What new service allows mailers to send 5000 or fewer flat-sized mail pieces within a single post office area?

The correct answer is Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM). This service is designed specifically for small businesses and other organizations that want to reach a large number of potential customers in a targeted area without needing a mailing list. EDDM allows mailers to send up to 5,000 flat-sized mail pieces, such as postcards, directly to every household within a specified geographical area served by a particular post office.

The appeal of EDDM lies in its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for localized marketing efforts. By using EDDM, mailers can efficiently deliver marketing materials to a defined audience that is most likely to be interested in their products or services. This capacity to target specific postal routes enhances the effectiveness of promotional campaigns.

Other services like Flat Rate Shipping, Standard Mail, and First-Class Package Service do not offer the same level of targeted distribution within a specific local area as EDDM. Hence, while those services are essential in their own right, they do not provide the unique functionality that EDDM does for sending flat-sized mail pieces within one post office area.