Assumption (illustrative model, 2026-02-28): Scenario planning examples in this article use illustrative values ($0.24); treat these as planning assumptions unless explicitly tied to cited USPS or .gov facts.
EDDM campaigns fail at the post office counter more often than they should—not because of bad offers or weak creative, but because of preventable compliance errors. A postcard that's a quarter-inch too small. A missing facing slip. The wrong indicia. These technical mistakes result in rejection, wasted print runs, and missed delivery windows.
For full program context, see the USPS Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) program guide.
This checklist covers every requirement your EDDM mailing must meet for acceptance. Use it before finalizing your design, before approving your print run, and before bundling your mail.
Pre-Design: Planning Checklist#
Planning should include the current EDDM pricing structure and production costs.
Before you touch design software, confirm these fundamentals:
[ ] You have a USPS.com account — Required to access the EDDM Online Tool. Free registration at usps.com.
[ ] Your target routes are identified — Use the EDDM Online Tool to select carrier routes. Record the route IDs and address counts.
[ ] Your piece count meets minimums — EDDM Retail requires at least 200 pieces per mailing. Fewer than 200 doesn't qualify.
[ ] Your piece count is within maximums — EDDM Retail allows up to 5,000 pieces per ZIP code per day. If you need more, split across days or use EDDM BMEU.
[ ] You know which post office to use — EDDM Retail requires drop-off at the Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) that serves your target routes. Identify this facility before preparing mail.
Design: Physical Specifications Checklist#
Your mailpiece must meet USPS physical standards to qualify for EDDM rates. Failure means rejection or First-Class pricing (roughly 3x the cost).
Size Requirements#
Dimensional details are fully documented in our EDDM size requirements reference.
[ ] Qualifies as a Flat — Your piece must exceed at least ONE of these minimums:
- Height greater than 6.125 inches (6-1/8") - Length greater than 10.5 inches - Thickness greater than 0.25 inches (1/4")
[ ] Does not exceed maximum dimensions:
- Height: 12 inches maximum - Length: 15 inches maximum - Thickness: 0.75 inches (3/4") maximum
[ ] Design includes trim tolerance — If using full bleed, add 0.125" bleed on all sides. Keep critical content 0.25" from edges. A 6.5" design that trims to 6.1" fails.
[ ] Proof measured at actual size — Print a physical proof and measure with a ruler. Don't rely on on-screen measurements.
Weight and Material#
[ ] Weight under 3.3 ounces — Weigh a sample piece on a postal scale. Multi-panel pieces or heavy cardstock can approach this limit.
[ ] Paper thickness at least 0.007 inches — Standard cardstock (10pt+) meets this easily. Single sheets of copy paper may not.
[ ] Material is flexible — Piece must bend without cracking or breaking. Rigid materials don't qualify.
[ ] Rectangular shape — Piece must be rectangular. Die-cut shapes with irregular edges may be rejected.
[ ] Corners are square or rounded — If rounded, radius must not exceed 0.125 inches.
Design: Layout and Compliance Checklist#
Beyond physical dimensions, your design must place required elements in specific locations.
Indicia (The "Stamp")#
[ ] Correct indicia type — For EDDM Retail, the indicia must read "EDDM Retail" (not a permit indicia). Download the correct version from USPS.
[ ] Positioned in upper right corner — The indicia goes in the standard stamp location on the address side.
[ ] Clear of graphics — Don't layer text or images over the indicia. It must be clearly legible.
Address Area#
[ ] Generic address included — Print one of these approved formats:
- "Local Postal Customer" - "Postal Customer" - "Residential Customer"
[ ] Address is NOT specific — No recipient names, no specific street addresses. EDDM uses generic addressing only.
[ ] Address positioned correctly — Standard address location: right side of the mailpiece, below center, within the top half.
Return Address#
[ ] Return address included — Required on all EDDM pieces. Include business name, street address, city, state, ZIP.
[ ] Positioned in upper left corner — Standard return address location on the address side.
Top Half Rule#
[ ] All postal elements in top half — The indicia, delivery address, and return address must appear in the top half of the mailpiece as measured from the shorter edge.
Barcode Clear Zone#
[ ] Clear zone maintained — Keep a rectangle approximately 4.75" wide × 0.625" tall clear at the bottom right of the address side. No heavy ink, text, or graphics in this area.
Paperwork Checklist#
After selecting routes in the EDDM Online Tool, generate and print required forms.
[ ] PS Form 3587 printed — The mailing statement summarizing your mailing. One copy for the clerk, one for your records.
[ ] Facing slips generated — Labels for each bundle showing route ID and bundle count. The tool generates these based on your selections.
[ ] Piece counts verified — Confirm the counts on your paperwork match your actual printed inventory.
[ ] Payment method ready — EDDM Retail payment can be made online (credit or debit) or at the Post Office at drop‑off (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). at the counter. Credit/debit cards accepted (online or at the counter, depending on location). Bring appropriate payment.
Mail Preparation Checklist#
Physical preparation must follow USPS bundling requirements.
