Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) helps businesses reach local customers without buying a mailing list . But to get your mail delivered, you need an EDDM indicia. Wondering what that is? Simply put, it’s a postage mark that shows you’ve paid and that your mail qualifies for the servi
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) helps businesses reach local customers without buying a mailing list. But to get your mail delivered, you need an EDDM indicia. Wondering what that is? Simply put, it’s a postage mark that shows you’ve paid and that your mail qualifies for the service.
The important thing is to make sure it’s in the right spot and follows USPS rules. If it’s wrong, your mail could be delayed or rejected.
What is an EDDM indicia?
An EDDM indicia is a printed postage mark that shows you've paid to send your mail. Instead of stamps or a postage meter, EDDM mail needs this mark on every piece. USPS has rules for how it should look and where it should go.
Why does it matter?
The indicia tells USPS your mail qualifies for EDDM. If it’s missing or incorrect, your mail could be delayed, rejected, or cost extra. Placing it correctly helps your mail get delivered smoothly and reach the right homes.
EDDM indicia requirements
To meet USPS rules, your EDDM indicia must follow these guidelines:
1. Required wording
Your indicia should include:PRSRT STD – Shows it's standard presorted mail.ECRWSS – Means “Enhanced Carrier Route Walk Sequence Saturation,” required for EDDM.U.S. POSTAGE PAID – Confirms postage is prepaid.EDDM Retail or EDDM Business – Specifies the type of EDDM service.
Older versions with “U.S. POSTAGE PAID” on one line still work, but USPS recommends using the updated format.
2. Size and formatting
USPS requires:
- Indicia must be at least 0.5” x 0.5”.
- All letters must be capitalized and at least 4-point font.
- It should be clear, easy to read, and printed in black or a dark color.
3. Placement rules
Put the indicia in the right spot to avoid delivery issues:
- Within 1.625” of the right edge.
- Within 1.375” from the top edge.
- Above or to the left of the address block.
- Separate from other design elements.
For postcards, keep the indicia within 4.5 inches of the right edge and 1.5 inches from the top.
Avoid these common mistakes
Getting your EDDM indicia right is important. Small mistakes can lead to delays or even rejected mail. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Wrong placement – The indicia must be in the correct spot. USPS won’t accept mail with randomly placed indicia.
- Incorrect format – Use the most recent USPS-approved wording and layout.
- Text too small – The font must be at least 4 points so it’s easy to read.
- Missing ECRWSS – This is required. If it’s not there, your mail won’t qualify.
If your indicia doesn’t meet USPS rules, your mail might be returned. That costs time and money.
Best practices for compliance
Follow these simple steps to keep your EDDM mail running smoothly:
- Use USPS templates – These help ensure everything is placed correctly.
- Check with your printer – Make sure they follow USPS guidelines before printing.
- Double-check placement – Even a small misalignment can cause issues.
- Stay updated – USPS rules can change, so always use the latest format.
- Pick the right font – Stick to clear, bold fonts. Avoid anything hard to read.
EDDM indicia resources
Need to make sure your indicia is correct? Download these official USPS templates:
- USPS EDDM Indicia PDF – A high-quality file for clear, accurate printing.
- USPS EDDM Indicia PNG – A version with a transparent background for digital designs.
Getting the indicia right is a small step that helps avoid mailing issues. Follow the guidelines, and your mail will reach the right people without delays.
Run a seamless EDDM campaign with Oppizi
Get your Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) campaign going easily with Oppizi. Our platform makes it simple to launch your campaign. In just a few clicks, you’ll be ready to roll.
Oppizi handles the whole mailing process for you. We help you find your target audience and create eye-catching promotional materials. Plus, we make it easy to submit your mail and track how your campaign is doing in real time.
So, what makes us different from other EDDM providers? With Oppizi, you get:
- Easy-to-use design tools to create great mail pieces.
- Local printing within 50 miles of your target area for quicker delivery.
- Deliverability tracking to make sure your mail gets where it needs to go.
- A simple dashboard to keep an eye on your campaign results.
See the difference for yourself. Start your EDDM campaign the smart way with Oppizi today!
Frequently asked questions about EDDM indicia
What is EDDM indicia?
EDDM indicia is a pre-printed postage mark you need for Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) campaigns. It shows that you’ve paid for postage and that your mail meets USPS requirements. Instead of using stamps or metered postage, you’ll use this indicia to make sure your mail gets delivered smoothly.
How do I label EDDM?
To label your EDDM mailpiece correctly, follow these steps:
- Print the approved EDDM indicia in the right format.
- Place it in the correct spot—1.625 inches from the right edge and 1.375 inches from the top edge.
- Include ECRWSS (Enhanced Carrier Route Walk Sequence Saturation) to show eligibility.
- Make sure the font is at least 4 points and in all capital letters for easy reading.
Do I need a mailing permit for EDDM indicia?
No, you don’t need a mailing permit forEDDM Retail. One of the best things about EDDM is that you can send mailpieces without buying a postal permit. Just use the USPS-approved EDDM indicia and drop off your mail at the local Post Office for your target area. However, if you’re using EDDM Business, you might need a permit and will have to pay annual fees.
Can I customize the EDDM indicia design?
No, you can’t customize the indicia. USPS requires businesses to stick to a standard format. You must follow their rules for wording, font size, and placement. You can add the indicia to your design, but don’t change the text, use a font smaller than 4 points, or place it outside the designated area. Doing so could lead to your mail being rejected or delayed. Always use the correct USPS-approved format to avoid problems.
Final thoughts
Using the right EDDM indicia is key to making sure your mail gets to the right people without delays. Every detail matters, from choosing the right format to placing it correctly.
To avoid common mistakes, always check that you’re using the latest indicia format. Make sure it’s placed correctly and follows USPS size and wording rules. A properly formatted EDDM indicia helps your mail get delivered faster and boosts the success of your campaigns.
Want to make your EDDM mailing simpler? Oppizi can help you easily launch targeted offline campaigns that get results. Start your campaign today!
