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If your mailbox overflowed during election season, you saw how powerful a postcard can be. What you did not see is the planning, postal rules, and cost strategy behind every piece. That is where we come in.

At Foote Printing, we help you turn a simple postcard into a well 11planned direct mail campaign that hits the right people, meets USPS requirements, and keeps postage in check. Printing is rarely the biggest expense. Postage is. Our job is to optimize your design and mailing plan so you pay the lowest practical rate and get reliable delivery.

Choose the Right Size to Unlock Lower Postage

Picking the correct size is the first cost decision.

• Common sizes: 4x6, 5x7, 6x9, 6x11
• Keep it at or under 6x11 to qualify for letter rates with USPS Marketing Mail
• Go larger than 6x11 and you are in flat pricing, which is significantly more expensive

We will walk you through the tradeoffs so your piece gets noticed without triggering higher postage.

Design the “Mailing Side” Correctly

Automation is your friend. When your postcard meets USPS machine standards, you get lower rates and smoother delivery. Use this layout guidance before you design.

• Reserve a 4 inch wide by 2 inch tall white box in the bottom right on the mailing side. We use this space for the address and barcode that lets USPS process your mail on their machines.
• Leave space in the upper right for a stamp or an indicia. An indicia shows USPS which account to charge for postage.
• Keep the rest of your design clean, readable, and high contrast for best machine readability and results.

Send us your concept early. A five 11minute check can save a reprint and hundreds in postage.

Pick the Best Mailing Method for Your Goal

Your audience and timeline drive the mailing class. We help you choose what fits.

USPS Marketing Mail, often called Standard Mail

• Best for targeted lists when speed is flexible
• Minimum 200 pieces per mailing
• You provide a list, we run NCOA address hygiene, then address, barcode, and sort for automation
• Lowest typical postage for list 11based outreach

First 11Class Presort

• Best for time 11sensitive or higher priority mail
• Minimum 500 pieces per mailing
• Faster delivery and forwarding services, higher postage than Marketing Mail

Every Door Direct Mail, EDDM

• Best for saturating neighborhoods without a list
• We select carrier routes, bundle to USPS specs, and deliver to the local post office
• No individual addresses on the card, which gives you more design space
• Requires an indicia and “Postal Customer” marking
• Very efficient for grand openings, local services, and events

Not sure whether a list or EDDM fits better? We will map routes, estimate reach, and compare costs for you.

Quick Checklist Before You Design

• Who are you trying to reach, list or routes
• Quantity you plan to mail
• Final size, target any of 4x6, 5x7, 6x9, 6x11
• Offer and call to action
• Mailing class, Marketing Mail, First 11Class Presort, or EDDM
• Timeline to in 11home date
• Postage budget, remember it is the largest line item

Share this with us and we will build a production and mailing plan that fits.

Why Partner With Foote Printing

I am Michael Duhr, and our team manages postcard printing and mailing from file prep to drop at USPS. We verify addresses with NCOA, apply barcodes and indicia, meet automation specs, and bundle your pieces exactly the way the post office wants them. That is how we keep your postage low and your campaigns consistent.

Key Takeaways

• Size smart. Stay at or under 6x11 to keep letter rates.
• Design for machines. Reserve a 4x2 inch address and barcode zone, plus stamp or indicia space.
• Choose the right class. Marketing Mail needs 200 pieces, First 11Class Presort needs 500, EDDM needs no list.
• Plan early. A quick review prevents costly rework and avoids flat pricing.

Ready To Launch Your Postcard Campaign

Let us help you reach the right people at the right price. Contact us to schedule a quick consultation. Bring your idea, and we will turn it into a postcard mailing that performs.