Industry Description
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) creating and designing advertising campaigns for the purpose of distributing advertising materials (e.g., coupons, flyers, samples) or specialties (e.g., keychains, magnets, pens with customized messages imprinted) by mail or other direct distribution and/or (2) preparing advertising materials or specialties for mailing or other direct distribution. These establishments may also compile, maintain, sell, and rent mailing lists.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--
Business Examples
Common types of business activities within NAICS 541860 - Direct Mail Advertising are:
- Direct mail or other direct distribution advertising campaign services
- Direct mail advertising services
- Advertising material preparation services for mailing or other direct distribution
IBISWorld Industry Research Report
Direct Mail Advertising in the US (54186)
Revenue 2025
$11.2bn
Growth 2025
-4.33%
Key Trends
Recent innovations in direct mail advertising technology have kept the industry relevant
More major players in the industry have extended their services to the internet
Companies will branch out into other operations that are related to existing industry operations
Products and Services
Similar Industries
For some business types, there may be a similar industry to 541860 - Direct Mail Advertising that is a better classification match. Establishments primarily engaged in:
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NAICS Cross Reference
Compiling and selling mailing lists without providing direct mail advertising services--are classified in Industry 511140, Directory and Mailing List Publishers; and
IBISWorld industry research report
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NAICS Cross Reference
Publishing or broadcasting exclusively on the Internet--are classified in Industry 519130, Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals.
IBISWorld industry research report
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NAICS Cross Reference
Creating advertising campaigns and placing such advertising in media--are classified in Industry 541810, Advertising Agencies;
IBISWorld industry research report
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NAICS Cross Reference
The direct distribution or delivery (e.g., door-to-door, windshield placement) of advertisements or samples--are classified in Industry 541870, Advertising Material Distribution Services;
IBISWorld industry research report
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NAICS Cross Reference
Distributing advertising specialties for clients who wish to use such materials for promotional purposes--are classified in Industry 541890, Other Services Related to Advertising;
IBISWorld industry research report
NAICS Hierarchy 541860 - Direct Mail Advertising
NAICS Code 541860 - Direct Mail Advertising sits in the 2-digit Direct Mail Advertising sector. NAICS codes can be 2- to 6-digits and the further along the hierarchy, the more detailed and specific the category will be. Learn more about the structure of NAICS codes
2 Digits: 54
Sector Title: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
3 Digits 4 Digits 5 Digits 6 Digits
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5411 Legal Services
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54111 Offices of Lawyers
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54112 Offices of Notaries
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54119 Other Legal Services
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5412 Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services
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54121 Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services
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5413 Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
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54131 Architectural Services
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54132 Landscape Architectural Services
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54133 Engineering Services
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54134 Drafting Services
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54135 Building Inspection Services
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54136 Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services
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54137 Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services
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54138 Testing Laboratories
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5414 Specialized Design Services
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54141 Interior Design Services
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54142 Industrial Design Services
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54143 Graphic Design Services
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54149 Other Specialized Design Services
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5415 Computer Systems Design and Related Services
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54151 Computer Systems Design and Related Services
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5416 Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
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54161 Management Consulting Services
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54162 Environmental Consulting Services
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54169 Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
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5417 Scientific Research and Development Services
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54171 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
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54172 Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
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5418 Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
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54181 Advertising Agencies
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54182 Public Relations Agencies
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54183 Media Buying Agencies
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54184 Media Representatives
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54185 Outdoor Advertising
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54186 Direct Mail Advertising
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54187 Advertising Material Distribution Services
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54189 Other Services Related to Advertising
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5419 Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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54191 Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling
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54192 Photographic Services
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54193 Translation and Interpretation Services
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54194 Veterinary Services
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54199 All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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