How to Mail Postcards in Bulk: A Step-by-Step Guide

TL; DR:
Learn how to mail postcards in bulk with this step-by-step guide. It covers everything from design and list building to USPS compliance, automation tools, and how to get mailing discounts. Mail King USA simplifies the entire process so you can focus on growing your business.

----

Postcards remain one of the most powerful tools in direct mail marketing. Small business, nonprofit organizations, real estate agents, or campaign groups often use them for connecting with their audience in a personal and tangible way.

So, if you're considering reaching hundreds or even thousands of people, you need to learn how to mail postcards in bulk. This will reduce your costs and increase your campaign's effectiveness.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know from preparation to delivery. We'll also walk you through cost-saving tips, automation tools, USPS requirements, and more.

What Is Bulk Postcard Mailing?

Bulk postcard mailing, also known as mass mailing postcards, involves sending a large number of postcards at once through USPS Marketing Mail or another discounted mail service.

The USPS provides bulk rates for organizations that send at least 200 pieces of mail, provided the mail is presorted and meets specific criteria.

How to Mail Postcards in Bulk: Step-by-Step

Bulk mailing can seem intimidating at first, but it’s surprisingly manageable when broken down into steps. A proven workflow, like below, can help you stay organized, save money, and ensure USPS compliance.

Step 1: Design Your Postcard

Create a compelling design that fits USPS standards. Common sizes for Marketing Mail include:

4" x 6"
6" x 9"
6" x 11"

Good postcard design draws the reader's eye to the information that matters most. Ensure your message is simple, your branding is clear, and your call to action is easy to follow.

Use bold headlines, legible founts, concise copy, and high-quality images to make an impression within seconds.

Lastly, don't forget to leave room for the address block, postage, and barcode area. Following USPS layout guidelines will help prevent costly delays or surcharges.

Step 2: Build or Purchase a Mailing List

You can use your customer database or purchase a targeted list. Segmenting your list ensures you're reaching the right people.

If you already have customer data, start by organizing it in a spreadsheet with clearly labeled columns for names, addresses, and ZIP codes. Verify and clean the list to eliminate duplicates and bad addresses. This improves deliverability and keeps your costs down.

If you’re purchasing a list, work with a reputable provider, like Mail King USA, who can filter by relevant demographics—like age, income, or geographic location. You can also use USPS Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) to target entire neighborhoods without needing specific addresses.

Step 3: Choose the Right Mail Class

If you're wondering what is the cheapest way to mail postcards in bulk, USPS Marketing Mail is typically the answer. It's slower than First-Class Mail but much cheaper for large volumes.

It may take 3 to 10 days for delivery, but the postage savings can be substantial. This is rarely an issue because Marketing Mails are generally used for promotional or non-time-sensitive mailings.

On the other hand, First-Class Mail offers faster delivery and better handling, which is great for more personalized campaigns.

Weigh the importance of speed versus budget when choosing your class. For most large-scale campaigns, the savings from Marketing Mail make it the top choice for mass mailing postcards. At Mail King USA, we can help you choose the optimal mailing class based on your campaign goals, timeline, and budget.

Step 4: Prepare Your Postcards

Make sure your postcards meet USPS specifications.

Minimum 200 identical pieces.
Printed on cardstock.
Include a valid return address.
Address formatting must follow USPS guidelines.
Use Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb) for tracking.

To qualify for bulk rates, your postcards need to follow these strict physical and formatting rules. For example, correct paper thickness should be between 0.007" and 0.016" and follow standardized postcard dimensions. If not, you will be charged higher rates.

Also, make sure your address area is clean and uncluttered. Use address verification software or automation tools to confirm addresses meet USPS deliverability standards. Incorporating an IMb allows for easier tracking and better visibility throughout the delivery process.

If you work with Mail King USA, we’ll ensure your postcards meet USPS specifications, including proper formatting, thickness, and barcode integration.

Step 5: Sort and Bundle Your Mail

USPS requires that postcards be sorted by ZIP code and bundled. Doing so can help you qualify for

Group your postcards by 5-digit ZIP code, then use rubber bands to bundle sets of 50 to 100 pieces. Each bundle should include a facing slip that identifies its destination ZIP.

You can do this manually, but many businesses use bulk mailing software or a mail service provider, like Mail King USA, to handle the sorting process. Automation can dramatically reduce errors and save valuable time, especially for high-volume campaigns.

Step 6: Complete Paperwork and Pay Postage

Submit USPS Form 3602 (for Marketing Mail) online through the USPS Business Customer Gateway. The form collects details about your mailing—such as quantity, weight, and mail class—and calculates your total postage. Once submitted, you’ll receive a summary report that you’ll need to present when dropping off your postcards.

This step is essential to receive bulk mailing discounts.

You must also use a bulk mail permit and print an indicia (permit imprint) in the postage area of each postcard. This replaces individual stamps and streamlines processing at the post office.

Step 7: Drop Off at the Post Office

Take your prepared mail to a USPS Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU). They'll verify your mail and process it for delivery.

Be sure to check the drop-off requirements for your local BMEU or SCF, including scheduling an appointment if needed.

Once accepted, your postcards enter the USPS distribution network. Using Intelligent Mail Barcodes allows you to track progress and confirm delivery as your campaign reaches your audience.

If you partner with Mail King USA, part of our bulk mailing services is to deliver your prepared postcards directly to the appropriate USPS facility on your behalf.

Get Bulk Mailing Discounts with Mail King USA

If you’re still asking, “Can you bulk mail postcards and save money?” — the answer is yes. Learning how to mail postcards in bulk is one of the smartest moves for any organization that wants to scale outreach affordably.

To unlock discounted rates:

Apply for a USPS Marketing Mail permit (annual fee applies).
Presort your mail correctly.
Use automation tools for address validation and barcode generation.
Work with a mailing service provider to ensure USPS compliance.

At Mail King USA, we make it easy to maximize your mailing budget. Our team helps you qualify for the deepest USPS discounts by handling everything from address standardization to presorting and barcode creation. We ensure that every postcard you send meets USPS requirements—so you don’t have to stress about compliance or penalties.

Whether you're mailing 200 pieces or 200,000, our postcard mailing solutions are built to save you time and money. When you work with Mail King USA, you can scale your marketing with expert support.

Ready to launch your next postcard campaign? Mail King USA is here to help you simplify and succeed with bulk postcard marketing. Learn more here.

Mailing Postcards in Bulk FAQs

Can you bulk mail postcards with different designs or messages?

Yes, but each variation must meet the 200-piece minimum separately.

What’s the average cost to bulk mail postcards?

USPS Marketing Mail rates start as low as $0.20–$0.30 per piece, depending on sorting and automation.

How long does delivery take?

Bulk Marketing Mail typically takes 3–10 business days.

Do I need a mailing list?

You can use your own, buy a list, or use EDDM for geographic targeting without specific addresses.

How to track bulk mail?

The Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) allows USPS to provide tracking updates through the Informed Visibility dashboard. You can monitor delivery status and performance in near real-time.