Yes, It’s Illegal to Put Flyers in Mailboxes (Here Are Other Ways to Distribute Them Legally)

With the right strategy, flyers can be a powerful marketing tool to help you connect with your target audience. Plus, they are excellent for large-scale distribution because of their affordability and versatility.

However, it’s not a good idea to stick up flyers anywhere you can think of. First, people may find it intrusive, and second, you wouldn’t want to break any law.

Is it illegal to put flyers in mailboxes?

Yes, it is illegal to put flyers in mailboxes. Placing any type of mail or marketing collateral in a mailbox without official postage and not sent through the US Postal Service is considered a federal offense that comes with a fine of up to $10,000.

According to the USPS website, only authorized USPS delivery personnel are allowed to place items in a mailbox, which by law, “is intended only for receipt of postage-paid US mail.”

Additionally, many local communities have a law or ordinance that prohibits individuals, businesses, and organizations from leaving flyers on every door in a neighborhood.

What happens if you violate the mailbox restriction law?

Individuals could face a fine of up to $5,000 per infraction, while organizations, such as restaurants and stores, could pay up to $10,000 for every violation of the mailbox restriction law.

If you think you can get around the law by affixing flyers to mailboxes, note that this is also considered illegal, as it may block the delivery of mail.

The mailbox restriction law applies to all types of mailboxes, including commercial, post office, and residential boxes.

How do you distribute flyers legally?

Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to print and distribute flyers without breaking any law or being intrusive to the public:

• When handing out flyers in the street, do not obstruct the entrance to any buildings. In addition, do not harass or force passersby to take your flyers if they’re not interested.
• If you want to distribute flyers in your neighborhood, check out public buildings and local libraries with community bulletin boards. Oftentimes, you can post without issues here.
• As long as you’re not in a no-soliciting zone, you can hang your flyers in public restrooms, utility poles, daycare centers, and visitors’ centers.
• Ask local businesses, such as coffee shops and bars, if you can post your flyers on their bulletin boards or windows.
• You can insert flyers in newspapers.
• You can also insert flyers in mailed bills and invoices.
• Include flyers in shipments to customers.
• You can use presentation folders or pocket folders to hold your flyers.
• Hand them out to event attendees.
• Consider hiring a professional flyer distributor.

What are some legal alternatives to flyers?

Do you want to explore other ways to get your message through the door? If yes, then consider these legal alternatives to flyers:

• Newspaper inserts. Also called preprint, these promotional inserts are often found in Sunday newspapers.
• Door hangers. These cardboard or plastic signs often come in rectangular shape and are hung from a door handle. In some cases, they are a better option than flyers because they are more noticeable and durable.
• Direct mailing. Reach out to your customers using EDDM-compliant postcards that fulfill the USPS requirements. EDDM, which stands for “every door direct mail,” are postcards that eliminate the need for a postage permit or even a mailing list. All you need to do is select your postal route so the USPS personnel can deliver your message to every address here.

Conclusion

Placing unauthorized items in someone’s mailbox is a legal offense. Fortunately, there are many ways you can distribute your flyers legally.

However, if you’re looking for flyer alternatives, door hangers and direct mailing services, specifically EDDM-compliant postcards, may even be a better option than door-to-door flyer distribution.