Our Local Spotlight is a paid directory listing behind a $44/mo paywall. SpotDrops is a free operational platform with payments, EDDM planning, QR tracking, territory locking, and everything you need to actually run your business.
$0/month. 7% + Stripe processing fees only when a spot sells.
Our Local Spotlight is a directory service — a map with pins showing where operators are located. That's it. It doesn't run your campaigns, handle payments, collect artwork, or track engagement. Their own FAQ says they “do not run marketing campaigns” and are “not affiliated with” their listed partners.
SpotDrops is a full operational platform built from the ground up for operators who want to run a real business. Advertisers pay online, artwork gets collected at checkout, QR codes are generated automatically, and you can prove ROI to advertisers with real engagement data. It's not a directory — it's the dashboard that runs your entire operation.
SpotDrops costs $0/month. You only pay 7% when a spot actually sells — so you never pay out of pocket. Our Local Spotlight advertises a “free” pin, but it requires a $44/month Skool membership just to get listed. Want a landing page? That's another $33/month on top — $77/month for a directory listing before you've sold a single spot.
A side-by-side look at what each platform offers direct mail operators.
Our Local Spotlight is a directory. SpotDrops is the platform that actually runs your operation.
Advertisers pay directly on your drop page via Stripe. No more chasing invoices or Venmo requests.
Interactive map with USPS carrier routes, household counts, income data, and CSV export. All in one place.
Every spot gets a unique QR code. Track scans, visits, and clicks — then show advertisers real data at renewal.
Mail a card in a ZIP code and lock that territory for 90 days. Category exclusivity prevents double bookings.
Logo, ad copy, and business details collected automatically during checkout. Files attached to the spot, ready for layout.
Show advertisers exactly how their spot performed — scans, clicks, calls. Data that closes renewals.
7% + Stripe fees only when a spot sells.
“Free” tier still requires $44/mo Skool membership. Landing page tier adds another $33/mo on top.
Yes. There is no monthly fee, no setup cost, and no contract. SpotDrops takes 7% of each spot sale plus standard Stripe processing fees — so you only pay when you earn.
Absolutely. You can create your SpotDrops account and start building drops immediately. Many operators run their first drop the same day they sign up.
SpotDrops makes it easy for your advertisers to self-serve. Share your drop link and they can browse available spots, pay, and submit their artwork — all without you lifting a finger.
SpotDrops handles your drop operations. If you also want a professional website to showcase your campaigns and capture leads, 9x12tools.com builds one in 60 seconds. They work great together.