Free Sample
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
Chapter 1: Understanding Post Cards
The Object and Its Purpose
A post card is a piece of thick paper or thin cardboard intended for writing and mailing without an envelope. This definition is the starting point for understanding everything else in this handbook. The physical constraints of this format create its utility and its limitations. Because the message is not hidden, the sender exchanges privacy for a lower cost and a direct, personal touch. Because the card is a single piece of stock, it must be sturdy enough to travel unsupported through automated sorting machines.
In practical terms, this makes a post card a vehicle for a short, public, and durable message. It is not a confidential communication, nor is it a platform for lengthy details. A well-designed post card succeeds by using its limited space to capture attention, convey a clear single idea, and provide a simple call to action. This is true whether the card is a real estate agent announcing a new listing, a museum promoting an exhibition, or a friend sending a vacation note.
The functional definition of a post card is codified by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for mail automation. For the USPS, a post card is a specific mail class with size and thickness requirements. For a card to qualify for the lower post card mailing rate, it must be rectangular, measure a minimum of 3.5 inches by 5 inches and a maximum of 4.25 inches by 6 inches, and have a