Configure & Price
Promote Big Events With High-Quality Standard Postcard Printing.
Effective marketing need not consume your entire budget and take up a lot of time. Standard promotional postcard printing is an affordable way of informing current and potential customers of your brand’s latest deals, promos or products. The promotional impact begins when your postcard mailing reaches the homes of consumers. Receiving a promotional postcard can inspire them to check out what you’re announcing and visit your store to take advantage of a sale or event. Whether you need 4" x 6" postcard printing or another size option, we make it easy to design, print and mail a high-quality, professional postcard. Trust UPrinting and you’ll soon see what makes us the best postcard printing service for your business.
Standard postcard Information: Size, Printing, Designing, and Mailing
When you’re printing postcards to mail to potential customers, choosing the right postcard dimensions matters. Choose wisely, taking into account the amount of information you need to convey and how much your custom postcards will cost to mail.
What are the standard postcard sizes you offer?
For flat standard postcards, we offer designs measuring 4 x 6 inches, 4.25 x 6 inches, 5 x 7 inches, 5.5 x 8.5 inches, 6 x 9 inches and 6 x 11 inches. We find that these sizes are the easiest to mail and the best to accommodate the designs our customers want to see on their postcards.
We also offer folded postcards as either half-folds or tri-folds. Half-fold postcard sizes are 8.5 x 6 inches (folds to 4.25 x 6 inches), 10 x 7 (folds to 5 x 7 inches), 11 x 8.5 inches (folds to 5.5 x 8.5 inches), 12 x 9 inches (folds to 6 x 9 inches) and 12 x 11 inches (folds to 6 x 11 inches). Tri-fold postcard sizes are 12.75 x 6 inches (folds to 4.25 x 6 inches), 15 x 7 inches (folds to 5 x 7 inches) and 16.5 x 8.5 inches (folds to 5.5 x 8.5 inches).
Which is the best size for my postcard design?
It’s crucial to choose dimensions that will make your custom postcards effective. Here are some of our standard postcard sizes that are sure to make an immediate impression:
- 4" x 6" postcards are small enough to make a straightforward and easy-to-read announcement. They’re also easy to keep and can be mailed with a postcard stamp. And while 4" x 6" postcard printing is one of the smaller options, it can still make a big impact.
- 5" x 7" postcards stand out against the smaller, standard postcards sent as personal mail. Their width allows for the right balance between images and compelling copy. Our 5" x 7" postcard printing is perfect for promoting a new business or product line.
- 5.5" x 8.5" postcards have more than enough space for an image-heavy or extremely visual design. They’re recommended for postcards announcing a sale or special deal available in store for a limited time.
- 6" x 9" postcards are the biggest option among the popular postcard sizes. They’re suitable for postcards with more than three images or the need to relay information in a straightforward, visual manner.
Do the postcard sizes have to be in a landscape orientation?
No, they don’t. You can create custom postcards in either a landscape or portrait orientation depending on your design file. But if your purpose is to mail them without envelopes, make sure that the back side adheres to USPS mailing requirements.
Can you mail a 5" x 7" postcard?
Yes. In fact, all standard postcard sizes, from 4" x 6" up to 6" x 11", flat or folded to size, can be mailed.
Is there a way to mail my cards if they don’t follow the USPS mailing requirements?
If you can’t change the layout of your postcard design to comply with the USPS requirements, then you can opt for envelopes. Postcards mailed with envelopes will cost more, but if you just can’t make your postcard fit within the USPS dimensions, this is a workable option.
Choosing a Paper Type
Which is the most durable card stock among the materials available?
The thicker card stocks are able to withstand the most potential damage from the mailing process. The 14 pt. card stock is the most popular option, but the 16 pt. and 17 pt. have a more substantial weight. We highly recommend 16 pt. card stock gloss for those planning to deliver a large quantity of postcards to many different locations.
Designing a Standard Postcard
How do I create an effective postcard design?
- Keep things short and sweet. People want information that’s easy to digest and understand. The copy on your postcard should compel customers to read but not lose their attention.
- Call your customers to action. Give them a reason to visit your store or website or try your new product. This action can convert your postcard marketing into significant sales.
- Communicate what you have to offer. Resist the urge to list product features. Instead, show customers how to save money or benefit from your business. For example, let them know that the latest restaurant promotion will save them money (50% off) or how a real estate location can lower their cost of living in the long run.
- Use large images and bright colors. Your postcard needs to stand out against every other marketing promotion. Make sure that the central image is compelling enough to draw attention and that the colors lead the customer right into your headline and contact information.
To find out how else you can use custom postcards, check out this article on designing postcards effectively.
Is there a specific format to follow for a standard postcard size?
