Eddm Cost Calculator

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eddm cost calculator
Full Campaign Cost EstimatePostage Costs Only
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function calculateEDDM(){var qty=parseFloat(document.getElementById('input_qty').value);var postage=parseFloat(document.getElementById('input_postage').value);var print=parseFloat(document.getElementById('input_print').value);var flat=parseFloat(document.getElementById('input_flat').value);var calcType=document.getElementById('calc_type').value;var showDetails=document.getElementById('show_breakdown').checked;if(isNaN(qty)||isNaN(postage)||isNaN(print)||isNaN(flat)){alert('Please enter valid numeric values');return;}var totalPostage=qty*postage;var totalPrinting=qty*print;var totalCost=totalPostage+totalPrinting+flat;if(calcType==='postage'){totalCost=totalPostage;}var costPerPiece=qty>0?totalCost/qty:0;var resultHtml='Total Estimated Cost: $'+totalCost.toLocaleString(undefined,{minimumFractionDigits:2,maximumFractionDigits:2});document.getElementById('res_main').innerHTML=resultHtml;var details=";if(showDetails){details+='
';details+='Postage Total: $'+totalPostage.toLocaleString(undefined,{minimumFractionDigits:2})+'
';if(calcType==='total'){details+='Printing Total: $'+totalPrinting.toLocaleString(undefined,{minimumFractionDigits:2})+'
';details+='Flat Costs: $'+flat.toLocaleString(undefined,{minimumFractionDigits:2})+'
';}details+='Average Cost Per Piece: $'+costPerPiece.toFixed(3);details+='
';}document.getElementById('res_details').innerHTML=details;}

EDDM Cost Calculator Use

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a cost-effective marketing service provided by the USPS that allows small businesses to reach every home in a targeted area without the need for a mailing list. This eddm cost calculator is designed to help business owners, marketing managers, and small business entrepreneurs estimate the total financial investment required for an EDDM campaign.

By using this tool, you can compare different scenarios, such as varying the quantity of mailpieces or adjusting your printing budget, to see how they impact your overall return on investment (ROI). It breaks down the three primary costs: postage, printing, and administrative or design fees.

Number of Mailpieces
The total quantity of postcards or flyers you intend to mail. USPS EDDM Retail has a limit of 5,000 pieces per zip code per day.
Postage Rate
The current USPS EDDM Retail postage rate per piece. As of 2024, this rate typically hovers around $0.20 to $0.21 cents.
Printing (per piece)
The unit cost of printing your collateral. This varies based on size (e.g., 6.25″ x 9″ vs 8.5″ x 11″) and paper stock quality.
Design & Extras
Any one-time flat fees, such as professional graphic design services, photography, or route selection software fees.

How It Works

The math behind an EDDM campaign is straightforward but essential to get right. The eddm cost calculator uses a cumulative formula to determine your budget. The formula is expressed as:

Total Cost = (Quantity × Postage Rate) + (Quantity × Printing Rate) + Fixed Costs

  • Variable Postage: Calculated directly based on USPS rates. Since EDDM doesn't require a permit or mailing list, this is usually your largest recurring expense.
  • Variable Printing: Most printers offer bulk discounts; as your quantity goes up, your cost per piece typically decreases.
  • Cost Per Piece: This is a critical metric for measuring campaign efficiency. It is calculated by dividing the total budget by the total number of recipients.

Calculation Example

Example: A local pizza shop wants to send a "Buy One Get One Free" coupon to every household in their immediate zip code, covering 2,500 homes.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Number of Mailpieces = 2,500
  2. Postage Rate = $0.203 per piece
  3. Printing Rate = $0.12 per piece
  4. Design Fee = $150 (flat fee)
  5. Calculate Postage: 2,500 × $0.203 = $507.50
  6. Calculate Printing: 2,500 × $0.12 = $300.00
  7. Sum Total: $507.50 + $300.00 + $150.00 = $957.50
  8. Result = $957.50 Total Cost (or $0.383 per household)

Common EDDM Questions

What is the current USPS EDDM postage rate?

As of mid-2024, the USPS EDDM Retail postage rate is $0.203 per piece. Rates are subject to change by the USPS, so it is always wise to check the official USPS website or your local post office for the most current pricing before finalizing your eddm cost calculator inputs.

Are there size restrictions for EDDM?

Yes. To qualify for EDDM rates, mailpieces must be "flats." This means they must meet at least one of the following: be longer than 11.5 inches, taller than 6.125 inches, or thicker than 1/4 inch. However, they cannot exceed 15 inches long, 12 inches high, or 3/4 inch thick.

How many EDDM pieces can I send per day?

Using EDDM Retail, you are limited to 5,000 mailpieces per day per 5-digit ZIP Code. If you need to send more than that, you may need a Business Mail Entry Point (BMEP) permit, which involves different requirements and costs.

Maximizing Your EDDM ROI

To get the most out of your budget, consider the following tips:

  • Target High-Income Routes: Use the USPS online mapping tool to filter routes by median household income.
  • Use Bold Graphics: Since EDDM pieces are large (flats), you have plenty of space to use high-resolution images and large headlines.
  • Include a Tracking Mechanism: Use a specific QR code or "Mention this card" discount to track how many customers actually come in because of the mailing.
  • Print in Bulk: Often, printing 5,000 pieces is only slightly more expensive than printing 2,500 due to setup costs. Use the calculator to see if the lower unit cost makes sense for your business.

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