Postcard Printing & Mailing Services
Full-color postcard printing and complete USPS mail prep — from 4×6 standard to 12×15 EDDM flats. Mail Movers in Salisbury, MD handles printing, addressing, presort, and USPS delivery for direct mail campaigns across Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.
Plan Postcard Campaigns with Clear Measurement
Postcards have no envelope to open, so the design can place the offer and response path in view immediately. Define the intended action, audience denominator, observation window, and cost basis before comparing channels.
Sources: ANA/DMA Response Rate Report 2024; USPS Mail Moments Study; Data & Marketing Association.
USPS Postcard Size Requirements
Official USPS dimensions that determine which postage class your postcard qualifies for. Source: USPS Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com/businessmail101?ViewName=Cards) and USPS EDDM Quick Reference Guide.
| Classification | Length | Height | Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class Postcard (minimum) | 5" | 3.5" | 0.007" | Minimum to qualify for postcard rate; must also be rectangular |
| First-Class Postcard (maximum) | 6" | 4.25" | 0.016" | Maximum dimensions for the First-Class postcard category; postage is confirmed after specifications are reviewed |
| Marketing Mail Letter (max) | 11.5" | 6.125" | 0.25" | Pieces larger than First-Class postcard max but within these limits mail at letter rates |
| Marketing Mail Flat (max) | 15" | 12" | 0.75" | Pieces exceeding letter dimensions mail at flat (large envelope) rates |
| EDDM Flat (minimum) | 10.5" OR | 6.125" OR | 0.25" | One flat-size condition; final EDDM eligibility also depends on USPS route, preparation, and current program requirements |
| EDDM Flat (maximum) | 15" | 12" | 0.75" | Maximum dimensions and weight reference; final EDDM eligibility is reviewed against current USPS conditions |
Source: USPS Postal Explorer, Business Mail 101 — Sizes for Cards; USPS EDDM Quick Reference Guide. Mail Movers verifies all piece dimensions before printing to ensure USPS compliance.
Postcard Size Guide & USPS Classification Review
Postcard size helps determine the applicable USPS classification, but postage and eligibility also depend on the final specifications and preparation. Use this guide to compare formats, then request a quote for a review of your mailing.
4×6 Standard Postcard
Most Popular4" × 6" · First-Class postcard category (when eligible)
USPS Postage Review
Quoted after size, weight, preparation, entry point, and USPS eligibility are reviewed
Paper Stock
14pt or 16pt cardstock
Best For
Appointment reminders, coupons, event announcements, high-volume budget campaigns
May qualify for the First-Class postcard category when USPS conditions are met
5×7 Jumbo Postcard
5" × 7" · USPS classification reviewed per mailing
USPS Postage Review
Quoted after size, weight, preparation, entry point, and USPS eligibility are reviewed
Paper Stock
14pt or 16pt cardstock
Best For
Real estate listings, retail promotions, service businesses needing more visual space
USPS reviews final size, weight, preparation, and applicable mail classification
6×9 Jumbo Postcard
6" × 9" · USPS classification reviewed per mailing
USPS Postage Review
Quoted after size, weight, preparation, entry point, and USPS eligibility are reviewed
Paper Stock
14pt or 16pt cardstock
Best For
Home services, healthcare, financial services — high-impact visual with strong offer
Most popular jumbo size; fits in a 6×9 envelope for an enclosed direct-mail package, not a #10 envelope
6×11 Oversized Postcard
6" × 11" · USPS classification reviewed per mailing
USPS Postage Review
Quoted after size, weight, preparation, entry point, and USPS eligibility are reviewed
Paper Stock
14pt or 16pt cardstock
Best For
Luxury brands, auto dealers, nonprofits — maximum visual impact; USPS reviews EDDM eligibility separately
USPS reviews the final format, preparation, and applicable mail classification; size alone does not establish EDDM eligibility
EDDM Flat (subject to USPS conditions)
Min 10.5" long OR 6.125" high; Max 15" × 12" · EDDM Marketing Mail Flat
USPS Postage Review
Quoted after carrier-route, format, preparation, and current USPS conditions are reviewed
Paper Stock
80lb text or 100lb cover
Best For
Restaurants, retailers, local services — total neighborhood saturation, no list needed
EDDM route, piece, and preparation eligibility is confirmed with USPS conditions before mailing
USPS rate example: $0.260 per piece is the Notice 123 EDDM-Retail rate effective October 4, 2026 for qualifying flats up to 3.3 ounces. EDDM-Retail also has USPS saturation, simplified-address, content, quantity, and entry requirements. USPS Notice 123 figures effective October 4, 2026. These Notice 123 figures are current for the USPS time-limited price period; confirm the then-effective USPS price list and mailing eligibility for any quote or mailing dated on or after January 18, 2027. View USPS Notice 123 and current price-change information before relying on a rate.
Mail Movers reviews printing, addressing, presort preparation, route or list, and USPS conditions before issuing an itemized quote. Request a free quote for your specific mailing.
Printing Features & Options
Standard Features
- Full-color printing (4/4 CMYK, both sides)
- High-resolution digital printing
- 14pt or 16pt cardstock
- Gloss, matte, or UV coating
- USPS automation-compliant layout
- CASS-certified addressing & Intelligent Mail barcoding
- USPS presort preparation based on applicable mailing requirements
- Direct USPS induction — no extra handling
Premium Options
- Variable data printing (personalized names, offers, images)
- Custom QR codes with campaign tracking
- Informed Delivery digital campaign add-on, subject to USPS program availability
- MMScope omnichannel tracking (mail + calls + online)
- NCOA list processing before mailing
- Die-cutting and custom shapes
- Perforated tear-off reply cards
- Graphic design services (from scratch or file cleanup)
Postcard Campaigns by Industry
Postcards work across virtually every industry. Here are the most common use cases and recommended formats.