Bundling#
[ ] Bundles of 50-100 pieces — Stack mailpieces in bundles of 50 to 100. Consistent bundle sizes simplify verification.
[ ] All pieces face same direction — Within each bundle, all pieces must be oriented identically (same side up, same edge forward).
[ ] Facing slip on top of each bundle — Place the appropriate facing slip on top of each bundle, face up.
[ ] Bundles numbered sequentially — Facing slips must indicate "Bundle 1 of X," "Bundle 2 of X," etc. for each route.
[ ] Remainder bundles counted accurately — If a route has 423 pieces, you might have 4 bundles of 100 and 1 bundle of 23. The last slip must show "23"—not a rounded number.
Securing Bundles#
[ ] cross‑strapped bands secure each bundle — Use size 64 bands or similar. Bundles should hold together when handled but be easy for carriers to open.
[ ] Cross-banding for larger pieces — For large-format pieces, use two bands: one horizontal, one vertical.
[ ] Bundles stable when stacked — Bundles should stack neatly without sliding apart. They'll be transported in trays and bins.
Organization#
[ ] Bundles organized by route — Keep bundles for each carrier route together. Mixing routes creates confusion at acceptance.
[ ] Bundles fit in standard trays or boxes — USPS uses flat trays and tubs. If using boxes, label them clearly: "EDDM - [ZIP Code] - [Route IDs]"
Drop-Off Checklist#
Drop-off expectations differ by entry method; compare EDDM Retail vs BMEU before submission.
The final step is delivering your mail to the correct post office.
Location#
[ ] Correct post office identified — EDDM Retail requires drop-off at the Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) serving your routes. This may not be the closest post office to you.
[ ] Operating hours confirmed — Verify the facility's hours before traveling. Some DDUs have limited public hours.
[ ] Counter wait time expected — Plan for 15-45 minutes depending on the facility and your mailing size. The clerk will verify your mail before acceptance.
At the Counter#
[ ] All bundles present — Don't leave bundles in the car. Bring everything to the counter.
[ ] Paperwork ready — Have PS Form 3587 and facing slips organized and accessible.
[ ] Sample piece available — The clerk will examine a piece for compliance. Have one readily accessible at the top of a bundle.
[ ] Payment ready — Know your total (piece count × $0.247) and have payment available. Cash, check, or debit only.
Acceptance Process#
[ ] Clerk verifies sample piece — They'll check dimensions, indicia, and addressing.
[ ] Clerk weighs sample bundle — They'll weigh a bundle to verify your piece count matches paperwork.
[ ] Clerk accepts or rejects — If accepted, you pay and receive a receipt. If rejected, the clerk will explain the issue.
[ ] Receipt obtained and saved — Keep your acceptance receipt. It's your proof of mailing and the starting point for any delivery inquiries.
Common Rejection Reasons (And How to Avoid Them)#
These are the most frequent causes of EDDM rejection at the counter:
| Problem | Prevention | |---------|------------| | Piece too small (under 6.125" height) | Design to 6.5"+ height with trim tolerance | | Wrong indicia (permit indicia on Retail mail) | Verify "EDDM Retail" appears in indicia | | Address in bottom half of piece | Keep all postal elements in top half | | Facing slips missing or incorrect | Generate from EDDM tool, number sequentially | | Bundle counts don't match paperwork | Count pieces before bundling, verify totals | | Mail delivered to wrong post office | Confirm DDU for your specific routes |
Quick Reference: Specifications Summary#
| Specification | EDDM Requirement | |---------------|------------------| | Minimum height | >6.125" OR length >10.5" OR thickness >0.25" | | Maximum dimensions | 12" × 15" × 0.75" | | Maximum weight | 3.3 oz | | Minimum thickness | 0.007" | | Minimum pieces/mailing | 200 | | Maximum pieces/ZIP/day | 5,000 (Retail) | | Address format | "Local Postal Customer" (generic) | | Indicia type | "EDDM Retail" (no permit number) | | Bundle size | 50-100 pieces | | 2026 postage rate | $0.247/piece |
Printable Checklist#
For convenience during preparation, here's a condensed checklist:
Design Phase:
[ ] Size exceeds 6.125" height OR 10.5" length OR 0.25" thickness
[ ] Size under 12" × 15" × 0.75"
[ ] Weight under 3.3 oz
[ ] EDDM Retail indicia in upper right
[ ] Generic address ("Local Postal Customer")
[ ] Return address in upper left
[ ] All postal elements in top half
Preparation Phase:
[ ] PS Form 3587 printed
[ ] Facing slips generated
[ ] Pieces bundled in stacks of 50-100
[ ] Facing slip on top of each bundle
[ ] Bundles numbered sequentially
[ ] Bundles secured with cross‑strapped bands (plastic strapping)
[ ] Organized by carrier route
Drop-Off Phase:
[ ] Correct DDU post office identified
[ ] All bundles and paperwork transported
[ ] Payment ready (cash, check, or debit)
[ ] Receipt obtained and saved
For more detailed guidance on specific topics, see our EDDM size requirements guide and complete EDDM guide.
Official USPS Resources: