How to Fill Out an EDDM Retail Facing Slip (USPS)#
Facing slips are one of the easiest ways to get your EDDM mailing rejected at drop‑off. The good news: USPS provides an official facing slip form with the exact fields you need.
Official form: USPS “EDDM Retail Facing Slip” PDF. Source: USPS EDDM Retail facing slip. (https://www.usps.com/business/pdf/eddm-retail-facing-slip.pdf)
This guide explains what each field is asking for and how to avoid common mistakes.
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What a facing slip is (in plain English)#
A facing slip is a label placed on a bundle of EDDM mailpieces that tells USPS:
- the ZIP code and carrier route the bundle belongs to,
- what delivery type you selected,
- and basic mailer information.
USPS’s form also notes: “Mailers must prepare bundles to comply with standards.” Source: USPS facing slip PDF. (https://www.usps.com/business/pdf/eddm-retail-facing-slip.pdf)
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Step-by-step: the fields on the USPS facing slip#
The USPS facing slip includes the following key fields (paraphrased from the form):
1) 5‑Digit ZIP Code (Required)#
Enter the ZIP Code for the carrier route you selected in the EDDM tool.
2) Route Number (Required)#
Enter the carrier route number (for example, C001, R002, etc.) exactly as shown in the USPS EDDM route selection.
3) Delivery Type#
This corresponds to the selection you made in the EDDM tool (for example, residential, business, or both—depending on what the tool offers for the route).
4) Date#
Use the date you plan to drop off / enter the mailing.
5) Total # of Mailpieces per Bundle#
How many pieces are in this bundle.
6) Total # of Bundles#
How many bundles are included for the route (often shown as “__ of __” on the form).
7) Saturation Mail Description / Mailer Information#
This is where you identify the mailer (business name) and provide basic information USPS requests.
8) Post Office of Mailing#
The Post Office where you’re presenting the EDDM mailing.
All of these fields appear on the official USPS facing slip. Source: USPS facing slip PDF. (https://www.usps.com/business/pdf/eddm-retail-facing-slip.pdf)
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Best practices (so you don’t get bounced at the counter)#
- Print facing slips directly from the USPS EDDM tool when possible.
- Double-check route codes and ZIPs for typos.
- Ensure bundle counts match the quantities you’re actually dropping off.
- Bring an extra copy of paperwork in case the Post Office wants it.
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Related EDDM guides#
- USPS EDDM Tool Step-by-Step: /blog/usps-eddm-online-tool-guide
- EDDM Retail vs BMEU: /blog/eddm-retail-vs-bmeu
- EDDM Mailpiece Size Requirements: /blog/eddm-mailpiece-size-requirements
- EDDM Postage Rates 2026: /blog/eddm-postage-rates-2026