EDDM Design

Designing an Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) piece requires adherence to specific guidelines set by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to qualify for EDDM service. Here are the key design requirements:

1. Size and Format:

   • EDDM postcards must be rectangular and meet the minimum and maximum size requirements. The most common sizes are 6.5" x 9" and 8.5" x 11", but other sizes are also acceptable.

   • The aspect ratio (length divided by height) of the mail piece must be within the specified range. For EDDM Retail, it should be between 1.3 and 2.5.

   • Flyers are another option, with sizes typically around 6.5" x 12".

2. Thickness and Weight:

   • EDDM mail pieces must meet the minimum and maximum thickness requirements. The minimum thickness is 0.007 inches, and the maximum thickness is 0.25 inches.

   • The weight of the mail piece can vary, but it should not exceed 3.3 ounces.

3. Indicia and Addressing:

   • Instead of individual postage stamps or a permit imprint, EDDM mail pieces must bear a simplified addressing format known as the EDDM Retail Indicia or they can use Action Mail’s indicia if we are mailing the EDDM mail piece.

   • The indicia includes space for “Presort Standard”, "ECRWSS" (Every Door Direct Mail - Retail) marking, the permit holder's city and state, and the phrase "U.S. POSTAGE PAID." if you are using our permit you will also need to add our permit number.

4. Delivery Route Information:

   • Each EDDM mail piece must include a facing slip with the delivery route information, including the postal route number and the city, state, and ZIP code of the delivery area.

5. Clear Space:

   • Leave clear space around the edges of the mail piece to ensure that important information, such as the address and indicia, is not cut off during processing or delivery.

6. Non-Standard Shapes:

   • While EDDM primarily accommodates rectangular mail pieces, certain non-standard shapes may be eligible if they meet specific requirements outlined by the USPS.

7. Content Restrictions:

   • EDDM mail pieces must comply with USPS regulations regarding content, including restrictions on prohibited content such as hazardous materials, illegal activities, and offensive material.

8. Bundling and Labeling:

   • When preparing EDDM mail pieces for delivery, they must be bundled according to USPS guidelines and labeled with the appropriate delivery route information.

9. Printing Specifications:

   • Use high-quality printing techniques and materials to ensure that text and images are clear and legible. The USPS may reject mail pieces that are deemed unreadable or of poor quality.

It's essential to carefully review the USPS guidelines for EDDM to ensure compliance with all design requirements. Failure to meet these requirements may result in additional fees or the rejection of your mail pieces by the USPS. Working with a reputable printing service familiar with EDDM guidelines can help ensure that your mail pieces meet all necessary specifications.

Action Mail offers full service EDDM processing where all we will need is the artwork and routes and we can take care of the printing and processing. Using our permit also allows lower rates as well as the opporutnity to mail more than 5,000 pieces at a time.