A6 / A5 & Custom
Standard & Bespoke Sizes
250–350gsm Art Board
Matte Laminated & Finishing Options
3–8 business days
Standard Turnaround
Expert Custom
Postcard Printing
High-Quality Materials | Luxury Finishes | Fast Turnaround
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(for postcard printing)
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| 500 | 1000 | 2000 | 3000 | 4000 | 5000 | 10000 | 20000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48 | $58 | $94 | $137 | $172 | $212 | $402 | $803 |
| 500 | 1000 | 2000 | 3000 | 4000 | 5000 | 10000 | 20000 |
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| $94 | $129 | $189 | $237 | $283 | $331 | $595 | $826 |
The Complete Guide to Postcard Printing
Looking for custom postcard printing? ZXC Print produces high-end full-color postcards for direct mail marketing, event invitations, business promotions, and creative portfolios. Printed on 250–350gsm matte laminated art board with Heidelberg offset presses: your postcards deliver crisp CMYK color with a professional feel. Standard A6, A5, and fully custom sizes available from 250 to 200,000+ copies. Decorative finishes include spot UV, hot foil stamping, embossing, and more. Free quote and pre-production samples available.
What Is Postcard Printing?
Postcard printing is the production of custom-printed cards: typically printed on one side with an image or design and the other side divided into a message area and an address panel. Unlike greeting cards that require envelopes, postcards are self-mailers: the design, message, and postage share a single piece of card stock, making them one of the most cost-effective printed marketing tools available.
Postcards have been a staple of direct mail marketing for over a century, and remain highly effective in the digital age. According to the Data & Marketing Association, direct mail postcards consistently achieve response rates of 4–5%: dramatically higher than email marketing averages. The physical, tactile nature of a well-printed postcard creates an impression that digital ads cannot replicate.
At ZXC Print, we produce postcards on Heidelberg 4-color offset presses with full bleed capabilities. Each postcard is printed on high-end matte art board with gloss or matte lamination as standard, ensuring vibrant color reproduction and a professional finish. If you need 500 A6 postcards for a local promotion or 100,000 mailers for a national campaign, we deliver consistent Heidelberg quality across the entire run.
Related services: flyer printing, brochure printing, poster printing.
Postcard Sizes & Standards
Choosing the right postcard size depends on your message, mailing format, and budget. Below is a reference table of common postcard sizes and their typical applications.
| Size | Dimensions | Common Use | Postage Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A6 | 105 × 148 mm | Thank-you cards, appointment reminders, short promotions | Standard letter postage |
| A5 (1/2 A4) | 148 × 210 mm | Product promotions, event invitations, portfolios | Large letter / flats |
| DL (1/3 A4) | 99 × 210 mm | Business reply cards, subscription offers, RSVP cards | Standard letter postage |
| 4 × 6" (US Standard) | 102 × 152 mm | US direct mail, real estate marketing, tourism | Standard postcard rate |
| 5 × 7" (US Large) | 127 × 178 mm | Invitations, announcements, photography cards | Large letter / flats |
| Custom Size | Any dimension up to 400 × 300 mm | Brand-specific formats, die-cut shapes | Varies by dimensions |
Custom sizes: We cut to your exact dimensions with die charges applying for non-standard shapes. Minimum 250 copies for custom-size runs.
Bleed requirement: All postcard artwork must include 3 mm bleed on all edges. Critical text and logos should be kept at least 5 mm inside the final trim line.
Related services: sticker printing, paper bag printing, packaging printing.
Paper Stock & Weight Options
The paper weight and finish define how your postcard feels in the hand and how well it travels through the mail. Heavier stock conveys quality and durability; lighter stock reduces postage costs for high-volume mailings.
| Paper Type | Weight | Finish | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Art Board | 250 gsm | Matte laminated | Budget-friendly postcards with a soft touch, easy to write on |
| Matt Art Board | 300 gsm | Matte laminated | Standard high-end postcards, balanced weight and cost |
| Matt Art Board | 350 gsm | Matte laminated | Polished feel postcards, luxury brand mailers, invitations |
| Gloss Art Board | 300–350 gsm | Gloss laminated | High-impact photography, product shots, vibrant color work |
| Uncoated Board | 250–350 gsm | Uncoated, natural feel | Handwritten-style postcards, vintage aesthetic, eco-friendly |
| Recycled Board | 270–350 gsm | Uncoated, fleck texture | Eco-conscious brands, sustainability-focused campaigns |
Lamination: All art board postcards receive matte or gloss lamination as standard. Lamination protects the printed surface from scuffing during postal sorting and handling, and adds a professional sheen or soft-touch feel. Vast majority of our commercial postcard orders are specified as matte laminated 350 gsm art board.
