subject: Save Money With The Right Size Direct Mail Postcard [print this page] You can save money on your direct mail postcard by knowing a little about the US Postal Service mailing standards and requirements.
The First Class Postcard Rate
If the height of your postcard is between 3 inches and 4.25 inches and the width is between 5 inches and 6 inches, you can mail the postcard at the first class mail rate which is currently 28 cents instead of the first class letter rate of 44 cents. If your mailing consists of 500 pieces or more you may qualify for an even more reduced first class automation rate. In some cases you can mail postcards as first class for as low as 21 cents each. Postcards mailed at this rate must be at least .007 inches in thickness.
Larger Postcards
Another popular direct mail postcard size is 5.5 inches x 8.5 inches. This size postcard is too large to be eligible for the first class postcard rate, but may be mailed as Standard Presorted mail if the mailing has 200 pieces or more. You can expect to mail a Standard rate postcard at an average of 25 cents, depending on the density of your mailing and the number of pieces. This larger size postcard does give you a much greater area for graphics and copy. Postcards that exceed 4.25 inches in height or 6 inches in length must be at least .009 inches in thickness.
Giant Postcards
A postcard size that is quite popular is the 6 inch by 11 inch postcard which allows for considerable graphics and text and may still be mailed at the letter rate. The maximum size allowed by the USPS for letter mail is 6 1/8 inches x 11 inches, so this size card is just under the limit. You can really get your message out with a huge postcard like this with plenty of space for sales copy and graphics.
Make Sure Your Postcard Qualifies
Whichever size direct mail postcard you choose, be aware that there are additional requirements for the piece if you wish to take advantage of the automation rates offered by the US Postal Service. The Postal Service address standards can be found here. The Postal Service also publishes physical standards for direct mail postcards and letters at its website in the USPS Quick Service Guide.
Proper Address
On any direct mail postcard or letter, the USPS recommended location of the address is within the optical character reader (OCR) read area, which is a rectangle on the address side of the postcard inch in from the right and left edges of the piece and 5/8 inch from the bottom of the piece. The top of the rectangle is 2 inches from the bottom of the card or letter. When designing postcards for direct mail it is critical to keep these guidelines in mind and to allow enough room in the design for the complete address and barcode. There should also be room for the mailing endorsement line, if required, that precedes the address on many presorted mailings. You can find complete details of address placement here.
Don't Be Rejected
It is important that mailers, designers and printers are familiar with these guidelines. Postcards that do not follow these standards may result in higher postage rates and surcharges being applied to the mailing, or could result in your mailing being rejected by the Postal Service.
by: Ryan Round
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