Free tool
Postcard ROI Calculator
Plug in your slot cost, average order value, and close rate. See expected leads, customers, revenue, ROI, and how your cost per customer stacks up against Google Ads, Meta, Yelp, and EDDM direct mail.
Estimated ROI
+84%
$926 net on $1,099 spend
Expected revenue
$2,025
4.5 customers × $450 LTV
Break-even
3 customers
to recoup slot cost
Cost per lead
$49
23 leads estimated
Cost per customer
$244
4.5 customers estimated
Conversion funnel
5,000
Homes
150
Scans
23
Leads
5
Customers
LocalAd vs. other channels: cost per customer
Benchmarks use published industry averages. Your math on the left is the only non-benchmarked number in the table.
| Channel | Cost for your scenario | Cost / customer | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|---|
| LocalAd (your scenario) | $1,099 | $244 | Category-exclusive, QR-tracked, 5,000 homes |
| Google Ads (local services) | $1,935 | $430 | $10–$12 CPC, 7% conv → $130 CPL, 30% close ≈ $430/customer (LocaliQ 2025) |
| Facebook / Meta Ads | $923 | $205 | CPL $41 home services, 20% quality-close → $205/customer (LocaliQ 2025) |
| Yelp CPC advertising | $1,575 | $350 | $2–$8 CPC, CPL $50–$150 home services, 30% close ≈ $350/customer (Yelp 2025) |
| EDDM direct mail (non-exclusive) | $2,250 | $500 | $0.247/piece USPS postage + $0.20 print ≈ $0.45/piece all-in (USPS Jul 2025) |
Sources: LocaliQ 2025 Home Services Search Benchmarks (Google Ads); LocaliQ 2025 Facebook Benchmarks (Meta Ads); Yelp advertising costs; USPS Every Door Direct Mail postage schedule (Jul 2025 rates).
Ready to claim a slot?
Pick a zone, lock your category, and we handle design, print, and mailing.
Browse available zones →Questions people ask before running the numbers
How accurate is this calculator?
The calculator uses the same funnel math ad networks use internally: homes → scans → leads → customers. Inputs that you control (average order value, close rate, lifetime multiplier) are exactly as accurate as the numbers you put in. For scan rate and scan-to-lead conversion we default to the middle of the ranges LocalAd sees in Portland drops (2-6% and 10-20%). Competitor benchmarks are published industry averages (WordStream 2024 for Google and Meta Ads, Yelp's advertiser pricing, and the USPS 2025 EDDM postage schedule), so the table is directional, not a promise about any specific campaign.
What scan rate should I expect for my postcard?
LocalAd drops in Portland average around 3% scan rates, with 2% on commoditized categories (gyms, insurance) and 6%+ on high-intent categories with a sharp offer (HVAC emergencies, dentists with a free-exam coupon, restaurants with a first-visit discount). A clear offer, a short QR-destination URL, and a front-of-card slot all push the scan rate up. The slider defaults to 3% so the math is honest; push it lower if you're not sure.
How do I sign up for a LocalAd slot?
Go to /zones, pick a zone near your business, claim an available front or back slot in your category, and check out. You'll be the only business in your category on that drop. Our team designs and prints the card, USPS handles the drop to every home in the zone, and every ad gets its own QR code wired to a live scan dashboard.
Why should I trust direct mail over digital ads for local?
You shouldn't blindly; you should do the math, which is what this page is for. The structural edges direct mail has for local small businesses are: 1) 100% household reach in a zone (digital ads miss the 20-30% who use blockers or aren't on the platform), 2) no auction-style bidding war where your CPC keeps rising, and 3) category exclusivity on the physical card. Digital ads win when you need to reach someone specific right now. Postcards win when you want to own the neighborhood.
Can I share this scenario with my partner or accountant?
Yes. Click 'Share your scenario' below the inputs. The URL in your address bar updates live with every change, so you can copy it any time. Opening that URL in a new window loads the exact same inputs and outputs.