Postal Requirements

Please note that the information posted here is available to you as a reference resource. Master Print assumes no liability or obligation from the use of this information. If you have any mailing issues, the best way for you to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations is to connect with your local Post Office or mailing house.

Postage

Standard Mail

This is a good option if you do not need instant delivery. On a national level, standard mailing is typically done from 10-14 days and may take up to 4 or 6 days in California and the Southwest. The acquisition of an additional feature, the Ancillary Service Endorsement, will prompt the USPS to return or forward your mail back to you in the case of an inaccurate address. Please consider First Class Mail if you are mailing time-sensitive materials.

First Class Mail

If you have a particular date that you need your post card mailing to reach your recipients by, First Class Mail is the best option. National delivery will take anywhere from 3-5 days, where California and the Southwest targets should receive your material in 1-3. If the address of your recipient is incorrect or outdated then the USPS will return or forward your mail. This is also a good choice for peak seasons like the holidays.

Postcards

A USPS stamp currently costs $0.44. However, postcards can be sent at their minimum size (3.5in height x 5in width x .007 inches thick) for $0.28. Larger items (the maximum postcard size is 6in width x 4.4 in height x .016 thick) will be classified as letters or large envelopes. Postcards that are of the maximum size will require additional postage. Please ensure that the piece is a rectangular size and does not contain any stickers, magnets or additional items that may disqualify the mail piece.

Types of Postcards

Standard
Greeting Card
Triple Standard
5 x 7
Double 5 x 7
Triple 5 x 7
Deluxe
Double Deluxe
Triple Deluxe
Sumo®
Double Sumo®
Triple Sumo^SM

Size and Other Limitations

Minimum Postcard Size - 3 1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick
Maximum Postcard Size - 6 inches long x 4-1/4 inches high
Must be rectangular
Cannot have stickers, magnets, or other items as it may disqualify the mail piece for mailing at the First-Class Mail postcard price—or even make it non-mailable

Envelopes

Standard

Please note these envelope recommendations as they will ensure that your mail piece is readable and thus, deliverable. The three components of the envelope are the return address area, the address block and the barcode clear zone. Ensure that you do not have any print or graphics in the barcode space.

Window

It is recommended that you are using window coverings that do not obscure the address through color, fogging, streaks or wrinkles (cellophane and glassine works well). The entire window of the envelope should be .5 inches from the bottom edge of the envelope, or less.

Self Mailer

This applies to cards, booklets, single or multiple folded sheets and self mailers with inserts. This type of postal mailing must be tabbed (secure) so that it is not experiencing open edges from processing equipment.

Height to Length Ratios

The standard for the envelope height-to-length ration falls between 1 to 1.3 and 1 to 2.5. Mailing pieces that are out of this ratio will be subject to a surcharge.

Color

Ensure that you are choosing coloring which does not interfere with the readability of the address and the postmark. Quality papers and envelopes should be strong enough to withstand normal handling.

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