What Is EDDM Full Service vs. Print Only? (Complete Comparison)
EDDM Full Service means your printer handles everything: printing, bundling by route, USPS paperwork, and post office delivery. Print Only puts those steps in your hands at a lower cost.
EDDM Full Service vs. Print Only: Quick Answer
With EDDM Full Service, your print provider handles the entire process — printing, bundling by carrier route, USPS paperwork, and post office delivery. You upload artwork and wait for results. With Print Only, you receive printed postcards and handle all post office preparation yourself, saving the mailing service fee at the cost of your time.
What Does EDDM Full Service Include?
- Printing — Professional printing on premium 100 lb. gloss cover stock
- Bundling — Sorting and rubber-banding postcards into separate bundles by carrier route, as required by USPS
- EDDM Facing Slips — Applying the required USPS EDDM facing slip to each bundle
- USPS Paperwork — Completing the 3602-N (Postage Statement) and other required USPS documentation
- Postage Payment — Paying USPS postage on your behalf at the $0.245/piece EDDM rate
- Post Office Delivery — Transporting your bundled mailing to the destination post office(s) that serve your selected routes
Full Service vs. Print Only: Side-by-Side
| Step | Full Service | Print Only |
|---|---|---|
| Place order & select routes | You | You |
| Upload artwork | You | You |
| Printing | Provider | Provider |
| Shipping to your location | Not needed | Provider ships to you |
| Bundling by route | Provider | You |
| USPS paperwork | Provider | You |
| Post office delivery | Provider | You |
| Extra cost vs. Print Only | ~$0.02–$0.04/piece | $0 (but your time) |
| Total timeline | 7–14 business days | 10–18 business days |
Is EDDM Full Service Worth It?
For most small and mid-size businesses, yes. The mailing service fee (typically $0.02–$0.04/piece) is modest compared to the time saved. On a 5,000-piece campaign, Full Service adds roughly $100–$200 — in exchange for eliminating several hours of bundling, a trip to the post office, and the need to learn USPS paperwork requirements.
Who Should Choose Print Only?
Print Only makes sense if you're highly cost-sensitive, targeting a single local post office, comfortable with USPS EDDM requirements, and able to bundle and deliver yourself. Many businesses start with Full Service and switch to Print Only after learning the process.
Order EDDM Full Service → | Order EDDM Print Only → | Compare costs with our calculator →
Switching Between Full Service and Print Only
Your service level doesn't need to be fixed for every campaign. Many businesses start with Full Service for their first mailing to learn the process, then switch to Print Only once they're comfortable with USPS bundling and submission procedures. Others upgrade from Print Only to Full Service after experiencing how time-intensive the logistics become at higher volumes.
Here's when switching makes sense:
- Switch from Print Only to Full Service when campaign volume grows above 5,000 pieces (bundling and post office trips become time-prohibitive); when running multiple simultaneous routes across different ZIP codes; or when shipping materials out of state to a target market.
- Switch from Full Service to Print Only when you have dedicated in-house staff who handle mail operations; when campaigns are consistent in size and route, making the process well-established and repeatable; or when you need to minimize per-piece cost at high volumes.
Our pricing calculator shows the cost comparison at both service levels so you can make a data-driven decision for each specific campaign. You can also get a free custom quote to discuss which option best fits your situation and volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money does Print Only save vs. Full Service?
Print Only saves the mailing service fee, which typically runs $0.02–$0.04 per piece. On a 5,000-piece campaign, that's $100–$200 in savings. However, factor in your time for bundling (2–4 hours), fuel and trip to the post office, and the learning curve for USPS paperwork. For most businesses, the time cost exceeds the dollar savings.
Can I change my routes after placing a Full Service order?
Route changes are typically possible before printing begins. Contact your provider immediately if routes need to be updated — once printing starts, changes may not be possible or may incur fees.
Will Full Service reach every address on my selected routes?
Yes — that's how EDDM works. With Full Service, we prepare your mailing and deliver it to USPS for processing, and USPS then delivers it to the routes you selected on their normal carrier schedule. Because EDDM is a saturation product, every address on those routes receives your piece. USPS does not guarantee a specific delivery date, but full coverage of the routes you choose is the core of the program.
How does the provider know which routes I selected?
When you place a Full Service order, you provide your route selections (typically by ZIP code and route number, or via the provider's mapping tool). The provider uses this information to bundle pieces correctly and deliver to the right destination post office(s).
What if I have artwork issues — does Full Service include preflighting?
Most Full Service providers (including EDDM2GO) review uploaded artwork for basic file issues (resolution, bleed, color mode) before printing. If issues are found, you'll be notified before production begins.
Is Print Only suitable for campaigns targeting multiple ZIP codes?
Print Only becomes significantly more complex for multi-ZIP campaigns — you'd need to deliver to each destination post office separately. Full Service handles multi-ZIP logistics for you and is strongly recommended for campaigns spanning more than one ZIP code.