What is a postcard?
Postcard printing dates back to the late 1800s. “Postal cards” were used to send information and a picture through the mail without the need for an envelope.
The back side of the post card eventually developed a dividing line between the address and allowed for a short handwritten message.
It was a thing for travellers to send a picture postcard from the places they visited, or to buy them as souvenirs to take home. The picture on the card was usually taken in perfect conditions by a professional.
Postcards are printed on thick, cover stock paper.
- Rack advertisement
- Mass mailer
- Share a family photo
- Invitation
- Save the date
- Birth announcement
- Memorial card
- Send a funny message
- Say thank you
- Appointment reminder
- Artwork sampler
- Flash card
- Membership sign up
How are postcards used?
Postcard printing has evolved from the picture offering sold in drugstores.
Often used in mass mailings, they are used by business to advertise products and promotions.
Using variable data techniques, printers are able to put a unique code on each card, or vary the message and design with relatively little effort.
Postcards make great invitations and personalized notices for special events or dates. In these days of electronic media, an old idea has become new again.
Postcard Sizes
Postcards are printed on large sheets of cover stock and then trimmed to size. Common postcard sizes are:
To send a postcard by regular postal rates within Canada, the size must be between a minimum of 5.5″ x 3.5″ and maximum of 9.6″ x 6.1″. The maximum dimensions for postcards going to the USA or Internationally is 9.2″ x 4.7″.
Custom Postcard Sizes and Printing
Almost every print shop offers postcard printing of some kind, usually in standard sizes. However, as noted, this product can be trimmed to any size to meet the customer’s need.
Tips for Ordering Custom Postcard Printing
- If you want a different postcard size than is provided on the website, use the request for quote link for the online print shop to get a custom price.
- Be creative in your search. A 9″ x 4″ postcard on one site may be called a “rack card” on another.
- Some print shops do not offer “postcards” on their menu; instead, they offer card stock as a paper option for flyer printing
Postcard Enhancements
Many of the enhancements listed here are not normally offered on the postcard page of online print shops. But they are services that many or all print shops can offer. Consider the possibilities.
Make the most of your custom postcard printing by requesting a quote to add the following finishing enhancements to your project.
Lamination and Print Finishing
Give your postcards a shiny, matte, or soft touch surface with lamination, adding spot colors, or a UV coating. While none of there is no guarantee that special finishes will increase the response to your card, they definitely add to the beauty.
Perforation
Add a tear away section to your postcard with a perforation line. The tear away can be a coupon, claim slip, or invitation for the recipient of your postcard to share their discount with a friend.
Creasing
Encourage your postcard recipient to fold the card stock by placing a crease on the fold line. Use the fold to hide content, make the card stand, or bend around a product.
Padding
Keep your postcards neatly organized for tradeshows by making them pages of a pad. Note pads are made by binding pages with a specially formulated glue that allows each page to be easily and cleanly removed. Pad your cards and increase the number taken from your booth.
