What is EDDM?
EDDM delivers a saturation flat to every active address on the carrier routes you select, using a simplified address ("LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER") instead of names, so no mailing list, NCOA, or per-recipient data is needed. It is USPS Marketing Mail priced at simplified saturation rates. Best for local, geographic campaigns where audience targeting is not required.
What size does an EDDM piece have to be?
Each EDDM piece must qualify as a flat (see What size is a flat):
- Must exceed at least one of: 6.125 inches high, 10.5 inches long, or 0.25 inch thick. A 5 x 7 does not qualify; typical EDDM postcards start around 6.25 x 9 or 6.25 x 11 to clear the height minimum.
- Maximum: 15 inches long, 12 inches high, 0.75 inch thick.
- Maximum weight: 3.3 ounces.
Because postage is the same across the EDDM size range, a larger piece costs the same to mail. See DMM 243.
Address and indicia
Each piece carries a printed indicia in the upper-right corner including the ECRWSS marking, and a generic address block reading "LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER" (or similar) rather than a name. See DMM 602.3.
How many EDDM Retail pieces can I mail per day?
- No mailing permit required.
- Limit 5,000 pieces per ZIP code per day; minimum 200 pieces per mailing per ZIP.
- Bundled in groups of 50 to 100 with a facing slip on each bundle, presented at the destination Post Office (DDU) with PS Form 3587.
Good for smaller local drops. See DMM 243.
EDDM BMEU
- Requires a USPS mailing permit and entry at a Business Mail Entry Unit.
- No daily piece cap; slightly lower per-piece postage than Retail; uses PS Form 3602 and a permit imprint or commercial account.
Better for larger campaigns or multiple ZIPs. Plavidian can mail EDDM BMEU under its permit. See DMM 243.
Should I use EDDM Retail or BMEU?
Under about 5,000 pieces in one ZIP, Retail is simpler. Over 5,000 pieces or across multiple ZIPs, BMEU saves postage and the effort of multiple Post Office drops. For exact EDDM prices, cite Notice 123 and use the Postage Estimator.