Eddm Cost Calculator

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EDDM Cost Calculator
USPS Marketing Mail Retail (Current Rate)USPS Marketing Mail BMEU (Commercial)Custom Rate
Total EDDM Investment: $0.00
Total Postage:
Total Printing:
Total Prep/Bundling:
Flat Design Fee:
Cost Per Piece:
function updatePostage(){var sel=document.getElementById('postage_type');if(sel.value!=='custom'){document.getElementById('postage_rate').value=sel.value;}}function calculateEDDM(){var qty=parseFloat(document.getElementById('quantity').value);var post=parseFloat(document.getElementById('postage_rate').value);var print=parseFloat(document.getElementById('print_rate').value);var design=parseFloat(document.getElementById('design_fee').value);var prep=parseFloat(document.getElementById('prep_rate').value);if(isNaN(qty)||isNaN(post)||isNaN(print)||isNaN(design)||isNaN(prep)){alert('Please enter valid numeric values for all fields.');return;}var tPost=qty*post;var tPrint=qty*print;var tPrep=qty*prep;var grandTotal=tPost+tPrint+tPrep+design;var perPiece=grandTotal/qty;document.getElementById('total_cost').innerHTML=grandTotal.toLocaleString('en-US',{minimumFractionDigits:2,maximumFractionDigits:2});document.getElementById('res_postage').innerHTML='$'+tPost.toLocaleString('en-US',{minimumFractionDigits:2});document.getElementById('res_printing').innerHTML='$'+tPrint.toLocaleString('en-US',{minimumFractionDigits:2});document.getElementById('res_prep').innerHTML='$'+tPrep.toLocaleString('en-US',{minimumFractionDigits:2});document.getElementById('res_design').innerHTML='$'+design.toLocaleString('en-US',{minimumFractionDigits:2});document.getElementById('res_perpiece').innerHTML='$'+perPiece.toFixed(3);document.getElementById('answer').style.display='block';if(!document.getElementById('steps').checked){document.getElementById('breakdown_area').style.display='block';}}

EDDM Cost Calculator Use

This eddm cost calculator is designed to help small business owners, marketers, and non-profits estimate the total investment required for an Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) campaign. By factoring in postage, printing, design, and preparation, you can accurately budget your direct mail marketing efforts.

Unlike traditional direct mail, EDDM allows you to target specific mail routes without needing a mailing list or a permit, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to reach local customers.

Mailpiece Quantity
The total number of postcards or flyers you intend to mail. USPS requires a minimum of 200 pieces and a maximum of 5,000 pieces per ZIP code per day for Retail accounts.
Postage Rate
The current USPS EDDM postage rate. As of 2024, the standard retail rate is $0.203 per piece. Commercial BMEU rates may be slightly lower but require a permit.
Printing Cost
The cost to print your mailpieces. This typically decreases per piece as the volume increases.
Flat Design Fee
Any one-time cost paid to a graphic designer to create your artwork. If you design it yourself, enter 0.

How It Works

The total cost of an EDDM campaign is the sum of four primary components. The eddm cost calculator uses the following formula to determine your project total:

Total Cost = (Quantity × (Postage + Printing + Prep)) + Design Fee

  • Postage: Fixed by the USPS based on current rates.
  • Printing: Variable based on paper quality, size, and vendor.
  • Prep/Bundling: USPS requires mailpieces to be bundled in stacks of 50 or 100 with a facing slip. If you pay a service to do this, include the per-piece cost.
  • Design: A fixed overhead cost regardless of quantity.

Calculation Example

Example Scenario: A local restaurant wants to send a "Buy One Get One" coupon to 2,500 households in their neighborhood.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Quantity: 2,500 pieces
  2. Postage Rate: $0.203 (Retail)
  3. Printing Rate: $0.12 per piece
  4. Prep Rate: $0.03 per piece
  5. Design Fee: $150.00
  6. Calculate: (2500 × (0.203 + 0.12 + 0.03)) + 150
  7. Result: (2500 × 0.353) + 150 = $882.50 + $150 = $1,032.50

In this example, the total campaign cost is $1,032.50, which results in a cost per piece of approximately $0.413.

Common Questions

What are the USPS size requirements for EDDM?

To qualify for EDDM rates, your mailpiece must be classified as a "Flat." This means it must meet at least one of the following: be longer than 11.5 inches, taller than 6.125 inches, or thicker than 0.25 inches. However, it cannot exceed 15 inches long, 12 inches tall, or 0.75 inches thick.

Is there a minimum or maximum quantity?

For EDDM Retail, you must mail at least 200 pieces per ZIP code. The daily limit is 5,000 pieces per ZIP code. If you need to mail more, you may need a Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) permit.

Can I save money on printing?

Yes, printing costs are the most flexible part of the eddm cost calculator. Ordering in bulk (e.g., 5,000 vs 1,000) significantly reduces the per-piece price. Additionally, choosing standard 14pt cardstock over premium finishes can lower your overhead.

How do I choose mail routes?

USPS provides an online mapping tool where you can select specific carrier routes based on demographic data like median income, age, and household size. This ensures your EDDM budget is spent on the most relevant audience.

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