This article is the first in a series on mailpiece design techniques that can help you save money on postage.  In the course of 20+ years of direct mail and literature fulfillment, the project managers at DataWorks have observed many missed opportunities for saving money on postage.  Often a slight change in the design of a piece can add up to big savings when it’s time to mail.

Postcards are a relatively low-cost way to convey a quick message, invitation or announcement.  The first-class postage rate for a postcard is $0.28 – which is much lower than the first-class rate of $0.44 for a one-ounce letter.  Eye-catching design is important since the vehicle is smaller than a letter, and some designers like to use an unusual or oversize shape as part of the design.  However, if the postcard does not meet postal guidelines, it must be mailed at the higher letter rate – and may even incur an additional surcharge after that.

Here are the regulations for a postcard to qualify for the $0.28 first-class postcard rate:

• It must be rectangular
• It must be at least 3 ½ inches high, 5 inches long and 0.007 inches thick
• It must be no more than 4 ¼ inches high, 6 inches long and 0.016 inches thick

If you send a postcard that is 4” X 7”, for example, you will pay the letter rate of $0.44.  If you send a postcard that is not rectangular, for example a square, you will pay the letter rate of $0.44 plus an additional $0.20 surcharge for an odd shaped letter.  (Only the U. S. Postal Service would consider a square to be an odd shape!  Seriously, it’s all about their automated mailing equipment and the way pieces flow through it.)

Here’s an example for a mailing of 2000 postcards:

• 2000 4 X 6 postcards at $0.28 = $560
• 2000 4 X 7 postcards at $0.44 = $880
• 2000 5 X 5 postcards at $0.64 = $1280

Use the square if you dare – but be aware that it will cost more than twice as much to mail!

There are additional requirements for sending postcards by standard (bulk) mail or automation mail.  Please contact DataWorks mailing services if you would like help planning your next mailing. We help companies in the Lehigh Valley of eastern PA, and beyond, to get the most out of their mailing and fulfillment dollars.

Tags: Direct Mail, Lehigh Valley Mail Services, Literature Fulfillment, Mailing cost, Mailing List Management, Mailpiece Design, Postage Costs, Postal Rates