Same Experts. New Name.
SeQuel Response and FM Engage are now Franklin Madison Direct. While our name has changed, everything else remains the same: our people, our process, and our passion for driving measurable results through direct marketing.
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Direct Mail Volume & Trends Report: Q1 2026
Direct marketers kicked off 2026 by staying active in the mailbox, sending just over 7 billion pieces in Q1, slightly below Q4 levels as volumes eased after the holiday push.
This Quarter’s Direct Mail Volume & Trends
Credit card brands led the way this quarter, delivering more than 1.35 billion pieces and maintaining their position as the largest source of direct mail volume. Consumer services followed at 1.24 billion pieces, with insurance close behind at 1.09 billion. Mortgage and loan marketers held steady at just over 1 billion pieces, while retail remained a consistent contributor at nearly 892 million, supported by ongoing promotional activity.
Audience trends show little movement, with marketers continuing to prioritize older, established consumers. Individuals ages 40–69 accounted for more than two-thirds of all mail volume, while younger audiences remained largely untapped, with ages 20–29 making up only ~1% of total share.
On the creative side, brands kept things personal and streamlined. Two-thirds of all mail was personalized in Q1 2026, and over 70% was delivered in envelope formats, as marketers leaned into familiar, cost-efficient executions that are easy to scale.
Some of the biggest movements came at the category level. Meal kit brands surged 59% quarter-over-quarter, ramping up efforts to capture demand for convenience-driven subscriptions. Other categories, including travel and financial services, posted more modest gains as marketers adjusted spending following peak seasonal periods.
The infographic below shares additional information on Q1 2026 direct mail performance.
*Volume projections are based on a stratified sampling scheme that ensures a balanced calculation, representative of the US Census across different age groups, geographical locations, income levels, and home ownership status.
You can find more direct marketing resources and industry insights on our blog, including how rising postage rates are affecting marketers, and our most recent direct mail report.
