8 Real Benefits of Starting a Co-Op Shared-Cost EDDM Postcard Agency

Tired of the daily grind and longing for a business that actually puts you in control, earns real income, and makes a local impact – without crippling debt or endless startup hype? Discover the proven path: a co-op shared-cost EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) agency.

Instead of selling one big postcard to one business, you split the cost among multiple local businesses — usually 12 to 24 — and mail one powerful postcard to thousands of homes in a targeted area. It’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to build a profitable, recurring income stream.

In this post, we’ll reveal 8 tangible benefits that make this often-overlooked business model a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs.

1. You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck in a Job You Don’t Like

Whether you’re working long shifts, sitting at a desk for hours, or just burned out from doing something that doesn’t inspire you — this business gives you an exit ramp.

You can start it part-time, build momentum, and transition out when you’re ready. Imagine gradually replacing your income, taking on more campaigns, and eventually giving your two-weeks notice with a clear, profitable exit strategy. Many successful agency owners started exactly this way, building their freedom one postcard at a time.

2. You Become Your Own Boss—and Set Your Own Schedule

No bosses. No rigid hours. No clocking in.

With an EDDM postcard agency, you’re in control. You decide:

Since campaigns go out once every 15 days or monthly, you’re not tied to daily deadlines. This means you can fit your business around your life – whether it’s dropping kids off at school, pursuing a hobby, or simply enjoying a Monday morning without a commute. You call the shots.

3. It’s a Low-Risk Business — You Get Paid Up Front

Most businesses are risky. You invest money and hope customers show up.

With a co-op postcard model, your clients prepay for their ads. That means:

You’re simply collecting money, ordering prints, and pocketing the difference. Think about it: before your postcards even go to print, you’ve already collected payment from your clients, covering your costs and securing your profit. This model virtually eliminates the financial stress common with many startups.

4. You Learn Marketing, Sales, and How to Close Deals

You don’t need a marketing degree or sales background to do this—you’ll learn as you go.

You’ll get better at:

These aren’t just theoretical skills. Every time you connect with a local business, you’re practicing real-world communication, persuasion, and negotiation – valuable assets for any entrepreneurial endeavor.

In this article, you’ll find step-by-step guidelines on how to sell ads effectively.

5. You Build Real Bonds with Local Businesses

You’re not just selling ad space—you’re helping your community thrive.

You’ll get to know:

You’re building trust, referrals, and long-term relationships. These relationships often lead to word-of-mouth, repeat business, and a strong reputation within your community. You become a trusted advisor, not just a salesperson.

6. You Can Start as a Side Hustle and Grow into Full Independence

This is perfect if you’re not ready to quit your job yet.

You can run one card a month in your spare time, and as your income grows, you can scale:

Starting with one successful mailer, you can replicate the process in neighboring zip codes, or introduce higher-value services for individual businesses. This organic growth path minimizes risk while maximizing potential. Eventually, this side hustle can replace your primary income.

7. Many Businesses Will Pay You to Run Their Mailer for Them

Once you build trust, some advertisers will say: “Hey, can you do a mailer just for us?”

They don’t want to deal with USPS paperwork, design, or vendor calls. They want one person to handle everything — that person can be you. This elevates your role from a “postcard seller” to a full-service local marketing partner. They trust you, and they’re willing to pay for your expertise to handle the entire direct mail process, from concept to delivery. You go from ad seller to full-service local marketing provider — and charge accordingly.

8. You Become a Local Vendor for Printing & Other Services

Here’s where it gets even better: Once businesses know you and trust you, they’ll start asking for more than just postcards.

They’ll need:

And you don’t even need to own a print shop. You can partner with wholesale printers, act as a local rep, and keep the profit. By establishing yourself as a reliable contact for direct mail, you naturally become their first call for all their printing needs. This expands your revenue streams significantly without needing to acquire new clients from scratch.

Over time, this opens the door to offering:

All because you became their trusted marketing contact — starting with one shared postcard. This benefit truly highlights the long-term potential of this business, transforming a simple EDDM offering into a comprehensive local marketing agency.

Ready to Start Your Own Co-Op EDDM Agency?

We’ve built a complete starter bundle to help you hit the ground running.

What’s Inside the Starter Kit:

4 ready-made Canva postcard templates (9×12 + jumbo formats)
50+ editable coupon-style ad designs
A fully designed WordPress agency website
Free demo installation and setup tutorials
Video training on how to get clients, close deals, and manage campaigns

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this is everything you need — all in one place.

Unlock Your Freedom: Get Your EDDM Side Hustle Starter Kit Today!

Final Thoughts

Starting a co-op shared-cost EDDM agency is more than just a business. It’s a way to reclaim your time, build something real, and support your community — all while creating stable, repeat income for yourself.

If the idea of building a genuinely impactful business that offers financial stability, flexible hours, and deep community connections resonates with you, then a co-op EDDM agency is worth exploring. Stop dreaming about a better work-life balance—it’s time to build it. With our Starter Kit, you have everything you need to begin this rewarding journey today.

9x12 Agency

The team at 9x12 Agency helps aspiring entrepreneurs launch and grow their own shared-cost EDDM postcard businesses. With ready-to-use templates, agency websites, and practical training, we make it easy to start a real, local marketing business — even as a student or side hustler.