Postal Rules to Follow When Marketing with Postcards
When using postcards to promote a business, it’s important to understand the postal rules applicable to your country or State. To avoid wasting time and money, you need to make sure that your postcards will be able to reach your intended recipients. If you live in the US, check the following postcard mailing regulations set by USPS.
Check the dimension. The standard maximum thickness for long and short postcards is set at 3/16″ or 5” mm. If your postcard is thicker than that, you may be placed in the Oversize category and pay more. Take note of the weight limit on postcards. Generally, the USPS has set the standard maximum weight to 100 grams for both long and short postcards.
Check the size and weight. Don’t forget to consider the size of the postcards you will send. Exceeding even one millimeter can make a big difference in your cost. Standard postcards are rectangular in shape, with the following dimension: 3-1/2”(height) x 5”(length) x 0.007”(thickness) to 4-1/4” (height) x 6” (length) long x 0.016” (thickness).
Check the layout. In designing your postcards, be sure to leave enough space for the address line and stamps. See to it that your design will not be taking the space intended for these. Of course, you do not want to sacrifice your design later on after the stamp has been posted. Nothing except for the mailing address should be written on the postage area of the card.
Watch out the barcode area. The barcode area is located 5/8” from the bottom of the postcard, on the back side where the mailing address is printed. This area must be left empty to give way for the barcode. Even if you’re not using a barcode, the post office may put a barcode sticker on this part of the card.
Inquire printing services. You can find professional printing companies that offer packages which include both printing and mailing services. If you are going to send a large bulk of postcards, you can save more money by having your postcards printed and mailed by the same company. Many printing companies follow the rules and regulations of USPS, but you also need to make sure that you’re dealing with a legitimate company.
About the Author
Luie De Von is a marketing consultant with Easy Postcard Marketing and has been providing consumers and business owners with marketing strategies. For years he has helped businesses to have more and growing clients through campaign internet marketing, direct marketing advertising and post card marketing.