Printing

EDDM Printing: Choosing a Printer

An EDDM® printing quote can mean three very different things: printing only, printing plus bundling, or printing plus the whole mailing. Comparing prices only works once you know which one each printer is quoting.

SPEC CHECKED 2026-11-06 · SOURCES BELOW

What you're actually buying

• Printing. The cards themselves, on the size and paper you choose.
• Mail prep. Splitting the cards by carrier route, bundling them in groups of 50 to 100 and adding a facing slip to each bundle.
• Drop-off. Taking the bundles to the right Post Office, or entering them as a bulk mailing.
• Postage. Paid to USPS. Some printers collect it from you and pass it on; others leave it to you at the counter.

For example, Vistaprint's EDDM® postcards are print only: the cards ship to you in bundles and you pay postage at the Post Office. Other printers, such as 48HourPrint and PrimoPrint, also offer a print-and-mail option. More in online printers explained.

What changes the price

• Size. Bigger cards cost more.
• Paper. Thicker stock and coatings like gloss or UV cost more.
• Quantity. The price per card usually drops as quantity goes up.
• Turnaround. Rush jobs cost extra.
• Services. Bundling, route paperwork, design and drop-off are often add-ons.

We don't quote prices here because they change constantly and differ a lot between printers. The comparison table below gets you a fair picture from real quotes.

Questions to ask any printer

• Is this price for printing only, or does it include bundling and drop-off?
• Is postage included, and if so, at what rate per piece?
• Will you bundle by route and add facing slips?
• Who takes the mail to the Post Office, and which one?
• Do you choose the routes, or do I?
• What sizes and paper stocks do you offer for EDDM?
• What file format, bleed and resolution do you need?
• Do you check files for EDDM size and indicia?
• Will I see a proof before printing?
• How long from approval to cards in hand, or to drop-off?
• What happens if the Post Office rejects the mailing?
• Can I see a printed sample?

Compare quotes line by line

Ask two or three printers for the same size, paper and quantity, then fill this in:

The cheapest printing price often isn't the cheapest total once bundling, drop-off and your own time are counted.

Local printer or online printer?

For the full range of options, including doing it yourself and full-service companies, see EDDM services compared.

Red flags

• Postage buried in the per-piece price with no rate shown.
• No proof before printing.
• Vague answers about who drops off and at which Post Office.
• No mention of EDDM size rules. A printer who offers a 6 x 9 for EDDM Retail® without comment is a printer to question.

Watch out: a printer saying cards are "USPS approved" means they meet the physical rules. It doesn't mean USPS has endorsed the printer.

Questions people ask