A Quick Guide to Postcard Printing and Mailing: Specs You Need to Know!
The Timeless Charm of Postcards:
The Timeless Charm of Postcards:
We Design and Print Postcards as well as Offer Postcard Mailing Services.
In a world where digital ads get swiped away in seconds, postcards remain one of the most effective, personal, and budget-friendly tools in your marketing toolbox. Dave the Printer’s modern postcard printing and mailing services along with our graphic design services can help you to design and print postcards easily, mailing has never been more efficient or easy. Postcards are a versatile and cost-effective tool for both personal and business use. For travelers, you can turn your photos into postcards with a quick message. For businesses, postcards are a powerful direct mail marketing tool. Postcards boast a higher open rate than emails and can drive real engagement, especially when paired with Dave’s professional postcard printing and mailing services. Click this link for more about Dave’s Postcard Printing service. Before you start designing your next stunning postcard, it’s important to know the Post Office mailing specs. Printing the wrong size or layout could mean extra postage—or worse, undelivered mail.
Here are some tips to know to print postcards that not only look great but also meet USPS guidelines for smooth, cost-effective mailing.
Start with your message and visuals. Whether you’re using a simple online template or working with one of Dave’s graphic designers, the design phase is where your postcard’s impact begins. Think about brand colors, eye-catching images, and a compelling call-to-action.
Postcard Printing Basics
Before you mail anything, let’s talk about print-ready files. Here is a link that should help you create your postcard the following will help you get the results:
- Resolution: Use at least 300 DPI for crisp, professional images. Type needs to be at 2400 DPI for best results.
- Color mode: CMYK for print.
- Bleed: Include a 0.125″ bleed on all sides to avoid white edges after trimming.
- Paper stock: 100–130 lb. (14 point or 16 point) cardstock is standard; go glossy or matte depending on your brand’s vibe.
What are USPS rules for postcards?
To qualify for the First-Class Mail postcard rate, USPS postcards must be rectangular, at least 3.5 inches high x 5 inches long, and no more than 4.25 inches high x 6 inches long, with a thickness between 0.007 and 0.016 inches. If your mailpiece does not meet the dimensions above, then the Postal Service considers it a letter and letter-size postage is charged. With USPS Marketing Mail, there is a little more flexibility — there is no separate (lower) price for postcards, so you don’t have to worry about your postcard being too big — because you’re paying letter prices anyway. But make sure that your postcard is no larger than 6-1/8″ x 11-1/2″ x 1/4″ thick. Mailpieces larger than any of those dimensions and you’ll have to pay flats (large envelope) postage prices.
Postage rates change and where you are mailing to can make a difference. We recommend checking with the USPS for current postage prices.
How much will postage be for my postcards?
Direct Mail Postage Pricing
New USPS Pricing for July 14th, 2024
*POSTCARD (3.5 x 5 up to 4.25 x 6 finish size)
| Presorted Automation |
Presorted Non-Automation |
Single Piece |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| First Class | $0.384 – $0.419 | $0.44 | $0.56 |
Final Thoughts
With easy-to-use tools for postcard printing, stunning postcard design, and seamless USPS mailing options, there’s never been a better time to embrace the charm and effectiveness of postcards from Dave the Printer. Whether you’re sharing a memory, saying thank you, or marketing your brand, a well-designed postcard is a small piece of paper that can make a big impression.
