USPS Postcard Template 2021: Top 8 Facts And Tips About Postcard Templates That Might Help You!
Can You Mail Homemade Postcards?
It must meet the following criteria, according to the USPS, to be eligible for shipping at the First-Class Mail postcard price (currently 35 cents):
Rectangular
3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick at the very least
4-1/4 inches high x 6 inches long x 0.016 inch thick is the maximum size.
That's a regular 4x6 inch photograph, by the way!
Photos
Postcard stamps
A pen
You may order your images as postcards at Walgreens for a dollar more than a single 4x6 print, but there's no reason to spend the extra money while you're on vacation and could be spending it on an appetizer or a park ticket.
How To Mail a Letter Or Postcard
How Do You Lay Out A Postcard?
Sending a postcard provides a one-of-a-kind insight into your journey or destination to your family and friends. To make your postcard stand out, make sure it's properly addressed to avoid any errors. Follow these simple instructions to learn how to address a postcard:
Address The Recipient On The Back Of The Postcard
Because the front of your postcard will have a photo on it, always address your postcard from the back side. To begin, turn your post card photo side down.
On The Right Hand Side Of The Postcard, Write The Recipient's Address
A postcard's back is divided into two pieces, with the right side serving as the location for addressing the card's recipient. The address will usually be written in three lines on most postcards.
On The Left Side Of The Postcard, Write The Name Of The Person You're Sending The Card To
You can address the recipient with fondness, such as "Dear Uncle John" or "My dearest friend Lisa," because most postcards are given to a close friend or family member. Postcards should be lighthearted and enjoyable. If your relationship with the receiver is formal, use traditional titles like "Dear Mr. John Doe" or "Dear Ms. Joe" to be safe.
Put The Date On The Calendar
In the upper right hand corner of the left side of the card, write the date you're mailing the postcard. If you're mailing the postcards as holiday cards, include the date the original photo was shot in your letter so recipients know it's from a previous trip.
Write Your Handwritten Message
Fill in the blank space on the left side of the postcard with your thoughts, lessons learned, and anything else you'd like to share about your trip. To make your message feel more personal, including your favorite memory or finding from your trip.
The recipient will be interested in hearing about any unique experiences or lessons you learnt on your adventure. You can write about people you met, new cuisine you tried for the first time, a new activity you did, or sights you saw.
Make A Signature On Your Postcard
To say goodbye to a friend or loved one, use a closure. "See you soon!" "Wish you were here!" or "Hugs from (destination)" are examples of closings.
Don't Forget To Stamp It
Don't forget to include a stamp with your postcard before mailing it! Your stamp should be placed near the recipient's mailing address in the upper right corner of the postcard. If you're using international postage, make sure you add the correct amount of postage to ensure your card arrives.
If At All Possible, Send By First Class Mail
If you're only sending out a few postcards, you should use First Class Mail, which will ensure that your postcard arrives even if the mailing address is inaccurate. This is a wonderful option to send postcards if your address book isn't up to date, because the post office will forward your card to the recipient's most recent address shown in their system.
What Size Is A Postcard For USPS?
A mail piece must be rectangular and meet the following specifications to qualify as a postcard:
3-1/2” high X 5” long X 0.007” thick at the very least
4-1/4" high X 6" long X 0.016" thick is the maximum size.
Have finished corners with a radius of no more than 0.125"
By the way, the length refers to the side of the building that is parallel to the street address.
That's all there is to it. There is no standard postcard size; however, there is a range of acceptable sizes for the paper you're printing on in order for your mailer to pass through USPS's equipment more easily.
Many other single-sheet mailings can make a big impression in a mailbox and encourage people to respond. A common size is a giant, which measures 6" X 11"... It's not a postcard, though, according to the USPS. As a result, it is forced to mail at letter rates.
Use UV coating on the front side of your postcard to make the color photographs and graphics pop more, as long as you follow the thickness restrictions. Set up clear zones for the placing of postage indicia, IMb, and the address on the postcard on the address side. For more information, see the Domestic Mail Manual.
