EDDM is "Every Door Direct Mail," not "Every Door Direct Guessing." USPS does allow simplified addresses -- but the label you print depends on whether you're using Retail or BMEU entry.
Key takeaways#
- EDDM uses a simplified address line (no name, no street address).
- Retail entry: use "Local Postal Customer"
- BMEU entry: USPS allows "Postal Customer", "Residential Customer", or "PO Box Customer" depending on what you're targeting.
- Include ECRWSS per USPS guidance (placement rules matter).
What is "simplified addressing" in EDDM?#
Instead of printing a personal name and full street address, EDDM uses a generic addressee line. USPS carriers deliver one piece to each active delivery point in the routes you selected.
That's why EDDM is cheap(ish): you're not paying for personalization, list management, or address hygiene.
The correct simplified address depends on entry type#
USPS does not treat all simplified address labels as interchangeable. The approved label options differ by entry method.
If you're doing EDDM Retail (drop at local Post Office/DDU)#
Use:
- Local Postal Customer (covers residential + business deliveries for that route)
If you're doing EDDM BMEU (permit-based entry)#
USPS lists these simplified label options:
- Postal Customer (all active deliveries)
- Residential Customer (residential deliveries)
- PO Box Customer (PO Box deliveries)
Examples you can copy/paste into artwork#
Retail example#
LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER ANYTOWN, ST 12345
BMEU examples#
All deliveries: POSTAL CUSTOMER ANYTOWN, ST 12345
Residential-only: RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER ANYTOWN, ST 12345
PO Box: PO BOX CUSTOMER ANYTOWN, ST 12345
Where to place the address block (and why USPS cares)#
For EDDM flats, USPS expects the indicia and addressing elements in the top half of the piece (measured from the short edge). If you put the address line too low, you risk delays or rejection at acceptance.
ECRWSS: what it is and where it goes#
ECRWSS is a USPS carrier-route marking used for saturation mail. USPS guidance allows "ECRWSS" to appear:
- in the address area, or
- within or below the indicia area (depending on indicia type)
Don't hide it. Don't stylize it. This is not the place for brand voice.
Common EDDM addressing mistakes#
- Using Residential Customer on Retail pieces (Retail generally uses Local Postal Customer)
- Forgetting ECRWSS
- Putting the address block in the lower half of the piece
- Making the address area a dark color or patterned background (hurts readability at acceptance)
- Using a personal-looking address ("Current Resident 123 Main St") while also trying to mail EDDM Retail (mixing standards)
Frequently Asked Questions#
Can I write "Current Resident" instead?#
Some mail formats use "Current Resident," but for EDDM you should stick to USPS EDDM-approved simplified labels for the entry method you're using.
Do I need the city/state/ZIP under the simplified label?#
USPS guidance shows examples with city/state/ZIP and generally recommends them for clarity. When in doubt, follow the USPS examples.
Does this change if I'm mailing only businesses?#
Yes -- route type matters. If you select business-only routes, the mailing is still simplified, but your route selection and delivery type must match.
Official USPS resources#
- EDDM Quick Reference Guide (address labels by entry type): https://www.usps.com/business/pdf/quick-reference-guide.pdf
- EDDM User Guide: https://www.usps.com/business/pdf/every-door-direct-mail-user-guide.pdf
- USPS EDDM program overview: https://www.usps.com/business/every-door-direct-mail.htm