How To Send Your First EDDM Mailing (Step-By-Step)

Watch over my shoulder as I log into USPS, pick routes, and generate the exact forms you need to drop your Every Door Direct Mail flyers at the post office.

If you've never used EDDM before, it looks more intimidating than it is. In this short walkthrough, I'll show you exactly how to:

  • Log into USPS
  • Choose the best routes
  • See what it will cost
  • Print the right paperwork and facing slips

So you can get your flyers into mailboxes without guessing.

Matt Smith Video by Matt Smith – Founder of Service Industry Coach & Early Bird Roofing
Step-By-Step

From USPS Login To Ready-To-Mail Bundles

In this video, you'll see exactly how to:

  • Log into USPS.com and access the EDDM Online Tool
  • Type in your target ZIP code and see all available routes
  • Hover over routes to see income and household data
  • Select routes based on average income (we like $100k+ where it makes sense)
  • See exactly how many homes and what the postage cost will be
  • Pick a drop-off date and set your payment method to "Pay at Post Office"
  • Print your Mailing Statement and Facing Slips
  • Bundle your flyers in stacks of 100 and apply facing slips correctly

Making EDDM Easier With Ready-To-Mail Flyers

The process above works no matter where you get your print.

In my own businesses, we use 8.5" x 11" EDDM-compatible flyers on 70lb stock, because:

  • They're sized correctly for USPS EDDM Retail
  • They stand out in the mailbox and on the kitchen counter
  • There's enough room for a clear headline, offer, and contact info

When you order from us:

  • We design the piece specifically for your service (roofing, washing, painting, lawn, HVAC, etc.)
  • We print it on premium 70lb paper
  • We ship it straight to your door ready for EDDM and hand distribution
  • If you choose the bundling option, we bundle in stacks of 100 so you're already EDDM-compliant – you just add facing slips and drop at the post office
See 8.5x11 EDDM Flyers We Use in My Roofing Business
Example EDDM Flyer - Early Bird Roofing

Real flyer from my roofing company, Early Bird Roofing

EDDM & Mailing FAQ

Do I have to use 8.5x11 flyers for EDDM?
No, USPS supports several sizes, but 8.5x11 is a great format for contractors because it's big enough to stand out and works perfectly with EDDM Retail requirements.
What if my routes change after I generate the forms?
As long as you choose "Pay at Post Office," you can adjust routes or quantities before you drop off. Just re-print the updated forms if you make changes.
How many pieces should I start with?
If you're serious about testing this, I usually recommend at least 2,500–5,000 pieces so you can hit a few routes more than once over 90 days and still have some for hand-outs.
Can I use the same piece for door knocking and leave-behinds?
Yes. That's one of the big advantages. You can mail it with EDDM, leave it after quotes, and hit the 20–25 closest houses around each job with the same flyer.
What if I get stuck in the USPS tool?
Re-watch the video at the top of this page and follow along step by step. It's usually just a matter of slowing down and clicking through it once or twice.

You've Got This

EDDM looks complicated the first time you see it. Once you've gone through the process once or twice, it becomes just another step in your monthly marketing routine.

The real power isn't in the tool – it's in what you send, where you send it, and how often you do it.

My hope is this walk-through takes the fear out of the mailing side so you can focus on picking good neighborhoods and putting a strong offer in front of them every 30 days.

Matt Smith
Matt Smith Founder, Service Industry Coach & Early Bird Roofing