Post Office Regulations for Postcards
Postcards are a great way to advertise your services or products that your business offers. They allow you to send personalized messages to your customers at a lower cost than letter-sized mail. However, the mail industry is heavily regulated, which can cause postcards to be rejected. When in doubt, contact the U.S. Postal Service (see Resources). They will be able to help you learn how to design direct mail. Check out the following tips below for an overview of basic requirements for postcard mail.
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Size
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Minimum postcard size is 5" by 3.5". Maximum size is 4.25" by 6" for First Class Mail. Standard Mail allows postcard sizes up to 6" by 11". Thickness must be between 0.007"-0.016".
Mail Types
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The U.S. Postal Service allows postcards to be mailed two ways: First Class Mail or Standard Mail. First Class Mail has no minimum mailing amount. Standard Mail, formerly known as Bulk Mail, has very strict regulations and requires a minimum mailing of 200 pieces at a time.
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Postage Costs
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First Class Mail has a special postcard rate that allows you to send mail for a third less than the letter rate. Standard Mail charges the same postage as letters, but you will still save money due to lower printing costs.
Postcard Types for First Class Mail
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Use First Class Mail for: personalized notes, time-sensitive information, invitations for events less than two weeks in advance.
Postcard Types for Standard Mail
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Use Standard Mail for: invitations for events more than three weeks in advance, monthly specials, new product or service announcement, Save the Date cards, "We've Moved" postcards, coupons.
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