Printing Options
Postcard printing at ZXC Print offers flexible configurations for every budget and campaign scale.
| Printing Type | Sides | Color Mode | Min. Quantity | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Color CMYK | Single-sided or double-sided | CMYK / 4-color process | 250 | 3–7 business days |
| CMYK + 1 Pantone | Single-sided | CMYK + 1 spot color | 500 | 5–8 business days |
| Black & White | Single-sided or double-sided | 1-color black | 250 | 3–5 business days |
| Spot Color (1–3 colors) | Single-sided | Pantone spot colors | 500 | 5–7 business days |
Single-sided vs. double-sided: Single-sided printing works well for basic promotions where the back carries only the address panel and short message. Double-sided printing is recommended for product catalog postcards, portfolio cards, and detailed event invitations: where both sides carry full-bleed design and content.
Decorative Finishes
Stand out in the mailbox by adding refined finishing touches. These options are especially effective for luxury brands, wedding invitations, product launches, and high-end real estate mailers.
| Finish | Effect | Best Paired With | Added Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot UV Varnish | High-gloss raised effect on selected areas (logos, text, images) | Matte laminated board for contrast | See pricing table below |
| Gloss Lamination | Uniform glossy sheen over the entire printed surface | Photography-heavy designs, vibrant product images | Included |
| Matte Lamination | Non-reflective, soft-touch surface: elegant and professional | Corporate mailers, luxury brands, invitations | Included |
| Hot Foil Stamping | Metallic foil imprint (gold, silver, copper, rose gold, holographic) | Logos, brand names, wedding monograms | Quotation required |
| Embossing / Debossing | Raised or recessed relief effect on selected design elements | Logos, borders, decorative patterns | Quotation required |
| Die-Cut Shape | Custom outline shape beyond standard rectangle | Product-shaped postcards, branded silhouettes | Die charge + per-unit cost |
| Round Corner | Soft rounded corners for a refined, polished feel | Invitations, business reply cards, VIP mailers | $15–$30 setup |
Spot UV Varnishing: Additional Cost Reference
Spot UV (also called spot gloss or UV highlight) is one of our most requested postcard finishes. The table below shows the additional cost for outside cover spot UV varnishing at approximately 30% coverage. Prices are in USD.
| Quantity | 500 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 3,000 | 4,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 | 20,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-side Spot UV | $46 | $57 | $91 | $133 | $167 | $206 | $390 | $779 |
| 2-side Spot UV | $91 | $125 | $184 | $230 | $275 | $321 | $578 | $801 |
Note: Prices are indicative and may vary depending on coverage area percentage and design complexity. Contact us for a firm quotation.
Industry Applications
Postcards have many uses in today's marketplace and are ideal for a variety of purposes. They serve across industries as self-mailers requiring no envelope, making them equally effective for B2B and B2C communication.
Direct Mail Marketing Mailshots
- Engage Potential Customers: Capture attention with eye-catching designs and personalized messages.
- Boost Sales: Drive conversions by including special offers or discounts.
- Brand Awareness: Increase recognition and recall through consistent branding and visuals.
Business Promotions & Special Offers
- Announce New Products or Services: Keep your audience informed about your latest offerings.
- Seasonal Promotions: Use holidays and special occasions to promote time-sensitive deals.
- Customer Loyalty Programs: Reward loyal customers with exclusive offers and incentives.
Invitations & Appointment Reminders
- Event Invitations: Send stylish and professional invitations for corporate events, seminars, or workshops.
- Appointment Reminders: Reduce no-shows and keep your clients on schedule with friendly reminders.
- RSVP Cards: Make it easy for guests to confirm their attendance to events.
Promoting Products, Websites, Photography & Artwork
- Product Launches: Showcase new products with detailed images and compelling descriptions.
- Website Traffic: Drive traffic to your website by including a QR code or URL.
- Showcasing Creative Work: Display your photography or artwork in a visually appealing format.
- Portfolio Pieces: Use postcards as a compact and impactful way to share your creative portfolio with potential clients.
Postcards are versatile and effective tools that can enhance your marketing strategy, strengthen customer relationships, and showcase your brand's unique offerings.
Below is a deeper look at how different industries use custom postcard printing for their specific needs:
Direct Mail Marketing
Targeted promotional mailers, seasonal offers, coupon mailings, and lead generation campaigns. Postcards achieve 4–5× the response rate of email campaigns and are trackable via unique QR codes, coupon codes, or personalized URLs.