Just Listed, Just Sold & Open House Postcards
Real Estate
Real estate agents use postcards to announce new listings, just-sold properties, and open houses to targeted neighborhoods. A 6×9 or 6×11 postcard with a property photo, address, and QR code linking to the virtual tour is one of the most effective real estate marketing formats available.
Recommended Formats
- 6×9 Jumbo (listing photo + details)
- 6×11 Oversized (luxury properties)
- 4×6 Standard (high-volume farm mailings)
Pro Tip
Target homeowners within 0.5 miles of a new listing using our demographic mailing lists — reach the most likely sellers in the neighborhood.
Direct Mail Postcards vs. Email
Both channels have a role in a smart marketing mix. Here's how postcards and email compare across the metrics that matter most for customer acquisition.
| Factor | Direct Mail Postcard | |
|---|---|---|
| Response definition | Documented mailed-audience actionSet the action and recipient denominator | Documented digital actionUse a comparable action and denominator |
| Observation window | Campaign-specificRecord the response period | Campaign-specificRecord the response period |
| Address or list quality | Review before mailingUse appropriate address hygiene | Review before sendingMaintain consent and delivery controls |
| Attribution method | Campaign-specificUse a code, QR path, call number, or other method | Campaign-specificUse the configured tracking method |
| Shelf life | Days to weeksPinned to fridges, left on counters | Seconds to minutesBuried in inbox quickly |
| Reach new customers? | Yes — cold prospectsNo prior relationship needed | No — opt-in onlyRequires existing email address |
| Targeting options | Demographics, geography, behaviorOr total saturation with EDDM | Opt-in list onlyCannot reach cold prospects |
Sources: ANA/DMA Response Rate Report 2024; USPS Mail Moments Study; Data & Marketing Association.
How Postcard Printing & Mailing Works with Mail Movers
From quote to USPS delivery — everything handled under one roof in Salisbury, MD.
Request a Quote
Contact Mail Movers with your postcard size, quantity, and mailing details. We'll review the specifications and provide an itemized quote covering printing, addressing, presort, postage, and USPS entry.
Request a quote →Submit Your Design or Work With Our Team
Upload your print-ready artwork or work with our graphic design team to create your postcard. We check every file against USPS specifications — addressing zones, clear zones, barcode placement — before printing.
Upload files →Approve Your Proof
Review your digital proof carefully. Once approved, we schedule production. Ask about rush capacity and timing for an urgent campaign.
We Print, Address, Sort & Mail
Our team prints on high-quality cardstock, applies CASS-certified addresses and USPS Intelligent Mail barcodes, prepares the mailing for applicable presort options and presents it to USPS. You receive a postal receipt confirming delivery.
Track Your Campaign
Add MMScope omnichannel tracking to monitor mail delivery, phone calls, and online retargeting tied to your postcard campaign — all in one dashboard. Or add an Informed Delivery campaign for a digital preview in subscribers' inboxes on delivery day.
Learn about MMScope →Design File Requirements
Submit print-ready files to avoid delays. Mail Movers reviews every file before printing — but following these specs ensures the fastest turnaround and best print quality.
| Specification | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File Format | PDF (preferred), TIFF, or EPS | High-resolution, print-ready files only |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum at final print size | 72 DPI screen resolution will print blurry |
| Color Mode | CMYK | RGB files will be converted; colors may shift slightly |
| Bleed | 0.125" (1/8") on all sides | Extend background and edge elements to the bleed line |
| Safe Zone | 0.125" (1/8") inside trim edge | Keep all text and important elements inside safe zone |
| USPS Clear Zone | Bottom 5/8" of address side | Must be clear of all graphics; reserved for USPS barcode |
| USPS Address Zone | Upper right of address side | Indicia/postage area: top right; address block: center right |
| Fonts | Embed all fonts or outline text | Missing fonts will cause substitution errors |
| Images | Embed or include linked files | Packaged PDF with embedded images preferred |
| Paper Stock | 14pt or 16pt cardstock (we supply) | Do not specify paper in your file; we match to your order |
What Our Clients Say
"I wish all our vendors were as professional, accommodating and produced exceptional work product in a timely fashion like Mail Movers. Shawn and Tom are all-stars in the printing business."
Correctional Officers Association of Delaware
Correctional Officers Assoc. of DE
"Very professional and courteous. Shawn quickly responds to our request."
City of Rehoboth Beach
City of Rehoboth Beach
"My mailings always go out quickly and Lori is always so nice when I drop off the letters."
Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley
Postcard Printing & Mailing FAQs
Related Services & Resources
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)
Reach every household on a carrier route — no list needed.
Targeted Mailing Lists
Reach specific demographics: age, income, homeowner status.
Informed Delivery Campaigns
Add a digital preview subject to USPS program availability and campaign setup.
Variable Data Printing
Personalize each postcard with unique names, offers, and images.
Graphic Design
Professional postcard design from our in-house team.
List Cleaning & NCOA
Clean your mailing list before printing to reduce waste.
MMScope Tracking
Track mail delivery, calls, and online engagement.
Postcard Sizes Guide
Detailed size chart with USPS specs and use-case recommendations.
Compare Direct Mail Options
EDDM vs. targeted lists vs. house-list mail — which approach fits?