Going Postal with Direct Mail

Are you thinking about sending out postcards in the New Year?  Have you made your list of people to send to?  How many people are on that list?  100?  1000?  5000?  Here are some things to think about before you even start the design process to help you stay within your budget. 

Size is Everything!

Postcard sizes range from 4x6in to 6.125x11.5in however the standard size for a postcard is 4x6in.  As along as your postcard fits between the smallest and largest size, your postcard will be able to be proceed on the Post Office machines.

One thing to take into consideration when choosing the size of your postcard is that the larger it is the more it will cost to print and to mail. This also goes for odd shaped postcards (square or really thin and long) will cost even more to mail than just large, rectangular postcards.

I would also suggest that if you are designing your own postcard to make sure you find out the size options your printer offers.  I use Sharpdots (LOVE them!) and the smallest size they offer is 4x6in while the largest is 8.5x11in, which would not be considered by the Post Office as a postcard.

Stamp This!

When sending "Standard Mail" your postcard can be any size within “reason”. However, the cost is based on size, shape and weight. A smaller, standard size postcard will cost less.

Standard Mail is only for business use, meaning you can't send personal messages to mom and dad or that cute guy with a beard down at DWR on Filmore Street. The entire piece must be pre-printed (no handwriting), you must mail at least 200 pieces at a time, and it does not offer forwarding and return service.

Then there is "First-Class Mail". Size Restrictions: 
 4.25 inches by 6 inches (0.016 in. thick) Anything beyond that will cost you "letter rate" postage.

The difference between each rate bracket is actually quite a lot.  Check this out!

First-Class Postcard Rate: $0.28

First-Class Letter Rate: $0.44 (57% more expensive)

Odd Shaped Rate: $0.64 (129% more expensive)

Nice to know especially if you are sending out 1000 postcards!

Thickness and Weight do Matter!
If you are ordering postcards from a printer then you most likely you do not need to worry about the thickness of the paper the printer is using. They (most likely) know what they're doing.

If you want to print your own postcards then you need to make sure that you buy the right "weight" of paper.

The Post Office says that paper that is about as thick as an index-card is thick enough. Probably, any paper that is labeled "card stock" will work.

Usually, bulk amounts of paper are sold with the "thickness" labeled as "weight" and will be measured in lbs. (or #). The thing to remember is that you want to buy paper with the right "weight" to be a postcard.

39# paper = about .0072 inches thick per sheet
87# paper = about .015 inches thick

Generally speaking, any paper weight between 40 lbs. and 85 lbs. should be postcard thickness. If you're worried, aim for 60 lb. paper.

You can always check out the USPS website for more information as well.

Back TO IT!

If thinking about size, postage, thickness and weight weren’t enough let’s talk about the BACK of the card! 

Why do you need to think about the back?  Printing or writing any kind of information like your website or email address may end up being covered up by the barcode the Post Office puts on the back of the card.  It would be a bummer if a potential client liked your card but didn’t know how to get in touch with you.

The same goes with where the stamp, mailing address and your information go.  It would be a double bummer if the person you addressed the card to never even received your postcard!

The best way I can help you here is to direct you to this link: Back of Postcard Regulations.  It is a guideline for postcards 4x6in to 6x11in.

Hope this helps!

Danielle Hall