The USPS EDDM Online Tool is powerful, but the UI is... let's call it "built by people who value compliance over vibes." This guide shows exactly how to use it without getting stuck in a loop of tabs, popups, and regret.
Key takeaways#
- Use the tool to choose carrier routes (not individual addresses).
- Know whether you're doing EDDM Retail (most small businesses) or EDDM BMEU (permit-based).
- The tool generates your PS Form 3587 and facing slips.
- You can typically pay online (credit/debit) or pay at the Post Office (cash/check/debit/credit) depending on your selection.
Step 0: Decide Retail vs BMEU (before you click anything)#
- Retail is the standard "DIY local mail" option (no permit).
- BMEU is the commercial option (requires a USPS Marketing Mail permit and pay-by-permit).
If you're not sure which you need, start here.
Step 1: Open the tool + search for routes#
Tool: https://eddm.usps.com/eddm/select-routes.htm
Search by:
- address
- city/state
- ZIP Code
Set your radius, then search.
Pro tip: pick a "center" address that matches your customers#
If you're a local business, use your storefront address. If you're trying to expand into a new neighborhood, use a landmark in that area.
Step 2: Use the map view (fast) + table view (accurate)#
Map view (fast scan)#
Use the map to quickly see route boundaries. Click routes to add/remove them.
Table view (decision mode)#
Hit Show Table and evaluate routes based on:
- total deliveries
- residential vs business mix
- (optional) demographics filters (income, age, household size)
This is where you avoid routes that *look* good on the map but are mostly apartments, PO Boxes, or businesses (depending on your offer).
Step 3: Watch your totals: minimums, maximums, and "surprises"#
Common operational constraints:
- Many EDDM orders target 200+ pieces (the tool often enforces this).
- Retail has a daily limit per ZIP Code (commonly referenced as up to 5,000/day per ZIP for Retail campaigns).
If your totals are exploding unexpectedly:
- you may be selecting too many routes
- you may be capturing a large carrier route with high density
- you may be mixing multiple ZIP Code areas
Step 4: Choose your drop-off location (this affects price + logistics)#
In the order summary, you'll choose where you're entering the mail:
- Local PO / Destination Delivery Unit (DDU)
- Local Plant / DSCF
- Regional Plant / DNDC
- Non-discounted
What to choose for most local businesses#
If you're doing your first campaign, DDU entry is usually the simplest to understand operationally:
- the drop-off office is the one that actually serves the carrier routes you selected
- USPS can tell you which Post Office(s) you must drop at
Watch for multiple drop-off locations#
If your selected routes require multiple DDUs, the tool can flag that you'll need more than one drop-off location.
Step 5: Pick a drop-off date#
The tool lets you select a drop-off date (often up to ~30 days in advance). Choose a date you can actually make, because your prep process is usually the bottleneck.
Step 6: Choose payment option (the part many guides get wrong)#
In the Retail flow, you'll typically see options like:
- Pay online (credit/debit)
- Pay at Post Office (cash/check/debit/credit)
- Save for later
If you pick "Pay at Post Office," bring a backup payment method. Retail counters can vary by location.
Step 7: Print your paperwork (don't show up empty-handed)#
The tool generates:
- PS Form 3587 (your EDDM Retail mailing statement)
- Facing slips (labels for each route/bundle)
Print them before you bundle your mail -- the facing slips drive your bundling workflow.
Step 8: Prepare mail: bundles + facing slips (and no rubber bands)#
At a minimum, plan for:
- bundles in stacks of 50-100
- facing slip on top of each bundle
- bundles secured with cross-strapped bands (plastic strapping) or shrink wrap + bands
For the full prep checklist.
Common mistakes that cause headaches#
- Selecting routes without checking whether they're mostly residential/business/PO Box
- Picking DDU entry, then realizing you have multiple drop-off offices
- Forgetting to print PS Form 3587 and facing slips
- Showing up with bundles secured by rubber bands
- Mismatched counts between:
- facing slips
- bundles
- PS Form 3587 totals
Frequently Asked Questions#
Can I save an order and come back later?#
Yes -- use "Save" and add a nickname so future-you knows what it is.
Do I have to pay online?#
No. Many Retail users pay at the Post Office. Online payment can reduce friction, but you still need to drop your prepared mail at the correct acceptance location.
Does the tool let me mail to PO Boxes?#
The tool can include PO Box routes as an option in some areas. Treat it like its own route type.
Official USPS resources#
- USPS EDDM Online Tool: https://eddm.usps.com/eddm/select-routes.htm
- EDDM User Guide (tool walkthrough + payment options): https://www.usps.com/business/pdf/every-door-direct-mail-user-guide.pdf
- EDDM Quick Reference (label formats + indicia examples): https://www.usps.com/business/pdf/quick-reference-guide.pdf