Direct mail remains one of the most effective ways to reach new customers—and when it comes to blanket coverage of neighborhoods or zip codes, two options rise to the top: Discount Zone Direct Mail and
USPS Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM).
Both have their strengths, and both can drive excellent results. But depending on your budget, goals, and campaign volume, one may offer better value and performance for your business.
Let’s break down how discount zone mail vs every door direct mail campaigns compare so you can pick the best fit for your next campaign.
First, Let’s Talk: Why Does This Choice Matter?
We’ve heard it from clients time and time again: “I’m not sure which one to go with—EDDM or your Discount Zone option.” And that’s fair. On the surface, they look similar. But underneath, there are some key differences that can affect how much you spend and how wide your message spreads.
If you’re here because you’re actively searching for the most affordable way to saturate a neighborhood with your offer—you’re in the right place.
What is Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)?
Every Door Direct Mail is a program run by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows you to target households on specific mail routes without needing to purchase or rent a mailing list.
You select your routes through a mapping tool (either using our mapping tool, or the one available on USPS.com), prepare your mailers to meet USPS size requirements, and your postcards are delivered to every address on the selected routes.
Pros of EDDM campaigns:
- Easy to use and accessible to local businesses
- No mailing list or permits required
- Ideal for targeting general neighborhoods or geographic areas
- Great for promoting events, store openings, or coupons
Learn more about sending EDDM Campaigns with Growmail
What is Discount Zone Direct Mail?
Discount Zone Direct Mail is a specialized mailing program powered by us here at GrowMail that offers even deeper savings than standard EDDM campaigns. It leverages proprietary routing software, pre-sorted mail, and postal optimization to bring the cost per piece down significantly—sometimes up to 40% less than traditional direct mail or EDDM.
Pros of Discount Zone campaigns:
- Major savings through postal efficiencies and pre-sorting
- Ideal for campaigns with larger volumes or repeat sends
- Offers greater targeting precision and better cost control
- Can include print, design, postage, and delivery in one price
See how much you could save with Discount Zone Mail Campaigns
Side-by-Side Comparison: Discount Zone Mail vs EDDM
Feature | Discount Zone Mail | Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) |
---|---|---|
Mailing List Required | No | No |
Route Targeting | Yes | Yes |
Cost Per Piece | Lower (up to 40% savings) | Standard USPS EDDM rate |
Setup Requirements | Managed for you by GrowMail | Requires USPS submission or mapping |
Ideal Use Case | Larger campaigns, repeat sends | Simple, one-time local promotions |
Design & Print Services | Included or available | Available |
Delivery Timing | Optimized with pre-sorting | Standard USPS delivery |
Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re launching a one-time local promotion, want a simple setup, and don’t mind spending a little more per piece, EDDM might be the easiest way to get your message in mailboxes.
But if you’re planning repeat campaigns, want to stretch your marketing budget, or need to reach thousands of homes efficiently, Discount Zone Direct Mail can deliver greater value with every mailing.
Still unsure? Talk with our team. We’ll help you evaluate which route makes sense for your goals and budget.