Direct Mail Delivery Times
Direct mail is a marketing method that uses physical materials to reach specific customers. It is a proven and effective way to target potential customers and increase sales. The USPS estimates that 57 percent of the total amount of mail sent is direct mail and has been growing steadily in recent years.
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Getting your direct mail to the right place at the right time is critical for your business and marketing success. When your mailings aren’t reaching your audience, you’re wasting valuable money and resources.
In order to ensure that your direct mail reaches your audience on the dates you’d like it to, there are many things that need to be considered. This includes everything from creating and assembling the materials to actually sending them out to the recipients’ mailboxes.
When preparing your direct mail campaign, it’s important to understand how long the process will take and when it will be completed. This can vary depending on the type of material you’re using, but there are a few factors that can help you determine when your campaign will be completed and when it will be delivered.
Lead Time
The time it takes to create your direct mail piece can vary depending on the type of material you’re creating and the deadlines that need to be met. For example, a postcard might be printed and ready for delivery in a few days, but other types of direct mail pieces can be a much longer process.
Data Processing and Prepping
In addition to printing your direct mail piece, it’s also important to make sure your data is accurate and up-to-date. This will help you avoid unnecessary costs and ensure your direct mail is sent to the correct address.
Once your direct mail has been approved and ready, it’s time to ship it out to its final destination. The shipping date will depend on several factors, including the postage rate you pay and how far the package has to travel.
The length of the shipping process can also be impacted by seasonal changes in volume and mail handling times. For example, during the holiday season, mail volume can spike due to increased demand. This can cause your mailings to miss the delivery standards window and may affect the overall timeline of your campaign.
EDDM and RetailUSPS
EDDM is a USPS service that allows small businesses to target local residents and send them flyers, postcards or other flats based on their location and preferences. The EDDM Online Tool allows you to map ZIP Codes and neighborhoods, and filter by age, income or household size1 to help you find the right recipients.
A direct mail campaign can take 5-10 weeks to plan and execute, then another week or two after the piece has been produced before it reaches its final destination. Rush services can move this process along for you if needed, but it’s a good idea to have realistic expectations when it comes to the timing of your direct mail.