Targeted promotional mailers, seasonal offers, coupon mailings, and lead generation campaigns. Postcards achieve 4–5× the response rate of email campaigns and are trackable via unique QR codes, coupon codes, or personalized URLs.
Real Estate
"Just Sold" cards, open house invitations, neighborhood market updates, and agent introduction mailers. Refined finishes like spot UV and foil stamping differentiate luxury real estate agents.
"Just Sold" cards, open house invitations, neighborhood market updates, and agent introduction mailers. Refined finishes like spot UV and foil stamping differentiate luxury real estate agents.
Event Invitations
Corporate galas, product launch parties, wedding invitations, charity fundraisers, and conference announcements. Thick board (350 gsm) with foil stamping and rounded corners creates a keepsake invitation.
Corporate galas, product launch parties, wedding invitations, charity fundraisers, and conference announcements. Thick board (350 gsm) with foil stamping and rounded corners creates a keepsake invitation.
Restaurant & Hospitality
Menu updates, happy hour promotions, loyalty card mailers, and seasonal event postcards. Double-sided full-bleed printing maximizes space for food imagery and contact details.
Menu updates, happy hour promotions, loyalty card mailers, and seasonal event postcards. Double-sided full-bleed printing maximizes space for food imagery and contact details.
Photography & Art
Portfolio showcase cards, exhibition invitations, limited-edition print promotions, greeting cards. Gloss lamination enhances image sharpness and color saturation for photographic work.
Portfolio showcase cards, exhibition invitations, limited-edition print promotions, greeting cards. Gloss lamination enhances image sharpness and color saturation for photographic work.
E-Commerce & Retail
Abandoned cart recovery mailers, new product drops, seasonal sales, upselling / cross-selling inserts. QR codes linking directly to product pages bridge print and digital channels.
Abandoned cart recovery mailers, new product drops, seasonal sales, upselling / cross-selling inserts. QR codes linking directly to product pages bridge print and digital channels.
Non-Profit & Fundraising
Donation appeal mailers, annual report highlights, event sponsorship packages, volunteer recruitment. Story-driven design with compelling visuals drives emotional engagement and response.
Donation appeal mailers, annual report highlights, event sponsorship packages, volunteer recruitment. Story-driven design with compelling visuals drives emotional engagement and response.
Tourism & Travel
Destination postcards, package holiday promotions, hotel room drop cards, local attraction guides. Scenic imagery printed on 350 gsm gloss stock with rounded corners creates a high-end souvenir feel.
Destination postcards, package holiday promotions, hotel room drop cards, local attraction guides. Scenic imagery printed on 350 gsm gloss stock with rounded corners creates a high-end souvenir feel.
Direct Mail Postcard Strategy
A well-designed postcard is only as effective as the strategy behind it. Below are proven approaches for maximizing ROI from your postcard campaign.
Target Audience Segmentation
Segment your mailing list by geography, demographics, purchase history, or engagement level. A single postcard design sent to a well-targeted list consistently outperforms a generalized campaign sent to an untargeted database. Use variable data printing to personalize each recipient's name, offer, or imagery: personalized direct mail generates 6–10× higher response rates than generic mailings.
Clear Call-to-Action
Every postcard must have one primary call-to-action (CTA). Whether it's "Visit Our Website," "Call Now for 10% Off," or "Scan to RSVP," the CTA should be immediately visible: typically placed in the bottom third of the design or highlighted with spot UV. Include a sense of urgency where appropriate: limited-time offers and exclusive codes drive faster response.
Design for the Mailbox
Postcards compete for attention in a stack of bills, catalogs, and magazines. Use high-contrast color schemes, bold typography for headlines (minimum 18 pt for the main message), and a single dominant image. Keep the address panel clean and USPS / Royal Mail compliant: leave a clear white rectangle (minimum 90 × 50 mm) for the address block per UPU S30 standard.
Tracking & Measurement
Make every postcard trackable. Use any of the following methods to measure campaign performance: unique QR codes linking to landing pages, personalized coupon codes per recipient, dedicated phone numbers with call tracking, or unique URLs (PURLs) printed on each card. Track response rates, conversion rates, and cost-per-acquisition to refine future campaigns.
