The 30-second answer
EDDM is a USPS service that delivers your advertising to every address on the mail routes you choose. No mailing list. No names. About $0.26 a piece in postage.
In a little more detail
EDDM stands for Every Door Direct Mail®. It's a USPS service for sending advertising by mail without a mailing list.
You choose an area on a map, made of carrier routes. A carrier route is the set of addresses one mail carrier visits. USPS then delivers your piece to every address on those routes. The pieces don't have names on them. They say "Postal Customer" (or "Residential Customer" for homes only).
Why people use it
- No list needed. You don't have to know anyone's name or address.
- Low postage. $0.260 a piece with EDDM Retail.
- No permit needed for EDDM Retail. A normal USPS.com account is enough.
- Local reach. Every home and business near you, if you want.
What it's not
- Not personal. You can't put names on it or choose single houses.
- Not fast or guaranteed. It travels as advertising mail, with no promised delivery day.
- Not for letters. EDDM Retail pieces are "flats", larger pieces like jumbo postcards.
Where to go next
- What the name means
- EDDM vs. addressed mail
- The EDDM glossary, with every word explained
- EDDM myths
Quick questions
What is EDDM in simple terms?
A USPS service that delivers your advertising to every address on the mail routes you choose, without a mailing list.
What does EDDM cost?
$0.260 per piece in postage for EDDM Retail, plus printing.
Do I need a permit for EDDM?
Not for EDDM Retail. A USPS.com account is enough.