For businesses evaluating Every Door Direct Mail, buyers commonly ask about the overall cost and price per piece. The main cost drivers are printing quality, mailpiece size, and the USPS EDDM eligibility rules that enable sink-to-door delivery without a mailing list. This article presents practical pricing ranges in USD and real-world examples to help set a budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postcard size (4.25″ x 6″) printing | $0.03 | $0.06 | $0.12 | Color or black-and-white; bulk printing discounts apply |
| Postcard size (6″ x 9″) printing | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.20 | More impact; higher cost per piece |
| Postage (EDDMD/Piece) | $0.12 | $0.17 | $0.24 | Based on USPS EDDM pricing; varies by mailpiece weight |
| Design & setup | $50 | $250 | $1,000 | One-time or per-campaign; depends on complexity |
| Flat mailing (no list, no return) | $0.15 | $0.25 | $0.40 | All-in-one cost for typical EDDM delivery |
| Delivery/Disposal & handling | $0 | $0.02 | $0.05 | Assumes basic processing by printer or mail broker |
| Total campaign cost (5,000 pieces) | $1,000 | $1,600 | $2,600 | Assumes standard postcard, basic design, no add-ons |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Costs combine printing, postage, and optional services. The typical EDDM round uses 4.25″ x 6″ or 6″ x 9″ postcards, with per-piece postages and printing priced in ranges. On the low end, a simple, single-color design with standard-weight stock and bulk printing may land in the low single-digits per piece when factoring in postage. The average scenario adds color printing, a moderate-weight stock, and a basic design package. The high end reflects premium stock, full-color imagery, larger formats, and optional services such as design, delivery coordination, or multiple campaigns in a season.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Printing | $0.03 | $0.06 | $0.12 | Per piece; bulk discounts amplify savings |
| Postage (EDDМ) | $0.12 | $0.17 | $0.24 | Based on USPS EDDM pricing; weight and format influence rate |
| Design & setup | $50 | $250 | $1,000 | Includes layout, proofing, and file preparation |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $0.02 | $0.05 | Handled by printer or broker in most cases |
| Accessories & finishes | $0 | $0.02 | $0.10 | Coatings, spot UV, or folding |
| Contingency | $0 | $0.01 | $0.05 | Extra for revisions or mail-list tweaks |
| Estimated total (5,000 pieces) | $1,000 | $1,600 | $2,600 | Assumes postcard format and standard service levels |
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What Drives Price
Pricing varies with format, quantity, and finish. The postcard size, paper stock, and color utilization directly impact printing costs. Postage is primarily determined by format and weight, but EDDM discounts apply for door-to-door coverage without a recipient list. Design complexity, proofing time, and any optional add-ons like coatings or specialized folds also shift the total. For campaigns in multiple zones, regional differences may affect overall spend.
Price Components
Key components include Materials (paper stock, coatings, envelopes if used), Labor (design, proofing, and prepress), Equipment (printing presses and finishing gear), Permits & Compliance (where required by local rules), Delivery/Disposal (sorting and handling), and Contingency (unexpected revisions).
Regional Price Differences
Costs can vary by region due to supplier proximity and local demand. In the Northeast, higher print-demand can push per-piece costs up modestly; the South often shows slightly lower print and postal charges for similar formats; the Midwest generally sits in the middle. A typical delta is ±10–20% between regions for the same design and quantity.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor is usually modest or bundled into design packages, but some providers bill for setup and file preparation. For simple campaigns with a single design, labor costs are often contained in the design tier and do not materially alter the per-piece price. If multiple revisions or quick-turn timelines are requested, expect higher charges.
Regional Price Differences
See the regional snapshot above for a quick reference. For U.S. campaigns, the most impactful variances come from printing facilities’ distance to the printer year-end capacity and the format chosen. Assuming standard 4.25″ x 6″ postcards, typical regional deltas are manageable with bulk orders.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common outcomes. Each assumes standard postcard formats, basic design, and one mail drop.
- Basic — 5,000 units, 4.25″ x 6″ black-and-white printing, standard stock, no extras: Printing $0.03, Postage $0.12, Design $50, Total ≈ $1,000.
- Mid-Range — 5,000 units, color printing, 6″ x 9″, light coating, simple design: Printing $0.10, Postage $0.17, Design $250, Total ≈ $1,600.
- Premium — 5,000 units, premium stock, full-color, 6″ x 9″, multiple finishes, enhanced proofs: Printing $0.20, Postage $0.24, Design $800, Total ≈ $2,600.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Ways To Save
Economies of scale matter; consolidate campaigns. Consider ordering larger quantities in fewer runs to reduce per-piece costs. Choose standard sizes and minimize finishes (no coatings) to lower printing and handling fees. Use a single design file and reuse it across multiple zones where practical, while respecting local variations. If timing allows, target off-peak mailing windows to reduce demand-driven surcharges.
Cost Compared To Alternatives
Compared with manual mailings or purchased lists with traditional postage, EDDM can offer a lower minimums barrier and predictable geography-based delivery. For businesses with wide-area coverage needs and no requirement for recipient data, EDDM generally remains a cost-effective option, particularly for larger mailings that leverage bulk discounts.
Sample Quotes / Price Snapshots
Providers may bundle services into a single package or itemize per-item charges. A typical quote will show per-piece printing, per-piece postage, and a separate design/setup fee, with optional add-ons listed as separate line items. For planning, assume a 15–30% cushion for design revisions and potential postage rate changes during a campaign cycle.