POSTCARD DESIGN

A postcard, for purposes of USPS discounted first class mail rates, must not exceed a maximum size of 4 1/4" x 6". Any other larger cards are classified as letter size mail or flat size mail and will not be discounted any differently from other mail in those categories.

What is the advantage to this specific size? It allows you to mail as a first class piece, with all the benefits (speed and return mail servicing) of first class mail, at a rate similar to standard mail.

As a reminder, to achieve the best discounted rates, the addressing must include the IMB(Intelligent Mail Barcode), as is the case with all other classes of mail. This will take up a bit of "real estate" on the address side of the card. As a guide, allocate a 4" wide, by 3" high are a parallel to the long side of your designed card for addressing and barcoding.

When is a postcard the right design?

When a small amount of graphic "real estate" is needed for your message. Perfect for a "save the date" or "confirmation" or "reminder" notice, or almost anytime when "smaller is better" to send your message.