Do You Need a Permit or Mailing List for EDDM?
No mailing list and no permit are required for EDDM Retail — the most common option. Full-service providers handle any permit requirements on your behalf.
Do You Need a Permit for EDDM?
For EDDM Retail — the most popular option for small businesses — no permit is required. You pay postage at the time of drop-off at the post office. If you use a Full Service provider, they handle all USPS paperwork for you, including any permit requirements.
For EDDM BMEU (Business Mail Entry Unit, used for very large mailings), a bulk mail permit is required. However, most small businesses use EDDM Retail and never need a permit at all.
Do You Need a Mailing List for EDDM?
No mailing list is required for EDDM. This is one of EDDM's defining advantages over traditional direct mail. Instead of providing a list of recipient names and addresses, you simply select carrier routes — and USPS delivers to every address on those routes automatically. No list purchase, no list hygiene, no merge/purge process.
EDDM Retail vs. EDDM BMEU: What's the Difference?
| Feature | EDDM Retail | EDDM BMEU |
|---|---|---|
| Permit required | No | Yes (bulk mail permit) |
| Max pieces per day | 5,000 | Unlimited |
| Postage rate | $0.245/piece | $0.245/piece |
| ZIP codes per mailing | 1 per trip | Multiple |
| Drop-off location | Local post office | USPS Business Mail Entry Unit |
| Best for | Small/local campaigns (up to 5,000 pieces) | Large campaigns, multiple ZIP codes |
How Full Service Eliminates ALL Paperwork
When you use EDDM Full Service through a provider like EDDM2GO, you don't need to worry about permits, BMEU accounts, paperwork, or post office trips at all. The provider:
- Holds a USPS permit and business account
- Completes all USPS documentation on your behalf
- Pays postage from their business account
- Delivers your bundled mailing to the appropriate USPS facility
You simply place your order online, upload your artwork, select your routes, and pay. The provider handles every USPS interaction — regardless of whether your campaign uses EDDM Retail or BMEU procedures.
Order EDDM Full Service — no paperwork required → | Get a free quote →
Step-by-Step: Setting Up EDDM Retail for the First Time
If you're using EDDM Retail without a Full Service provider, here's exactly what you need to do to get your mailing accepted at the post office:
- Create a USPS.com account. Go to usps.com and register a free account. This allows you to access the EDDM Online Tool where you'll select routes and generate your mailing documentation.
- Select carrier routes. Use the EDDM mapping tool to select routes in your target area. The tool shows delivery point counts for each route. Record the routes and their respective piece counts — your print order must match these counts exactly.
- Design and print your postcards. Your postcards must meet EDDM flat size requirements (minimum 6.125 x 10.5 inches) and include an EDDM Retail indicia in the upper-right corner of the address side.
- Bundle your postcards. Sort cards into bundles of 50–100 pieces per bundle using rubber bands. Place a facing slip (printed from the USPS EDDM Online Tool) on top of each bundle identifying the carrier route.
- Complete the USPS PS Form 3587. This is the EDDM Retail mailing statement. Fill it out online using the EDDM tool and print it. You'll bring it to the post office with your mailing.
- Pay postage at the post office window. EDDM Retail postage is paid directly at the post office where you submit the mailing. Payment is by check or money order — most facilities do not accept credit cards for EDDM postage payments.
If this process feels complex, EDDM Full Service handles all of it for you — routes, bundling, paperwork, and delivery — for a modest service fee per piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register with USPS to use EDDM?
For EDDM Retail, no registration is required for occasional mailers. For EDDM BMEU or frequent large mailings, a USPS business account may be needed. Full-service providers handle this for you.
What is the EDDM Retail 5,000-piece daily limit?
EDDM Retail caps individual mailings at 5,000 pieces per day to a single post office. For larger campaigns, use EDDM BMEU (or a Full Service provider who handles BMEU on your behalf).
Can nonprofits use EDDM?
Yes — nonprofits can use EDDM at the standard $0.245/piece postage rate. Note that EDDM does not qualify for the lower Nonprofit Marketing Mail postage rates. However, the standard EDDM rate is still significantly lower than most nonprofit alternatives.
What is the USPS EDDM facing slip?
A facing slip is a printed label applied to each route bundle. It identifies the carrier route, the number of pieces in the bundle, and the destination post office. With Full Service, the provider prints and attaches all facing slips for you.
Is there a minimum spend or contract with EDDM?
No. EDDM is pay-per-campaign — there are no contracts, no minimum spend commitments, and no ongoing fees. You pay per piece (postage + printing), and you can mail as infrequently or as often as you like.
Do I need USPS Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) access for large campaigns?
For campaigns over 5,000 pieces or targeting multiple ZIP codes simultaneously, BMEU access is technically required for self-mailers. With Full Service, your provider handles BMEU on your behalf — eliminating this complexity entirely.