If you hope to spread the word about an upcoming event or perhaps you have a special offer you would like to share with prospects? Look no further than mailing a postcard.
Postcards have their own mail rate which is lower than letter rate. Postcards mail first class, speeding their delivery and simplifying the addressing process. The USPS offers special rates for postcards because of their ease in processing through their automated systems. Postcard rate is similar to letter standard rate: when you mail a postcard, you’ll benefit from first class service at discounted prices.
In order to qualify for postcard rate you have to meet the USPS criteria. The mail piece can be no smaller than 3.5 x 5 and no larger than 4.25 x 6. The thickness cannot be less than 7 pt or no thicker than 16 pt.
What happens when your postcard is outside of the USPS standard for postcards… technically it’s no longer a postcard!
We often mail pieces that are 5.5 x 8.5 or 6 x 9 and we refer to them as “postcards”. The truth is that the post office considers those pieces to be letters and they fall under the letter rate. Don’t worry it’s not a crisis, we normally recommend these pieces to mail standard rate as a letter and the postage will be similar to the postcard rates.
I bet that many of you would prefer to simply email items that would normally mail as postcards. That is completely understandable unless you don’t have permission to email to all your prospects or contacts. Utilizing the best of email and mail is an effective marketing plan and provides multiple touch points.
If you have any mailing questions or would simply like to learn more about effective mail programs you can find plenty of information at USPS.com and we would be glad to point you in the right direction.