Design Guidelines for Postcard Printing
Follow these technical specifications to ensure your artwork prints correctly and avoids common costly mistakes.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum. Lower resolution will result in pixelation, especially on large-format postcards (A5 and above). |
| Color Mode | CMYK only. RGB colors shift noticeably when converted to offset CMYK: what looks bright on screen may print dull. Reference your design against a CMYK color bridge. |
| Bleed | 3 mm on all four edges. Extend all background colors, images, and solid fills to the bleed line. Anything that touches the edge must bleed. |
| Safety Margin | Keep all critical text, logos, and essential content at least 5 mm inside the final trim line (10 mm recommended for A5 and larger). |
| File Format | Print-ready PDF with embedded fonts and high-resolution images. Outline all fonts to prevent substitution issues. Flatten transparency. |
| Address Panel | For mailed postcards, leave a minimum 90 × 50 mm clear zone (no design or background) in the bottom-right or bottom-left quadrant for the mailing address, stamp, and barcode. |
| Font Size | Main body text: minimum 8 pt. Headlines: minimum 18 pt. The smaller the postcard, the larger your headline should be relative to the card size. |
| QR Codes | Minimum 15 × 15 mm with 4 mm white padding around all sides. Test at actual print size to ensure scannability. |
| Barcode | If using mailing barcodes (USPS Intelligent Mail / Royal Mail 4-state), position at least 10 mm from any edge and ensure minimum 90% contrast against the background. |
We provide free postcard printing templates for all standard sizes to help you set up your artwork correctly. Contact our pre-press team for template downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum quantity for postcard printing?
Our minimum order quantity is 250 copies for standard sizes. For custom-size or die-cut postcards, the minimum is 500 copies. If you need a smaller quantity for a test campaign, please contact us: we can sometimes accommodate pilot runs.
What is the turnaround time for postcard printing?
Standard turnaround is 3–8 business days from artwork approval. For CMYK + spot color or decorative finishes, allow 5–10 business days. Rush orders (2–3 business days) are available on request for standard-size, full-color postcards with a 20% surcharge.
Do you offer double-sided postcard printing?
Yes. Single-sided and double-sided printing are both available. Double-sided printing is common for product catalog postcards where the back carries additional product listings or a detailed message. The price increase for double-sided printing is approximately 30–40% over single-sided.
Can I use my own design / artwork?
Yes. We accept print-ready PDFs. For best results, follow the design guidelines in Section 8 above. We also offer free artwork checking: our pre-press team will verify your file for common issues (missing bleed, RGB colors, low-resolution images) before production begins. If you need design assistance, we can recommend freelance partners.
What is the difference between matte and gloss lamination?
Matte lamination produces a non-reflective, smooth surface with a soft touch: ideal for corporate branding, luxury mailers, and text-heavy designs. Gloss lamination adds a shiny, reflective finish that makes colors appear more vibrant and saturated: best for photography, product shots, and high-impact visuals. Both protect the printed surface from scuffing during mailing.
What finishing options do you offer?
We offer matte lamination, gloss lamination, spot UV varnish, hot foil stamping (gold, silver, copper, rose gold, holographic), embossing / debossing, die-cut shapes, and round cornering. These finishes can be mixed: for example, a matte laminated postcard with gold foil logo and spot UV highlight on the headline is a popular combination for luxury brand mailers.
Do you offer custom sizes for postcards?
Yes. We produce postcards in any custom size up to 400 × 300 mm. Custom-size orders require a die charge (typically $40–$80 depending on complexity). Non-standard shapes (circles, ovals, product silhouettes) are also available with custom die-cutting.
Can you print variable data (like different names or addresses) on postcards?
Yes, we support variable data printing (VDP) for personalized postcard campaigns. Each postcard in the run can carry a different recipient name, offer code, or personalized message. VDP requires a data file (CSV or Excel) and a properly set-up InDesign or Illustrator template with data merge fields. Minimum 1,000 copies for VDP runs.
Do you offer samples before I place a bulk order?
Yes. We provide pre-production samples for all custom postcard orders. Samples are shipped via express courier (3–5 business days to most destinations). We also maintain a sample kit library: contact us to request swatches of paper stocks and finishes before placing your order.
Can I get a free quote for my postcard project?
Yes. Use our online quote form or email sale@zxcprint.com with your specifications: size, quantity, number of sides, paper weight, finishing options, and any special requirements. We typically respond within 4 business hours with a detailed quotation and estimated delivery timeline.
Why Choose ZXC Print for Postcard Printing?
Since 2003
Over two decades of precision offset printing experience serving global clients.
Heidelberg Offset
German-engineered 4-color presses for Pantone-accurate color reproduction across every postcard in the run.
Worldwide Shipping
Export to 50+ countries with door-to-door delivery. Air freight (5–7 days) or sea freight (20–30 days).
Quality Guarantee
Pre-production samples, in-line color control, and satisfaction guarantee on every bulk postcard order.
Ready to start your postcard printing project? Request a free quote with no obligation. We'll help you select the right size, paper, finishes, and quantity for your campaign.
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