased list — selected routes | A list is generally used |
| Demographic targeting | Route-level options, subject to available USPS data | List-based audience selection |
| Quantity requirements | USPS program and route conditions apply | USPS product and entry conditions apply |
| Piece format | USPS physical and program conditions apply | Format depends on the selected USPS product |
| Best for | Route-based saturation | Specific audience profiles |
| List cost | No purchased list | Quoted by list source and selection criteria |
| Suppression (opt-outs) | Review available program options | List hygiene and suppression options may be available |
EDDM Advantages
- No purchased mailing list required — selected routes are used
- USPS eligibility and postage reviewed for the specific mailing
- Route-based coverage within a defined area
- Quantity and entry requirements confirmed for selected routes
- Simple route selection by ZIP code or neighborhood
- Can fit businesses with a geographic service area
- Useful for new business launches and grand openings
- Informed Delivery availability must be confirmed with USPS
EDDM Limitations
- No individual demographic filtering — route-based delivery points are determined by USPS conditions
- Piece size must be a flat (6.125" × 11.5" minimum) — no standard postcards
- Cannot suppress existing customers or do-not-mail lists
- Less effective when your customer profile is highly specific
- Delivery timing is less predictable than First-Class mail
Who Uses EDDM?
EDDM is the right choice for businesses whose customers are defined primarily by where they live rather than specific demographic characteristics.
Restaurants & Food Delivery
Reach eligible delivery points on selected routes in your service area with a menu or coupon. EDDM can support restaurant marketing.
Home Services (HVAC, Plumbing, Lawn Care)
Saturate neighborhoods in your service area before peak season. No wasted spend on households outside your territory.
Real Estate Agents
Farm a specific neighborhood with just-listed, just-sold, or market update mailers. EDDM can cover eligible delivery points on selected routes.
Dentists & Healthcare
Reach eligible delivery points near your practice with new patient offers. No patient data is required for route-based delivery.
Gyms & Fitness Studios
Promote grand openings, new year specials, or membership drives to selected carrier routes in your service area.
Political Campaigns
Deliver voter outreach to eligible delivery points on selected routes without purchasing a general mailing list.
What Does an EDDM Campaign Cost?
An EDDM campaign includes printing, mail preparation, and postage. Each component is reviewed with the route plan, mailpiece, USPS eligibility, and entry method before a quote is issued:
| Cost Component | Quote Review | 5,000 Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Printing | Reviewed per mailpiece | Quoted with campaign specifications |
| Mail preparation & bundling | Reviewed per entry plan | Quoted with applicable USPS requirements |
| USPS postage | Confirmed after eligibility review | Quoted using the then-effective USPS price list |
| Campaign total | Custom quote | Route, production, and USPS review required |
USPS rate example: $0.260 per piece is the Notice 123 EDDM-Retail rate effective October 4, 2026 for qualifying flats up to 3.3 ounces. EDDM-Retail also has USPS saturation, simplified-address, content, quantity, and entry requirements. USPS Notice 123 figures effective October 4, 2026. These Notice 123 figures are current for the USPS time-limited price period; confirm the then-effective USPS price list and mailing eligibility for any quote or mailing dated on or after January 18, 2027. View USPS Notice 123 and current price-change information before relying on a rate.
Postage and production details depend on the selected route, mailpiece, USPS eligibility, preparation, entry, and scheduling conditions. See our full direct mail pricing guide or request a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About EDDM
What is EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail)?
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a USPS program that can deliver marketing materials to eligible delivery points on selected mail carrier routes without a purchased mailing list. You select the routes you want to reach by ZIP code, city, or neighborhood, and USPS determines eligibility, acceptance, and postage under the applicable program conditions. Mail Movers reviews the route, mailpiece, preparation, and entry details before quoting a campaign.
How much does EDDM cost?
EDDM postage, printing, and preparation are quoted after review of the then-applicable USPS requirements, selected routes, mailpiece characteristics, entry method, and production details. A flat-size format alone does not establish EDDM eligibility or price. Request a custom quote for the campaign you are planning.
What is the minimum quantity for EDDM?
EDDM quantity, route, and entry requirements depend on the applicable USPS program conditions and the selected routes. Mail Movers reviews those requirements before production and can help plan an appropriate test or expanded campaign.
What size does EDDM mail have to be?
EDDM mailpieces must satisfy applicable USPS physical and program requirements, including flat-size and weight requirements. Meeting dimensions alone does not establish EDDM eligibility or postage. Mail Movers can review a proposed size, weight, design, preparation, and entry method before production.
Do I need a mailing list for EDDM?
EDDM does not require a purchased mailing list. You select carrier routes by ZIP code, neighborhood, or city using the USPS EDDM mapping tool, and USPS determines the eligible delivery points and applicable program conditions for the mailing.
What is the difference between EDDM and targeted direct mail?
EDDM uses selected carrier routes without a purchased mailing list, while targeted direct mail uses a purchased or owned list to reach selected individuals or businesses. USPS eligibility, postage, and production costs for either approach depend on the applicable product, mailpiece, preparation, sort, and entry conditions. EDDM may suit route-based saturation; targeted mail may suit a specific audience profile.
What businesses benefit most from EDDM?
EDDM works best for businesses whose customers are defined primarily by where they live rather than who they are: restaurants, pizza delivery, home services (HVAC, plumbing, lawn care, window washing), real estate agents, dentists, chiropractors, gyms, retail stores, auto repair shops, and any business with a defined service radius. It is also effective for political campaigns, school enrollment, and community events.
Can I target specific demographics with EDDM?
EDDM does not provide individual demographic targeting; USPS determines eligible delivery points on selected routes under the applicable program conditions. You can use the USPS EDDM mapping tool to review available route data, including household income, average age, and residential versus business mix. For more precise demographic targeting (by income, homeownership, family size, or interests), targeted direct mail with a purchased list is the better option.
How long does EDDM take to deliver?
EDDM is entered as Marketing Mail, and USPS delivery timing is not guaranteed. Build a scheduling buffer for time-sensitive campaigns and confirm the entry plan before committing to an in-home date.
Related Resources
What Is Marketing Mail?
Learn how Marketing Mail presort compares to EDDM for targeted advertising campaigns.
What Is Presort Mail?
Understand how presort discounts work for First-Class and Marketing Mail — and how much you can save.
USPS Full-Service Certification
See how Full-Service IMb options and adjustments may apply when USPS conditions are met.
Direct Mail Pricing Guide
Complete 2026 cost breakdown for printing, postage, list rental, and lettershop services.