Promote Big Events With High-Quality Standard Postcards
The promotional impact begins when your postcard mailing reaches the homes of consumers. Receiving a promotional postcard can inspire them to check out your announcement online or visit your store to take advantage of a sale or event.
Whether you need the standard 4" x 6" postcard or a different size option, we make it easy for you to design, print, and mail high-quality, professional postcards. Trust UPrinting and you'll soon see what makes us the best postcard printing service for your business.
Standard Postcard Information: Size, Printing, Designing, and Mailing
When printing postcards, choosing the right postcard dimensions matters. Take into account the amount of information you need to include in your postcard — the amount of your content will help you determine the postcard size and in turn how much it will cost to mail your custom postcards.
The Best Sizes for Your Postcard Design
Your postcard’s dimensions are crucial in making them an effective marketing tool. Here are some of our standard postcard sizes that are sure to make an immediate impression:
- 4" x 6" postcards are small enough to make a straightforward and easy-to-read announcement. They’re also easy to keep and can be mailed with a postcard stamp. And while 4" x 6" postcard printing is one of the smaller options, it can still make a big impact.
- 5" x 7" postcards stand out against the smaller, standard postcards sent as personal mail. Their width lets you achieve the right balance between images and compelling copy. Our 5" x 7" postcard printing is perfect for promoting a new business or product line.
- 5.5" x 8.5" postcards have more than enough space for an image-heavy or extremely visual design. They’re recommended for postcards announcing a sale or special deal available in store for a limited time.
- 6" x 9" postcards are the biggest option among our popular postcard sizes. They’re suitable for postcards with more than three images or text-heavy content where you need to relay more information in a straightforward, visual manner.
Choose the Orientation That Works for Your Design
Create custom postcards in either a landscape or portrait orientation depending on your design file. If you’re mailing postcards without envelopes, make sure that the back side adheres to USPS’ mailing requirements.
Designing a Standard Postcard
Creating a postcard is not just about making it look good. An effective postcard should not only capture the attention of your audience but also leave a lasting impression. Follow these tips to make your design impactful and memorable:
- Keep things short and sweet. People want information that’s easy to read and digest. The copy on your postcard should be quick enough to compel customers to read but not too long that it loses their attention.
- Call your customers to action. Give them a reason to visit your store or website or try your new product. This action can convert your postcard marketing into significant sales.
- Communicate what you have to offer. Resist the urge to list product features. Instead, show customers how to save money or benefit from your business. For example, let them know that the latest restaurant promotion will save them money (50% off) or how a real estate location can lower their cost of living in the long run.
- Use large images and bright colors. Your postcard needs to stand out against every other marketing promotion. Make sure that the central image is compelling enough to draw attention and that the colors lead the customer right into your headline, call to action, and contact information.
To learn more about how you can use custom postcards article on designing postcards effectively.
Formatting Requirements for Standard Postcards
You are free to create any postcard design, but we set specific requirements for the layout to help you ensure that everything is within the printable area. Check out our mailing templates, which will guide you with the address, postal markings and indicia placement on the postcard. If you need help with your postcard printing and mailing, feel free to contact us through our live chat box or call us at 1-888-888-4211.
Complimentary File Checks for Error-Free Postcard Printing
Our free file check lets you look at the design before it is sent for printing. This gives you the opportunity to make changes and ensure that your postcards are free from errors.
Note: If you are mailing this product, please confirm that your mail addressing machine can print on the laminated surface. If you’re unsure, please call to request for a sample before placing your order.
Standard Postcards FAQs
Q.Can you mail a 5" x 7" postcard?
A. Yes. In fact, all standard postcard sizes, from 4" x 6" up to 6" x 11", flat or folded to size, can be mailed.
Q.Is there a way to mail my cards if they don’t follow the USPS mailing requirements?
A. If you can’t change the layout of your postcard design to comply with USPS requirements, then you can opt for envelopes. Postcards mailed with envelopes will cost more, but if you just can’t make your postcard fit within the USPS dimensions, this is a workable option.
Q.Which is the most durable cardstock among the materials available?
A. The thicker cardstocks are able to withstand the most potential damage from the mailing process. The 14 pt. cardstock is the most popular option, but the 16 pt. and 17 pt. have a more substantial weight. We highly recommend 16 pt. cardstock gloss for those planning to deliver a large quantity of postcards to many different locations.
Q.Do you print individual addresses on postcards?
A. Yes, we do. Contact our mailing representative to receive a quote.
Q.Is it possible to receive a sample postcard before proceeding with my order?
A. We recommend that you request for a hard copy proof. Hard copy proofs are printed on a material different from the actual paper stock. This will give you a preview of how the color and variations will appear on the final print job of your postcard, depending on the finish selected (AQ, matte, UV). However, we do not offer hard copy proofs for art if your postcard will be printed on uncoated paper.
Q.Do your postcards come with envelopes?
A. We generally do not offer envelopes with our standard postcards. However, if you need postcards to be mailed out with envelopes, your order will qualify as a custom order. We suggest reaching out to our product consultants via chat or phone for more information. If you need a card that comes with an envelope, you might want to consider ordering note cards instead.
Q.Is the back of the postcard writable? Which type of cardstock would you recommend if I want to write on it?
A. If you want to write only on the back of the postcard, we recommend choosing the 14 pt. High Gloss (UV) Front, Uncoated Back. If you want to write on both sides of your postcard, we recommend our 14 pt. or 17 pt. cardstock uncoated. Our uncoated options offer excellent writability, whether you use a pen, pencil, or marker. You may also choose cardstock with gloss or matte coating but they can only be written on with ballpoint pens with oil-based ink and permanent markers.
Q.How much does it cost to print postcards?
A. The price of the postcards will depend on the quantity purchased and how quickly they’re needed. The more postcards purchased, the lower the price for each. To get an accurate postcard cost, use our product calculator and input the size, quantity, paper type, and production and shipping turnaround times.
Q.When can I expect to receive my postcard order?
A. YOur online calculator lets you choose a preferred printing turnaround, usually as fast as one business day. To find out when your postcards will be delivered, input your ZIP code after selecting “Estimate Shipping Cost and Delivery Date” in our online calculator.
To get an idea of when you’ll receive your order, consider the turnaround time (production time) and the shipping time.
For example: 3 business days turnaround + 5 business days for ground shipping = 8 business days.
If you request a free PDF proof, it will be ready within six hours after you place your order. In case there are issues in your file, our team will contact you within 24 business hours. Remember that proofs approved before 5 p.m. PST will go into the printing queue, while those approved after 5 p.m. PST will be placed in the printing queue the following day.
Q.Do you offer direct mailing?
A. We can save you from the hassle of distributing postcards with direct mail service, which only adds 2-3 business days to your turnaround time. There’s no need to worry about stuffing envelopes, addressing them to customers, and then making the trip to USPS. With this service, we take care of your order every step of the way. Choose to print standard postcards with direct mail service, and we’ll send you a free file check to avoid errors, then deliver your postcards to your customer’s doorsteps.
Q.How many days does it take for the postcards to be prepared and mailed?
A. After printing, mailing preparation takes 2-3 business days. For folded postcards, the tabbing takes an additional two business days. Allow 3-5 days nationwide for First Class shipping or five to 14 days for standard bulk mail.
Seasonal volume and adverse weather conditions may affect the timing of delivery. We cannot guarantee the arrival of mail pieces by a specific date.
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