Print Marketing Tips

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About 16pt Postcards

16pt postcards are printed on premium 16pt cardstock - noticeably thicker and more rigid than standard 14pt postcard stock. The extra weight creates an immediate physical impression the moment a recipient picks up the card from a mailbox or display rack. A heavier postcard signals higher quality before a single word is read, giving your brand a stronger, more premium presence from first contact.

Available in four standard sizes with full-color CMYK printing on both sides and your choice of gloss UV or matte coating, 16pt postcards are the preferred choice for real estate marketing, hospitality promotions, retail campaigns, upscale events, and any brand that competes on quality and wants their direct mail to feel as premium as their product or service. All sizes meet USPS mailing standards for First Class and Standard postcard rates.

Product Specifications

Available Sizes4" x 6", 5" x 7", 6" x 9", 6" x 11"
Paper Stock16pt C2S Cardstock - premium weight
PrintingFull Color Both Sides (4/4) or Single Sided (4/0)
CoatingGloss UV or Matte
Corner StyleSquare corners standard - rounded available
USPS MailableYes - all sizes meet USPS postcard standards
Turnaround3-5 Business Days - Rush available
ShippingNationwide - all 50 states

File Setup Requirements

4" x 6" with Bleed4.25" x 6.25"
5" x 7" with Bleed5.25" x 7.25"
6" x 9" with Bleed6.25" x 9.25"
6" x 11" with Bleed6.25" x 11.25"
Bleed0.125" on all four sides
Safe ZoneKeep all text 0.125" from trim edges
Resolution300 DPI minimum
Color ModeCMYK (not RGB)

Common Uses for 16pt Postcards

Real Estate Marketing

Real Estate Marketing

Just listed, just sold, and open house mailers where premium presentation reflects your brand

Hospitality and Tourism

Hospitality & Tourism

Hotel promotions, restaurant specials, and travel destination mailers requiring a premium feel

Retail Promotions

Retail Promotions

Product launches, seasonal sales, and VIP customer mailers for brands that lead on quality

Event Invitations

Event Invitations

Grand openings, fundraising galas, gallery openings, and upscale events that need a premium mailer

Choosing Your Size and Coating

Most Mailed

4" x 6"

The standard USPS postcard size. Qualifies for the lowest postcard postage rate. Best for high-volume direct mail campaigns where cost per piece matters. Compact, easy to handle, and immediately recognizable as a postcard.

Best Seller

6" x 9"

The most popular size for marketing postcards. Large enough for bold imagery and a clear headline, but still qualifies for standard postcard postage rates. The go-to format for real estate, retail, and restaurant direct mail campaigns.

Maximum Impact

6" x 11"

The largest standard postcard size. Stands out immediately in any stack of mail - impossible to ignore. More design space for photography, messaging, and offers. Uses standard letter postage rate rather than postcard rate.

Most Popular Finish

Gloss UV Coating

High-shine protective coating that makes colors vibrant and images crisp. Resists fingerprints and wear - ideal for direct mail that passes through many hands. The default choice for most marketing postcard campaigns.

Sophisticated

Matte Coating

Smooth, non-reflective finish with a refined, upscale feel. Rich colors without glare. Preferred for real estate, professional services, luxury brands, and any postcard where sophistication matters more than shine.

Direct Mail Tip

USPS Mailing Standards

All four sizes meet USPS requirements. For mailing, ensure your back design includes a clear address block on the right side, postage area top right, and return address top left. We can advise on EDDM and bulk mail options.

How to Order

1

Select the Product

Choose your size, coating (gloss or matte), printing sides, and quantity. Add one or multiple products to your cart and select from multiple shipping options.

2

Upload Your Artwork

Submit a print-ready PDF at 300 DPI in CMYK. Include 0.125" bleed on all sides. If mailing, include a USPS-compliant address and postage area on the back.

3

PDF Proof

If you need one, we can email you a PDF proof for your review, verifying layout, margins, and color before going to press.

4

We Print & Ship

Your postcards are printed, coated, cut, and shipped to your door in 3-5 business days. Rush production available for tight timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes 16pt postcards better than standard postcards?

The difference is in the weight and feel. Standard postcards are typically printed on 14pt cardstock. Our 16pt postcards use a noticeably thicker, heavier cardstock that creates a stronger tactile impression the moment someone picks it up. In a direct mail stack, a heavier card stands out and feels more substantial - which translates directly to higher perceived quality and a better first impression for your brand.

Which postcard size is best for direct mail?

The 6" x 9" is the most popular direct mail postcard size - it qualifies for standard postcard postage rates, stands out well in a mailbox, and gives you plenty of design space. The 4" x 6" qualifies for the lowest postcard postage rate and is ideal for high-volume campaigns. The 6" x 11" delivers maximum visual impact but uses standard letter postage. Your choice should balance design needs, mailing budget, and campaign volume.

Should I choose gloss or matte coating for my postcards?

Gloss UV coating makes colors more vibrant and images sharper - ideal for photo-heavy designs, bold marketing campaigns, and postcards that will be handled frequently in a mail stream. Matte coating has a refined, non-glare finish preferred by real estate professionals, luxury brands, and professional services. Both are equally durable for direct mail. If your design is photography-driven, gloss. If it is text-and-design-driven, matte.

Do 16pt postcards qualify for USPS postcard postage rates?

Yes. All four sizes (4" x 6", 5" x 7", 6" x 9", and 6" x 11") meet USPS thickness and size requirements for mailing. The 4" x 6" and 6" x 9" typically qualify for postcard postage rates which are lower than standard letter rates. The 6" x 11" uses standard letter postage. Contact us or your local post office to confirm current rates before planning a large mailing campaign.

How do I set up the back of a mailing postcard?

For a USPS-mailable postcard, the back should have a vertical dividing line down the center. The right half is for the recipient address and postage (top right). The left half is your marketing space - message, offer, or imagery. Include a return address in the upper left. Keep all content at least 0.125" from trim edges and ensure the address area is clear of background imagery that could interfere with postal barcode printing.

Questions About Your 16pt Postcard Order?

Our team can help with size, coating, quantity, mailing standards, and turnaround options.

Contact Us 1-800-423-2679

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