The Complete Handbook of Post Cards
A practical reference for professionals, businesses, and serious hobbyists on selecting, using, and profiting from post cards
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
From paper weight to postal codes, a complete reference for using post cards effectively.
About this book
Post cards are a deceptively simple tool. Their small size and low cost hide a complex set of variables: paper stock, finish, print quality, and the often-misunderstood rules of the postal service. This handbook is a structured guide through all of it. It begins by defining what a post card actually is in a technical and historical context, then breaks down the specifications that separate a flimsy, forgettable piece of mail from a durable, effective one.
For the professional, it offers a decision framework for choosing the right card for a direct mail campaign, an event invitation, or a thank-you note. For the hobbyist or collector, it explains grading, preservation, and the factors that create value. The book also includes a practical section on troubleshooting common issues like smudging and warping, and a full chapter on the business side of post cards, showing how suppliers and print shops operate and how you can carve out a niche.
With a forward-looking chapter on industry trends and a glossary of essential terms, this is not a marketing piece. It is a reference manual to be consulted, annotated, and kept on the shelf.
Reader Reviews
Nicholas Sanchez
★★★★★I picked this up hoping for exact specs on card weight and mailing rules. The early chapters cover that pretty well, and the section on troubleshooting printer jams was useful. But I felt the chapter on business opportunities was a bit generic; it talked a lot about 'identifying a niche' without the concrete numbers or case studies I wanted. It's a solid reference overall, just not as deep in the commercial areas as the title suggests.
George Thompson
★★★★★The book is fine, but it's more basic than I expected for something calling itself a 'Complete Handbook.' The chapter on choosing cards is basically a checklist, which is fine, but I was hoping for more analysis on comparing specific coating types and their effect on durability in different climates. The glossary and FAQ are helpful for a beginner, but I've been doing direct mail for years and didn't find much new. A good starting point, but not for veterans.
Betty Lopez
★★★★★I manage the print buying for our fundraising events, and this is the first reference that clearly explained the difference between a standard A6 card and a jumbo post card in terms of postal rates and automation. The chapter on installation and usage was a real eye-opener; I had no idea that barcode placement could cause surcharges. It's a practical, jargon-free manual that I've already flagged for my colleagues. Highly recommended for anyone who sends mail on a regular basis.