How much does direct mail cost per piece?

Direct mail typically costs $0.50-$2.00 per piece for targeted campaigns, including printing, postage, and mailing list costs. The breakdown is roughly: postage ($0.26-$0.55 depending on method), printing ($0.10-$0.80 depending on format), and mailing list ($0.03-$0.15 per address). EDDM campaigns can cost as little as $0.35-$0.50 per piece since no mailing list is required.

What are the current postage rates for direct mail?

As of 2026, USPS Marketing Mail (bulk mail) costs $0.43 per piece for postcards up to 6x11 inches. EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) costs $0.26 per piece but requires minimum size of 6.25x9 inches. First-Class Mail starts at $0.55 for postcards. Marketing Mail requires minimum quantities (typically 200+ pieces) and presorted mail preparation.

Is EDDM cheaper than targeted direct mail?

Yes, EDDM is significantly cheaper per piece - $0.26 postage vs $0.43 for Marketing Mail. However, the total value depends on your goals. EDDM reaches every address in selected carrier routes (no targeting), while targeted mail reaches specific demographics or customers. For local businesses saturating neighborhoods, EDDM is more cost-effective. For reaching specific customer profiles, targeted mail provides better ROI despite higher per-piece costs.

What is the cost per thousand (CPM) for direct mail?

Direct mail CPM (cost per thousand) typically ranges from $500-$2,000 depending on format and targeting. Postcards run $500-$700 CPM, letters $800-$1,200 CPM, and catalogs $1,500-$2,000+ CPM. Compare this to digital advertising CPM of $2-$10 - direct mail is more expensive per impression but typically generates 5-10x higher response rates.

How much does printing cost for direct mail?

Printing costs vary by format and quantity. Postcards: $0.10-$0.40 per piece (4x6 to 6x11). Letters with envelopes: $0.25-$0.60 per piece. Brochures: $0.30-$0.80 per piece. Catalogs: $1.00-$5.00+ per piece. Costs decrease significantly with volume - printing 5,000 pieces costs roughly 40% less per unit than printing 1,000 pieces. Full-color, heavier paper stock, and special finishes add to costs.

How much does a mailing list cost?

Mailing list costs range from $0.03-$0.15 per address depending on targeting specificity. Basic consumer lists run $0.03-$0.05 per name. Lists with demographic filters (age, income, homeowner status) cost $0.05-$0.10 per name. Highly targeted business lists or specialty lists can cost $0.10-$0.25+ per name. Many businesses build house lists from existing customers at no additional cost per use.

What is the average response rate for direct mail?

Direct mail response rates average 2.7-4.4% for house lists (existing customers) and 1-2% for prospect lists. This compares favorably to email marketing (0.1-0.5% click rates) and digital display ads (0.05-0.1% click rates). Response rates improve with personalization, compelling offers, and proper targeting. ROI should be calculated based on customer lifetime value, not just immediate response.

How do I calculate ROI for a direct mail campaign?

ROI = (Revenue Generated - Campaign Cost) / Campaign Cost x 100. For example: 5,000 postcards at $0.75 each = $3,750 total cost. If 2% respond (100 customers) with $150 average order = $15,000 revenue. ROI = ($15,000 - $3,750) / $3,750 = 300% ROI. Factor in customer lifetime value for more accurate assessment - a new customer worth $1,000 over time makes the $37.50 acquisition cost highly profitable.

What is the minimum quantity for bulk mail discounts?

USPS Marketing Mail requires minimum 200 pieces (or 50 pounds) per mailing to qualify for bulk rates. EDDM has no minimum per route but requires at least 200 pieces total per day. Larger mailings (5,000+ pieces) qualify for additional automation discounts if properly prepared with barcodes and presorted. Working with a mail house like MPA ensures proper preparation for maximum postal discounts.

How can I reduce direct mail costs without sacrificing quality?

Key cost-saving strategies: 1) Use EDDM for local saturation campaigns ($0.26 vs $0.43 postage). 2) Print larger quantities for volume discounts. 3) Use standard postcard sizes (4x6, 6x9) to avoid surcharges. 4) Maintain clean mailing lists to avoid waste. 5) Work with a mail house that handles presorting for postal discounts. 6) Consider postcard formats over letters (cheaper to print and mail). 7) Test smaller quantities before scaling campaigns.

How Much Does Direct Mail Cost? Complete 2026 Pricing Guide

Updated January 2026 1 min read

Direct mail marketing materials including postcards, letters, and brochures with cost breakdown

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Direct mail costs $0.50-$2.00 per piece

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MPA Editorial Team

Direct Mail Specialists · Mail Processing Associates

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