What's The Best Postcard Size?
What's the best postcard size for your direct mail marketing?
If you are interested in getting a mailing list for postcard marketing, you might want to know which size postcard you should use depending on your mailing type.
From standard, jumbo, to extra large (oversized), postcards come in a wide range of dimensions. Here is a look at different available sizes to help you make an informed decision with direct mail marketing campaign.
Dimensions & Sizes of Postcards
Standard size: The USPS defines a postcard as having the dimensions of 3.5'' x 5'' or 4.25'' x 6' that qualify for low postcard mailing rates. Just recently, the 5.5x8.5 was added to this "postcard" rate classification allowing for discounted first class postage!
Any direct mail marketing material that is larger than standard is considered as 'letters.'
These sizes are also available when you want to get creative with your postcard marketing campaign.
• 4.25" x 5.5"
• 4" x 6"
• 4.25" x 6"
• 5" x 7"
• 6" x 8"
• 5.5" x 8.5"
• 4" x 9''
• 6" x 9"
• 6" x 11"
Out of these, the 6" x 9" is the most popular size businesses are using. This size offers versatility and creative options. Not my #1 choice however. I much prefer the 6x11.
Oversized Envelopes & Postcards:
Studies show that oversized direct mail materials have a higher response rate than letter-sized envelopes and standard size postcards. According to an estimate, oversized envelopes have a response rate of 6.6 percent while letter-sized envelopes have a 4.3 percent response rate. Larger dimensions enable direct mail advertising companies to experiment with design and include more details in their messaging.
The most commonly used dimensions of larger postcards are 6″ x 11″ (jumbo size) and 5.5″ x 8.5″ and 6" x 9"
If your direct mailings go above the dimensions of 6.125" x 11.5" it is considered a 'flat.' As used for EDDM mailers
Oversized (extra large) postcards typically have a dimension of 9"x 12" while they can also go beyond this size.
'Flats' are a type of direct mail that includes large envelopes, newsletters, and magazines according to the US Postal Service. While the minimum flexibility required for flats is 1-inch, the maximum and minimum dimensions are:
- Min Max
- Height 6-1/8″ 12″
- Length 11-1/2″ 15″
- Thickness 1/4″ 3/4″
Oversized direct mail marketing materials may be slightly more expensive as compared to standard postcards. However, these larger direct mail materials have a higher return on investment. On average, 42 percent of target consumers read a catalog they receive through direct mail and spend half an hour reading through the catalog. Forty-seven percent of prospects preserve the catalog to read them later. Moreover, 60 percent of catalog recipients visit the brand's website after reading the catalog, as per a USPS study.
EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) Sizes and Dimensions
The United States Postal Service offers the EDDM program for those looking for convenience and affordable postage rates. While you can design your own postcard design or use the help of direct mail advertising companies, you can also utilize the affiliate vendors of USPS for design, printing, and delivery.
The approved dimensions for EDDM are basically any "Flat" size postcard. Common sizes are
- 11'' x 17''
- 8.5'' x 11''
- 6.25'' x 9''
- 4.25" x 11''
- 6" x 12"
You can also use specific mailing lists such as zipcode mailing lists, business-to-business mailing lists, or radius mailing lists to enjoy more flexibility with postcard sizes and creative designs.
Start Mailing The Best Sized Postcards
Looking for a direct mail quote on your bulk postcard mailing? Want to discuss options?
Give us a call at Mail King USA to find the best postcard size for your mailings.
