POSTCARDS are an extremely effective marketing tool; they are cost-efficient, have the best possible open rate, the best ROI (Return on Investment), and are inexpensive to print. And with no envelope to open, your message is seen instantly.
When designing a postcard, keep postal regulations clearly in mind right from the get-go. Postcards can be mailed at an advantageous First-Class rate of 34¢ for a single piece. Larger quantities [500 for Presorted First-Class, or 200 for Standard (‘bulk’) Mail] can reduce postage down to 29.3¢ or 25.1-27.8¢ respectively.
However, in order to get these postage discounts, your postcard must meet exacting specifications:
SHAPE: must be rectangular
SIZE: minimum 5″ x 3.5; maximum 6″(l) x 4.25″(h)
If your mailing list has any foreign addresses the minimum size is 5.5(l) x 3.5″(h)
THICKNESS: minimum 7pt (.007″); maximum 16pt. (.016″)
ADDRESSING: the addressing block must be printed parallel to the long dimension at the lower right corner of the postcard. The return address goes in the upper left corner of the addressing block and the postage goes in the upper right.
If your postcard is larger than 6″ x 4.25″ you can mail it as a Standard-Mail (‘bulk-rate’) letter and still benefit from the postage discounts. (Yes, we know it’s a postcard – but the post office categorizes it as a ‘letter’)
And finally, it is always advisable to get your mailing piece approved by a Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) at the USPS before printing. This is especially true if your design calls for a sticker or some other attachment to the postcard. You can reach the MDA Support Center at 855-593-6093 or mda@usps.gov.
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