Postcard Mailing

Postcard Mailing

Postcard mailing increases the chances of a work-from-home professional reading your message from the comfort of their home. The impact of your promotion or announcement will linger after reading, unlike a social media ad or a large sign they can easily miss. You can also deliver postcards directly to a specific demographic, basing the recipients on their age, income, or location. Targeting a particular market ensures your promotion reaches the customer who can afford your products and will do continuous business with you. Read on to find out how you can maximize this cost-effective print marketing strategy.

The Recommended Postcard Mailing Dimensions

The right postcard dimensions assure you have enough space and an affordable mail rate when you send the message. Sizes available include the flat, standard postcards or the folded type with extra panels for extra details. If you require bulk postcard mailing, make sure the flat or folded size you choose qualifies for affordable direct mail delivery:

To qualify for postcard delivery, the size should be:

• Minimum of 5" L x 3.5" W x 0.007" thick
• Maximum of 6" L x 4.25" W x 0.016" thick

Anything larger than the maximum dimensions will fall under USPS' letter requirements:

• Minimum of 5" L x 3.5" W x 0.007" thick
• Maximum of 11.5" L x 6.125" W x 0.25" thick

Folded postcards normally qualify for the Letter or Flat rates:

• Letter rate: minimum 5" L x 3.5" H & maximum 11.5" L x 6.125" H
• Check out the specific sizes for folded postcards and their corresponding rates on the Direct Mail Services requirements page. Note that you'll need to select "Double" or "Triple" tabbing under the "Advanced Options" section to qualify for direct mail in half-fold or tri-fold postcards.

What Goes Into Postcard Mailing Costs?

In addition to the stamp fee based on the postcard's size, other costs are included to complete a direct mail service. PrintPlace includes all these at a rate more affordable than accumulating and processing everything yourself:

• Class of mail – Will you be sending postcards in bulk (USPS Marketing Mail) or require a slightly larger size for sending out single-pieces below 500 pieces (First-Class Mail)?
• The mail type format – The cost will vary per piece.
• Mailing list – You'll spend 0 for a ready-made list, but if this is your first time, then you can purchase a list from the USPS.
• NCOA Service – This automated process matches the name and address on your list to check if the individual filed for a change of address. This saves you the trouble of having unintended recipients receive the postcards.
• Tabbing fees - Folded postcards may qualify as self-mailers that don't require an envelope for delivery. You'll need to prepare a file with tabs that ensure the flaps fold into the maximum number of panels. This will be added to the final cost of your postcard printing and mailing.

Postcard Mailing Service Inclusions

Save yourself the trouble of sorting through all the postcard mailing requirements. PrintPlace's direct mail services include the following:

• Processing of 1 mailing list: You can upload a list using a template or after checkout.
• CASS Certification: If you're sending postcards in bulk quantities, you can add barcodes and enjoy discounts for your large delivery. We'll add the certification, which saves you time and money.
• Inkjet addressing: We'll print all the relevant information on each postcard, so every listed address receives it.
• Duplication removal if requested: The direct mail services page lets you remove any duplicates that may appear on the list.
• Presorting and delivery to the USPS: You only need to upload or create the postcard design and review it before production. You're free to focus on other responsibilities as we'll take care of sorting and delivering the bulk postcard mailing to the USPS.

How to Place a Direct Mail Order

All postcard options include "Mailing Services" on the online calculator. Select this service after indicating your postcard design's specifications.

Alternatively, you can click on "Add Mailing Services" on the Shopping Cart after uploading the design file.

If you have specific postcard size requirements and prefer to manage the postcard deliveries yourself, we also offer EDDM®.