How Much Does EDDM Cost?
A full breakdown of EDDM printing and postage costs — no surprises, no fine print.
The Short Answer
EDDM costs roughly $0.57 per piece when you combine printing and USPS postage for a standard 6.25" × 9" postcard at 500 pieces. That breaks down to about $0.32 for printing and $0.247 for postage. Your per-piece cost drops as quantity increases — at 5,000 pieces, you can expect to pay closer to $0.40 per piece all-in.
Those numbers cover everything: printing on 14pt gloss cardstock, bundling by carrier route, USPS paperwork (PS Form 3587), and delivery preparation for your local Post Office. L&B Printing includes a free expert design review on every order, so there is no extra charge for having our team check your layout before it goes to press.
What You Pay Per Piece
EDDM pricing has two components: print cost and USPS postage. Here is how they work together.
| Quantity | Print/Piece | USPS Postage | All-In/Piece | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | ~$0.32 | $0.247 | ~$0.567 | ~$283 |
| 1,000 | ~$0.42 | $0.247 | ~$0.66 | ~$507 |
| 2,500 | ~$0.20 | $0.247 | ~$0.447 | ~$1,118 |
| 5,000 | ~$0.24 | $0.247 | ~$0.407 | ~$2,018 |
Print pricing is approximate and depends on paper stock and finish. USPS EDDM postage is $0.247 per piece as of 2026 and is subject to change by USPS. Contact us for an exact quote.
Paper Stock Upgrades
| Paper Stock | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| 14pt Gloss | Base price (included) |
| 14pt Matte | +$0.01–$0.02 |
| 16pt Gloss | +$0.02–$0.03 |
| 16pt Matte | +$0.03–$0.04 |
Matte finish gives a softer, more refined feel. 16pt stock is noticeably thicker in hand — it stands out in a mailbox full of flimsy paper.
Pricing by Size
USPS approves three standard sizes for EDDM mailings. Larger formats cost more to print but give you more space for your message, photos, and offers.
6.25" × 9"
Standard EDDM Postcard
~$0.24–$0.32/pc
The most popular EDDM size. Qualifies for the lowest USPS postage rate. Enough room for a strong headline, one clear offer, and a call to action.
Best for: Real estate farming, HVAC seasonal campaigns, restaurant grand openings
6.25" × 11"
Oversized Postcard
~$0.20–$0.38/pc
About 22% more print area than the standard size. Same postage rate. Gives you room for a second offer, a map, or a larger photo spread.
Best for: Multi-service businesses, before/after showcases, coupon-heavy campaigns
8.5" × 11"
Maximum Impact
~$0.24–$0.44/pc
Full letter-size. Hard to ignore in a mailbox. Works well when you need to show a menu, a full list of services, or multiple product photos.
Best for: Restaurant menus, service catalogs, event schedules
USPS postage is the same regardless of size — $0.247 per piece for all approved EDDM formats.
What's Included in Every EDDM Order
When you order EDDM through L&B Printing, you are not just getting postcards. You are getting a complete mailing service.
- Free expert design review — we check your layout for response-killing mistakes before it goes to press
- Full-color printing — front and back, on your choice of paper stock and finish
- Carrier route bundling — sorted and bundled exactly how the Post Office requires
- USPS paperwork — we complete PS Form 3587 for each route
- Post Office delivery preparation — bundled, labeled, and ready for drop-off
- No setup fees — no plate charges, no design fees, no minimum order surcharges
You choose your carrier routes. We handle everything else between your approved design and the Post Office door.
How USPS EDDM Postage Works
EDDM stands for Every Door Direct Mail. It is a USPS program that lets you send mail to every residential address on a carrier route — without buying a mailing list.
Why EDDM postage is so low:
Regular first-class mail costs $0.73 per piece (as of 2026). Standard marketing mail with a mailing list runs $0.30–$0.50 per piece. EDDM postage is just $0.247 per piece because:
- No mailing list required. You select carrier routes, not individual addresses. USPS saves on address processing.
- No permits needed. Unlike bulk mail, EDDM does not require a postal permit or annual fees.
- Simplified delivery. Mail carriers deliver one piece to every door on their route. No sorting by individual address.
You pick ZIP codes and carrier routes based on demographics — household income, age range, home ownership. Each route typically covers 300–800 addresses. USPS requires a minimum of 200 pieces per route and a maximum of 5,000 per day per ZIP code.
L&B Printing handles all the logistics: bundling by route, completing the required USPS forms, and preparing your mailing for Post Office delivery. You do not need a USPS account, a bulk mail permit, or any postal experience.
Why EDDM Pays for Itself
The real question is not "how much does EDDM cost?" It is "what does EDDM return?"
Example: HVAC company mailing 2,500 postcards
| Printing (2,500 at $0.20) | $500 |
| Postage (2,500 at $0.247) | $618 |
| Total campaign cost | $1,118 |
Direct mail averages a 4.4% response rate, compared to 0.12% for email. That means roughly 110 responses from 2,500 pieces.
If 10% convert to a job — that is 11 new customers. For an HVAC company where an average service call is $300–$500, that is $3,300–$5,500 in revenue from a $1,118 investment.
Industry benchmarks show direct mail generates an average of $42 in revenue for every $1 spent (DMA Response Rate Report).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does EDDM cost per piece?+
EDDM costs roughly $0.40–$0.57 per piece all-in, depending on quantity and paper stock. That includes both printing and USPS postage ($0.247/piece). At 500 pieces on 14pt gloss, expect about $0.57 per piece. At 5,000 pieces, that drops to around $0.40 per piece. L&B Printing includes free design review with every order — no extra charge.
Is EDDM cheaper than regular direct mail?+
Yes — significantly. At $0.247 per piece, you can reach three homes for less than the price of one first-class stamp ($0.73). You also skip the cost of buying a mailing list, which typically runs $0.05–$0.25 per name. For local businesses like real estate agents, HVAC companies, restaurants, retailers, and more, EDDM is the most cost-effective way to get new customers through direct mail.
Are there hidden fees with EDDM?+
Not at L&B Printing. Your quote includes printing, bundling by carrier route, USPS paperwork (PS Form 3587), and delivery preparation. There are no setup fees, no plate charges, and no design surcharges. The only separate cost is USPS postage, which we break out clearly so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
How many pieces do I need to send?+
USPS requires a minimum of 200 pieces per carrier route. Most routes cover 300–800 addresses, so your minimum is determined by the routes you select. There is no maximum order size with L&B Printing. We recommend starting with 500–1,000 pieces across 1–3 routes to test your offer and design before scaling up.
Does L&B Printing handle USPS paperwork and delivery?+
Yes. We handle everything between your approved design and the Post Office. That includes printing, sorting and bundling by carrier route, completing PS Form 3587 for each route, and preparing your mailing for Post Office delivery. You do not need a USPS permit, a bulk mail account, or any prior mailing experience.
Ready to See What EDDM Can Do for Your Business?
You know the cost. You know what is included. The next step is choosing your carrier routes and getting an exact quote for your campaign.