How to Bundle and Drop Off an EDDM Mailing at the Post Office

To drop off an EDDM Retail mailing, split your postcards by carrier route, bundle each route in stacks of 50 to 100 pieces all facing the same way, put a USPS facing slip on top of every bundle, and take them to the post office that delivers to those routes, where you pay the postage. Here is each step in detail.

Step 1: Finish your route order online

In the USPS EDDM online tool, select your carrier routes and the number of pieces for each. You can pay for postage there or at the counter. The tool also creates the facing slips you will print, one for each bundle. Rules and options change from time to time, so read the current instructions in the tool before you start.

Step 2: Check your postcards before you bundle

• The pieces must qualify as a USPS flat. Not sure? Use our EDDM size checker.
• The EDDM Retail indicia and the "Local Postal Customer" line must be printed in the right place. Ask us to check it when you approve your proof.
• Count enough pieces for every route. Spares are useful for a second drop or your counter.

Step 3: Bundle by route

• Count the pieces for one route and stack them, all facing the same way.
• Make bundles of 50 to 100 pieces. A route of 480 homes becomes, for example, four bundles of 100 and one of 80.
• Secure each bundle with rubber bands or straps, one each way, so it stays together in the carrier's hands. Our EDDM packages can come shrink-wrapped in bundles of 100 to save you the counting.

Step 4: Add the facing slips

Place a facing slip on top of each bundle, showing the route and number of pieces. Keep the bundles for each route together, ideally in a USPS tray or box labelled with the route.

Step 5: Drop off and pay

Take the bundles to the post office that serves those routes, during business hours. You can mail up to 5,000 pieces per ZIP code per day with EDDM Retail. Bring your order confirmation or payment. Postage is paid to USPS per piece; we do not collect it.

How long does it take?

Bundling a 5,000-piece mailing by hand usually takes a couple of hours. Pieces are typically delivered within a few days of drop-off, depending on the post office.

Plan the mailing before you print

Estimate the total with the EDDM cost calculator, choose your areas with our carrier route guide, and order postcards that arrive ready to bundle. Questions about your mailing? Call 512-573-1977, 7 days a week.