If speed isn't critical for your postcard campaign, Marketing Mail instead of First Class may be a better option. But keep in mind that in that class, letters and postcards all send at the same rate. You'll also miss out on First Class's forwarding and return services.
Fortunately, the USPS offers a variety of pre-processing address file technologies to support commercial list hygiene options.
You can utilize the Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) certification to validate and standardize your addresses, and the National Change of Address (NCOA) to track down any new movers, for example. Plus, they'll assist you in becoming qualified for automation reductions.
A good relationship with USPS – such as a nearby Business Mail Entry Unit or in-house verification – will go a long way toward preventing any design or mailing issues.
Using or developing envelope converting or printing capabilities instead of outsourcing can likely cut your print job's turnaround time by several days and bring it to USPS mail delivery time faster.
Review USPS regional performance reports every quarter and discuss any issues with local leaders and representatives from the Postal Customer Council (PCC).
What Is The Cost To Mail A 5x7 Postcard?
A postcard is a rectangular piece of mail that is not included in an envelope. When using the US Postal Service, sending a postcard is a very cost-effective way to communicate—regular postcards just cost $0.40 to mail!
Your mailer must be at least 3 12" high, 5" long, and 0.007" thick (about the thickness of an index card) to qualify for postcard pricing, but no more than 4 14" high, 6" long, or 0.016" thick. Postcards cannot be folded to qualify for the base rate. Large postcards can be up to 6 18" high, 11 12" long, and 14" thick, however they cost the same to send as a First-Class Letter ($0.53 and more).
The front of most business postcards features an image or call to action, with room on the back for the delivery address, postage, and maybe a short note. Appointment reminders, sale or grand opening announcements, and real estate listings are all common instances. They are a simple and inexpensive way to sell your products and services to customers, as well as a low-cost option for sending holiday cards.
What Is The Format Of Postcard Writing?
When addressing a postcard, write the address of the receiver on the right side. A vertical line runs down the middle of the postcard, with a blank area to the left and a lined space to the right. On the lined space to the right, write your recipient's full name and address. Include the recipient's complete address, including city/town, country, and zip code.
Can I Send A Postcard Without An Envelope?
Typically, postcards are sent without an envelope. As a result, if you're mailing a postcard to another member, you should send it without an envelope by default. The majority of members like to get postcards in this manner.
However, postal services in some countries may mandate postcards to be sent in envelopes, or there may be evident advantages to doing so (protection from likely damage or curious eyes, etc.). This is something that some members mention in their profiles. If at all possible, attempt to follow the recipient's advice.
Keep in mind that in many countries, sending a postcard with an envelope costs more than sending one without (plus the cost of the envelope). Both methods are permitted, so you can choose how you want to mail your postcards.
Can You Attach Something To A Postcard?
If affixed so that the inside surfaces of the cards can be easily examined, plain stickers, seals, or a single wire thread (staple) may be used to fasten the open edge at the top or bottom once the card is folded. Fasteners must be installed in accordance with the applicable rate preparation requirements.
Where Does An Address Go On A Postcard?
Vertically Divided Cards
With or without a vertical rule, the address side of the card must be separated into a right and left portion. The message area is on the left.
The right section must include the destination address, postage, and any United States Postal Service markings or endorsements. At least 2-1/8 inches broad is required on the right side (measured from the right edge of the card, top to bottom inclusive).
Horizontally Divided Cards
With or without a horizontal rule, the address side of the card must be separated into an upper and lower section. The message area is the region of the address side that does not contain the destination address.
Within the part containing the destination address, the address, postage, and any Postal Service marking or endorsement must appear. When the destination address is in the lower portion, the postage, return address, and any USPS markings or endorsements might be in the upper portion. The portion of the address that bears the destination must be at least 1-1/2 inches tall.
About The Authors
Steve Martins- I am a certified graphic designer and I earned my bachelor’s degree in Communication Design. I worked with many brands like Uniqlo and Huawei but also independent smaller Barcelonian brands like Caravelle and Madrid’s Hola Coffee and I have completed over 2000 projects in the last 5 years.