If you own a local business, you need exposure to the people who are most likely to buy from you: the people in your city and in your neighborhood. You also need to make the most of every marketing dollar. And that’s why I want to take a minute to introduce you to Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), a new service being offered by the USPS. If you’re like me, you’re probably gaping in astonishment that the postal service has anything beneficial to offer to businesses. But stick with me, I think you’ll be impressed.
What Can EDDM Offer Your Business?
EDDM offers some awesome benefits to small businesses:
- It’s cost effective—Postage rates start at 14.5¢ per piece. That’s an unheard of price for direct mail. You can also avoid the costs of labeling each piece.
- It’s easy—No address lists or contact information. Just choose a target area and have your piece delivered to every single home on the route. You don’t even have to send to an entire zip code, just a complete mail carrier route.
- It’s flexible—You have a variety of size options to choose from, making it possible to create unique designs that include as little or as much information as you need to get your message across.
Once you start delving into the details, you’ll discover a few qualifications when it comes to item specs. For instance, each piece must be a standard mail flat weighing less than 3.3 oz. for EDDM—Retail and 15.994 oz. for EDDM—BMEU. Your mailing must be a saturation mailing for an entire mail carrier route and must include at least 200 pieces. Businesses that do not qualify for EDDM—Retail can still qualify for Business Mail Entry Unit options allowing larger mailings and requiring a postage permit.
Why Am I Plugging EDDM?
No, I’m not getting any perks from the USPS for promoting their service. But I do think it’s important for local businesses to take advantage of available cost saving measures in order to stay in the game against larger competitors. EDDM makes that possible by cutting costs to the bare minimum and making it as easy as possible to reach your potential customers. You can find out exact details, requirements, and specifications at the USPS Every Door Direct Mail page.
If you’re looking for a better way to send direct mail to the people who are most likely to use your products and services, the USPS just made your life a whole lot easier. Really.