EDDM Postcards: The Complete Guide to Printing and Mailing Every Door Direct Mail Postcards
If your business needs to reach local customers fast, EDDM postcards are one of the most effective and affordable ways to advertise directly to households in your target area.
EDDM stands for Every Door Direct Mail, a USPS mailing program that allows businesses to send postcards to every address within selected postal carrier routes without purchasing a mailing list. Instead of targeting individual names, businesses target neighborhoods.
For restaurants, real estate agents, roofers, HVAC companies, landscapers, dentists, chiropractors, political campaigns, and local service businesses, EDDM postcards are a powerful way to generate calls, website visits, appointments, coupons, and new customers.
What Are EDDM Postcards?
EDDM postcards are oversized direct mail postcards designed to qualify for the USPS Every Door Direct Mail program. They are mailed to every household or business along selected postal routes.
Unlike standard direct mail, EDDM does not require a purchased mailing list. You choose the neighborhoods, and USPS delivers your postcard to every address on those routes.
This makes EDDM postcard printing especially useful for businesses that serve local markets and want to reach customers by geography.
Why Businesses Use EDDM Postcards
Businesses use EDDM postcards because they combine local targeting, high visibility, and affordable postage. A large postcard in the mailbox is difficult to ignore, especially when it includes a strong offer.
Popular uses include:
- Restaurant coupons and menus
- Roofing and storm damage promotions
- Real estate farming campaigns
- HVAC tune-up offers
- Landscaping and lawn care promotions
- Dental and chiropractic new patient offers
- Grand opening announcements
- Political campaign mailers
- Retail sale promotions
If your business depends on local customers, EDDM postcard printing can put your offer directly into the hands of nearby homeowners.
How EDDM Postcard Mailing Works
The EDDM process is simple when handled correctly.
Step 1: Choose Your Target Area
You select postal carrier routes based on location, household income, age range, home ownership, household size, or other demographic indicators available through USPS route tools.
Step 2: Design Your EDDM Postcard
Your postcard should include a clear headline, strong offer, professional design, contact information, and a direct call to action.
Step 3: Print Your Postcards
Your EDDM postcards are printed in a USPS-compliant size and format.
Step 4: Bundle and Prepare for USPS
EDDM mailers must be bundled, labeled, counted, and prepared according to USPS requirements.
Step 5: USPS Delivers to Every Door
Once accepted, USPS delivers your postcards to every address on the selected routes.
Best EDDM Postcard Sizes
Size matters with EDDM. Larger postcards stand out in the mailbox and give your business more space to advertise.
Popular EDDM postcard sizes include:
| Size | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 6.25" x 9" | General promotions | Affordable and USPS-friendly |
| 6.5" x 9" | Restaurants, coupons, local services | Compact but highly visible |
| 8.5" x 11" | Menus, real estate, service companies | Large format with more selling space |
| 9" x 12" | Premium campaigns | Maximum visibility in the mailbox |
For most businesses, oversized EDDM postcards perform better than small mailers because they are easier to notice, easier to read, and harder to throw away without being seen.
EDDM Postcards vs Traditional Direct Mail
| Feature | EDDM Postcards | Traditional Direct Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Mailing list required | No | Yes |
| Targets neighborhoods | Yes | Yes |
| Targets individual names | No | Yes |
| Good for local businesses | Yes | Yes |
| Lower setup cost | Usually yes | Often no |
| Best use | Saturation mailing | Specific customer targeting |
Traditional direct mail is useful when you need to target specific names, customers, or mailing lists. EDDM is better when you want to dominate a local area and reach every home in selected neighborhoods.
How Much Do EDDM Postcards Cost?
The cost of EDDM postcards depends on postcard size, quantity, paper stock, coating, postage, and whether you need full-service mailing preparation.
Typical EDDM campaign costs include:
- Postcard printing
- USPS postage
- Bundling
- Route paperwork
- Delivery preparation
- Optional design services
Businesses that want to save time often choose full-service EDDM because the printer handles the printing, bundling, postal paperwork, and mailing preparation.
To get professional printing and mailing support, visit BlockbusterPrint’s EDDM postcards page.
Best Industries for EDDM Postcards
Restaurants
Restaurants use EDDM postcards for menus, coupons, grand openings, lunch specials, catering, and seasonal promotions. A strong food image and coupon can create immediate response.
