How to Legally Start an EDDM Agency as a Student or Full-Time Employee

A Simple Guide to Launching Your Shared-Cost Postcard Business Without the Legal Headaches

Thinking about launching a co-op EDDM agency while you’re still in school or working a full-time job?

Good news:
You can legally start and run this business without quitting your job or becoming a full-time entrepreneur overnight.

In this guide, I’ll break down the simplest legal setup, the right way to accept money, and how to build your business without stress.

First: You Don’t Need a Company to Get Started (But You Should Plan One)

In the U.S. (and many other countries), you can legally operate a sole proprietorship — that means you are the business, without needing to register anything at first.

BUT — if you want to look more professional, open a business bank account, or scale in the future, it’s smart to take 1–2 extra steps:

Step 1: Register a DBA (Doing Business As)

A DBA allows you to operate under a business name (like “PeakMailers” instead of your own name).

Why it’s useful:

You can usually register a DBA at your county clerk’s office or state website. It costs anywhere from $15 to $75 and takes about 15–30 minutes online.

Step 2: Get a Business Bank Account

Once you have your DBA certificate (or LLC, if you choose that route), go to your local bank and open a business checking account.

Why this matters:

You’ll need:

Step 3 (Optional): Register an LLC Later (If You Want)

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) gives you:

But it’s not required to start.

If you’re just doing 1–2 mailers per month, a DBA + business bank account is enough. You can always file an LLC later.

Note: Some states allow you to use your existing LLC (if you already have one) and simply register a new DBA under that LLC for your EDDM agency.

Step 4: Accepting Payments the Right Way

Here are 3 easy ways to collect ad payments from businesses:

Stripe or PayPal Business Account (linked to your business bank)
Zelle or Venmo for Business (check local limits)
Bank transfers or cash (offline clients)

Make sure to keep a record of who paid and for which campaign. A simple Google Sheet is fine to start.

Step 5: USPS EDDM Account Setup

Even as a student or part-time worker, you can register a free account at: https://eddm.usps.com

There’s no business license or EIN required to use it.

With your account, you’ll be able to:

Make sure to keep a record of who paid and for which campaign. A simple Google Sheet is fine to start.

Bonus Tip: Make It a Side Hustle That Grows Over Time

If you’re in college, or already working 9–5, you don’t need to go “all in.”

Here’s a simple, low-risk approach:

Once you’ve done it once and have happy clients, repeat it. Then scale.

Want Everything You Need to Start Right Now?

To make it even easier, we built a Starter Kit that includes:

All-in-one. No subscription. One-time payment.

Get it now at 9x12agency.com

Final Checklist to Start Your EDDM Side Hustle Legally:

Choose your business name
Register a DBA (or LLC later)
Open a business bank account
Set up Stripe/PayPal/Venmo to collect payments
Register a USPS EDDM account
Build your first card & pitch businesses

You can do this legally, ethically, and professionally — even as a student or employee.

Just start small, focus on local trust, and grow it at your own pace

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.