EDDM vs Saturation Mail: Which is Better?

What is Saturation Mail?

Saturation mail is a postage discount tier for businesses that mail to at least 90% of residential addresses or 75% of total addresses on a given mail carrier route. Unlike EDDM Retail, it requires a mailing list and a USPS postage permit, but it often yields the absolute lowest postage rates available.

Maximum Savings

The lowest possible cost per piece for high-volume mailers.

Broad Reach

Perfect for national or regional "blanket" coverage.

Key Differences at a Glance

Postage Rate

EDDMVery Low (Retail Flat Rate)

SaturationLowest Possible (Standard Mail)

Address Requirements

EDDMNone (Uses 'Local Mail Customer')

SaturationMailing List Required ('Resident')

Daily Limits

EDDM5,000 pieces per Zip Code

SaturationNo daily limits

Permit Required

EDDMNo (Retail) / Yes (BMEU)

SaturationYes (Standard Mail Permit)

Preparation

EDDMSimple (Bundles of 50-100)

SaturationComplex (Full Sorting/Traying)

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose EDDM if...

You are a local small business.
You want to avoid list and permit costs.
You are sending under 5,000 pieces per day.
You want to handle the drop-off yourself.
Simple preparation is a priority.

Choose Saturation if...

You have a USPS mailing permit.
You are mailing high volumes (10k+).
You need the absolute lowest postage rate.
You are mailing multi-zip code campaigns.
You use a mail service provider (like Catdi Printing).

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about EDDM and Saturation mailing logistics.

EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) is a USPS program specifically for flat-sized mailpieces that allows you to reach every home on a route without needing names or addresses. Saturation mail is a broader category of direct mail that also targets entire routes but requires a mailing list with 'Postal Customer' or 'Resident' addressing and follows different preparation and entry rules.

Saturation mail typically offers the lowest possible postage rates, often lower than EDDM Retail. However, Saturation mail requires more complex sorting and often needs to be dropped at a Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU), whereas EDDM Retail can be dropped at local post offices.

Saturation mail is specifically designed for 'route-based' targeting. While you use a list, the list must include 90% of residential addresses or 75% of total addresses on a carrier route to qualify for the saturation discount.

EDDM pieces must be 'flats'. They must be more than 6.125" tall OR more than 10.5" long OR more than 0.25" thick. They cannot exceed 12" tall by 15" long.

EDDM Retail is limited to 5,000 pieces per zip code, per day. Saturation mail (via a mail permit) has no such daily limit, making it better for very large regional or national campaigns.