

President Adam Avrick makes the following recommendations: If your budget permits, this is your surefire way to maximize your direct mail campaign results.ĭesign Distributors Inc. With the largest dimensions, there’s no question of the inherently increased visibility this size commands. So if you were to produce a 9 x 12 oversized postcard, your postage rate would be significantly higher.”Įxtra Large postcards fall under the flat-rate pricing outlined above, yet this size has its own share of benefits, too. “In Marketing Mail, once you exceed 6.125 x 11.5, the rate category shifts to a ‘flat.’ That would increase the Marketing Mail rate from $.33 to $.798. “From a postage standpoint, staying in the letter-size rate is important,” he explains. But be aware of the associated pricing increases incurred by going bigger, advises Avrick. Given its size, you'll likely want a vertical design similar to that of a poster. Generally the largest on the market, Jumbo postcard size offers the same versatility as the Standard with larger proportions. The Standard postcard size is also larger than envelopes, which means your postcard has a greater chance of standing out and being seen than the Small. For example, text can be displayed horizontally on the front and vertically on the back. Mail products can be vertical, horizontal, or both. That’s why popular campaigns often use this size for its creative options. Out of the four main sizes listed above, Standard offers the most versatility. So although it may not stand out as much as the larger sizes, Small may be your most economical option.
#Postcard direct mail update#
By using First-Class, your piece moves more quickly through the system, gets forwarded if the recipient has moved and left a new address, and is returned if the recipient has moved without a forwarding address, enabling you to update your mailing list.įor reference, the dimensions of this postcard are comparable to those of the 4.125’’ x 9.5’’ envelopes frequently delivered to your mailbox. From a postage-cost perspective, the latter would be best for pieces exceeding this size.įor example: The mixed Automated Area Distribution Center (AADC) First-Class rate would be $.326 per piece, and the matching letter-size (mixed AADC) Marketing Mail rate would be $.33 per piece. Postal Service (USPS).Īccording to the USPS, a postcard measures between 3.5’’ x 5’’ and 4.25’’ x 6’’ -anything larger is considered a “letter.” Therefore, if your size falls into this space, you can send at First-Class Mail rates, which carry a lower cost of postage than Marketing Mail. It is also the only size within this guide recognized as a traditional “postcard” by the U.S. With the least amount of real estate, this postcard is compact, making it optimal for simple, straight-to-the-point designs. Most postcards fall under four key sizes: Overall, the message is paramount and should dictate the size, says Avrick, explaining: “If the message requires more space or your designer feels that more graphics would enhance your message, then go with a larger format.” The following guidelines, with insights from Design Distributors President Adam Avrick, will help ensure you choose the most effective and cost-efficient postcard sizes to maximize the message, design, exposure, and deliverability of your direct mailing campaign. Taking the time to thoughtfully match the design and messaging with an appropriately sized product is critical to the success of your direct mail campaign. When determining which proportions to use, it’s important to consider your budget and marketing needs. Opt for one that’s too big, and it costs more and risks having to be folded to fit into a mailbox, obscuring its message. If you select a dimension that’s too small, it may be overlooked.

Finding the right-sized postcard for your direct mail campaign can be challenging.