Customers are free to create any postcard design, but we set specific requirements for the layout. Check out our mailing templates, which can help you with the address, postal markings and indicia placement. If you need help with your postcard printing and mailing, feel free to contact us through our live chat box or call us at 1-888-888-4211.
What is the advantage of getting a free file check?
Our free file check lets you look at the design before it is sent for printing. This gives you the opportunity to make changes and ensure that your 5" x 7" postcard printing is free of errors.
Note: If you are mailing this product, please confirm that your mail addressing machine can print on the laminated surface. If you’re unsure, please call to request for a sample before placing your order.
Mailing and Cost Concerns
How much does it cost to print postcards?
The price of the postcards will depend on the quantity purchased and how quickly they’re needed. The more postcards purchased, the lower the price for each.
When can I expect to receive my postcard order?
Our online calculator lets you choose a preferred printing turnaround, usually as fast as one business day. To find out when your postcards will arrive, input your ZIP code after selecting “Estimate Shipping Cost and Delivery Date” in our online calculator.
We can save you from the hassle of distributing your postcards yourself with direct mail service, which only adds two to three business days to your turnaround time. There’s no need to worry about stuffing envelopes, addressing them to customers and then making the trip to USPS. With this service, we take care of your order every step of the way. Choose to print standard postcards with direct mail service and we’ll send you a free file check to avoid errors, then deliver your postcards to your customers’ doorsteps.
How many days does it take for the postcards to be prepared and mailed?
After printing, it takes two to three business days for mailing preparation. For folded postcards, it takes an added two business days for the tabbing. Allow three to five days nationwide for First Class shipping or five to 14 days for standard bulk mail.
Seasonal volume and adverse weather conditions may affect the timing of delivery. We cannot guarantee the arrival of mail pieces by a certain date.
Paper & Specs
Size. Color. Material. It's all here, and more.
- Durable cardstock that's scored prior to folding and easy to hand out
- Glossy finish provides vibrant color printing and extra protection
- Scratch and scuff-resistant coating
- Durable cardstock that's foldable and easy to hand out
- Matte coating produces an elegant, muted hue .
- Smooth, low glare finish that's easy on the eyes
- Stiff, thick cardstock with a gloss finish for sheen and vibrant colors
- Aqueous (water-based) coating adds scratch and > scuff resistance
- Paper from sustainable sources
- May be written on but testing is recommended. Ballpoint pens (oil-based ink) and permanent markers work best.
- Most popular choice for Business Cards, Postcards, Hang Tags and Pocket Folders
- Note: We do not guarantee writability or printability of coated paper
- Stiff, thick cardstock with a non-reflective matte finish for a classic and elegant look
- Aqueous (water-based) coating adds scratch and scuff resistance
- Paper from sustainable sources
- Non-glossy surface provides better writability but testing is recommended.
- Ballpoint pens (oil-based ink) and permanent markers work best
- Great choice for Business Cards, Postcards, Hang Tags and Pocket Folders
- Note: We do not guarantee writability or printability of coated paper
- Medium weight cardstock with a gloss finish on the one side and uncoated on the reverse side
- Requires scoring prior to folding
- Paper from sustainable sources
- Uncoated side is excellent for writing on with any pen or pencil
- Best option for folded Greeting Cards, Invitations and Note Cards
- Requires scoring prior to folding .
- Excellent writability
- Recommended for Appointment Cards, Invitations and Note Cards
- Acid free and archival quality
- Slightly thicker than the 14 pt. cardstock; added rigidity prevents folds and creases
- Provides limited writability using some ballpoint pens or permanent markers
- Colors appear extra vivid and come with a reflective shine
- Achieves a distinct, professional look for your company
- Slightly thicker than the 14 pt. cardstock and exudes professionalism and high quality
- Colors come out muted for an elegant, subdued effect
- Ballpoint pens with oil-based ink and permanent markers write best on the surface
- Ultra thick and stiff uncoated cardstock with a rich premium paper feel
- Paper from sustainable sources, 10% PCW recycled content
- Excellent writability
- Great choice for heftier Business Cards
- Slightly thicker than the 14 pt. cardstock; rigid, durable, and high-quality
- Thin layer of plastic lamination adds a luxurious finish and prevents chipping along the edges
- Mimics the premium look and texture of silk, while adding water-resistance and durability
- Slightly thicker than the 14 pt. cardstock; durable even with repeated handling
- Ultra-smooth surface that's luxurious to the touch
- Resistant to smudges and fingerprints
- Slightly thicker than the 14 pt. cardstock and holds up to repeated handling
- High-gloss finish that boasts germ- inhibiting properties
- Strong, flexible, and water-resistant