Shared mail
A company puts many advertisers' offers into one envelope or bundle and mails it to every home in an area. You buy a spot in the package.
- Good: you share the postage, so it can cost less per home. Someone else handles design rules, printing and mailing.
- Not so good: your offer sits next to many others, sometimes competitors. You don't control the timing, the area or how your ad looks next to the rest.
EDDM
Your own piece, on its own, to the routes you pick.
- Good: nobody else in the mailbox with you. You choose the size, design, timing and area.
- Not so good: you pay for all the postage and printing yourself, and you do the work (or pay someone).
Which one?
| If you... | Try |
|---|---|
| want the lowest cost per home and don't mind sharing | Shared mail |
| want to stand out alone, with your own design | EDDM |
| want to pick exact routes and dates | EDDM |
| have no time to design or prepare mail | Shared mail, or an EDDM service |
Quick questions
What is shared mail?
A mailing that combines several advertisers' offers into one package delivered to every home in an area.
Is EDDM better than coupon packs?
Neither is always better. EDDM gives you control and attention. Shared mail can cost less per home.