Roofing Companies
Roofers use EDDM to target neighborhoods after storms, hail damage, wind damage, or seasonal roof inspections. Large postcards work well because homeowners need trust before calling.
Real Estate Agents
Realtors use EDDM postcards for just listed, just sold, market updates, open houses, and neighborhood farming. Consistent mailing builds name recognition.
HVAC Companies
HVAC companies use EDDM for seasonal tune-ups, furnace repair, air conditioning service, duct cleaning, and emergency service promotions.
Dentists and Chiropractors
Healthcare practices use EDDM postcards for new patient specials, exam offers, whitening promotions, pain relief campaigns, and family care announcements.
What Makes an EDDM Postcard Convert?
A postcard does not convert because it looks pretty. It converts because the message is clear, the offer is strong, and the customer knows exactly what to do next.
Use a Clear Headline
Your headline should instantly explain the benefit.
Examples:
- Save 20% On Your First Order
- Free Roof Inspection This Month
- $49 New Patient Special
- Grand Opening Coupon Inside
- Get Your Lawn Ready For Spring
Make One Strong Offer
Do not overload the postcard with too many messages. One strong offer usually beats five weak offers.
Use Professional Images
High-quality photos help your postcard look trustworthy. Poor images make the business feel cheap.
Add Reviews or Proof
Include star ratings, testimonials, years in business, number of customers served, or guarantees.
Use a Direct Call to Action
Tell people exactly what to do:
- Call today
- Scan the QR code
- Visit our website
- Bring this postcard in
- Schedule your appointment
EDDM Postcard Design Mistakes to Avoid
Many EDDM campaigns fail because the design is confusing. Avoid these mistakes:
- Too much text
- No clear offer
- Weak headline
- Low-quality images
- No phone number
- No website
- No expiration date
- No reason to act now
- Tiny text that is hard to read
- Too many competing messages
Your postcard should be simple, bold, and easy to understand in seconds.
Why Full-Service EDDM Helps Businesses Save Time
EDDM can be powerful, but the USPS preparation process can be confusing for business owners. Full-service EDDM removes the headache.
A full-service provider can help with:
- Printing
- Route selection
- Bundling
- Facing slips
- Postal paperwork
- Mail preparation
- USPS compliance
This is especially valuable for busy business owners who want the campaign completed without dealing with postal rules.
Why Choose BlockbusterPrint for EDDM Postcards?
BlockbusterPrint helps businesses print professional EDDM postcards designed for local marketing campaigns.
Businesses choose BlockbusterPrint because of:
- Professional postcard printing
- Fast production options
- Multiple EDDM postcard sizes
- Full-service mailing options
- Nationwide printing service
- USPS-compliant EDDM postcard products
- High-quality paper and coating options
If you are ready to promote your business locally, start with professionally printed EDDM postcards from BlockbusterPrint.
Frequently Asked Questions About EDDM Postcards
What does EDDM stand for?
EDDM stands for Every Door Direct Mail.
Do I need a mailing list for EDDM?
No. EDDM allows businesses to mail to every address on selected postal carrier routes without purchasing a mailing list.
Are EDDM postcards good for local businesses?
Yes. EDDM postcards are especially useful for businesses that serve specific neighborhoods, towns, ZIP codes, or local service areas.
What is the best size for EDDM postcards?
Popular sizes include 6.25" x 9", 6.5" x 9", 8.5" x 11", and 9" x 12". Larger postcards usually get more attention.
Can EDDM postcards include coupons?
Yes. Coupons are one of the most effective uses for EDDM postcards, especially for restaurants, retail stores, service businesses, and grand openings.
Can BlockbusterPrint print EDDM postcards?
Yes. BlockbusterPrint offers professional EDDM postcard printing for businesses that want to reach local customers.
Start Your EDDM Postcard Campaign
EDDM postcards remain one of the most effective ways to reach local customers, promote a business, and generate leads without purchasing a mailing list.
Whether you are advertising a restaurant, roofing company, real estate office, medical practice, retail store, or home service business, a well-designed postcard can put your offer directly into the hands of nearby customers.
Ready to get started? View BlockbusterPrint’s professional EDDM postcards and start building your next local marketing campaign today.
