Direct mail postcards are one of the most effective and cheapest direct mailer types available. However, to get the best price possible, there are some things you need to consider when it comes to printing and mailing them.
So, let's take a look at how you can get the cheapest direct mail postcards while still creating a successful postcard campaign.
The Cheapest Direct Mail Postcards
Bulk Mail Postcards
Standard Mail and First-Class Mail are bulk mail services that offer postage discounts for your postcard mailing, which are much cheaper than single-piece postage. As the term "Bulk" hints, you do need to mail a minimum quantity of postcards.
For Standard Mail, you must mail at least 200 postcards; for First Class Mail, you must send at least 500 postcards. First Class is more expensive than Standard mail but is treated as the most important and, as a result, is delivered much quicker.
Benefits: Bulk mail offers amazing postage discounts, allowing you to send postcards of various sizes to an audience of your choosing.
Limitations: You must meet minimum mailing quantities to qualify for bulk mail postcard discounts (200 for Standard Mail and 500 for First Class Mail.)
Commingled Postcards
Commingled Postcards are the cheapest option if you have a small audience you want to reach. This postcard service allows you to mail in small quantities (as few as one postcard) with bulk mail discounts applied.
When mailed, multiple small quantities of postcards from different companies are combined to qualify for bulk mail minimums.
For example, suppose you have 50 postcards you want to mail, and another company has 150. In that case, both mailings can be sent out together to meet the 200 minimum for Standard Mail rates.
Benefits: You can print and mail as few as one postcard for less than $1 per postcard.
Limitations: Typically, it is only eligible for 6” x 9” postcards.
Every Door Direct Mail Postcards
Mailing your postcards through Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is the cheapest option if you want to mail to a large audience in a particular area. Depending on several factors, including size and quantity, the cost to print and mail EDDM postcards could be around $0.20-$0.80 per postcard, give or take.
This postcard service is unique in that you choose specific mailing routes, and your direct mail postcards will be delivered to every address.
Benefits: Cheapest option if targeting a specific location.
Limitations: You can only use 6.25” x 9”, 6” x 11”, or 8.5” x 11” postcards. In addition, EDDM is not ideal if you want to target a specific audience, as your postcards will be delivered to every address on the selected mailing route.
How to Create the Cheapest Direct Mail Postcards
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Create a Game Plan
To create cheap postcards, you first need to strategize your goal and budget.
How much do you want to spend on a postcard campaign? Determining your budget will help you narrow down your options.
You also need to figure out the purpose of your postcards so that you choose the cheapest options and the options that will bring in the most revenue.
For example, you may need to delegate your budget towards a targeted mailing list rather than a special coating on your postcards. Or maybe you already have a mailing list, and your message might be more effective on a 6” x 11” postcard rather than a 5” x 7”.
Choosing the Cheapest Direct Mail Postcard Size
A 4" x 6" or 5" x 7" direct mail postcard is going to be cheaper than a 6" x 9" or 6" x 11" due to the amount of paper and resources needed to print in larger sizes.
However, depending on your message, a smaller, cheaper postcard size might not generate the best results.
Before you choose the cheapest 4" x 6" postcard, remember your goal. Is the purpose of your postcard to say thank you to customers, or is your message and design short and simple? If so, a 4" x 6" might be perfect!
In other cases where you might promote a grand opening or sale, a large postcard will offer more room for an eye-catching design.
Sizing up to a 5" x 7" is only a few cents more per postcard, and it will guarantee that your direct mail postcard is larger than the average mail piece. If your budget allows, 6" x 9" postcards are one of the most effective sizes as they are hard to ignore and are only a few cents more than a 5" x 7" postcard.
Select the Right Paper and Coating
Due to USPS direct mail postcard requirements, you need to print your postcards using thicker paper. This ensures your postcards move easily through postal equipment and are durable enough to withstand the mailing process. Because of these requirements, choosing a cheaper, thinner paper isn't available for postcards. Choosing a 10pt or 14pt cover stock will typically be your cheapest paper option.
You'll want to opt for no coating to print the cheapest postcards, as adding a coating will be an added cost. However, because coatings add additional protection and a unique finish, a coating might be right for your goals. If this is the case, choose a UV coating rather than an aqueous coating, as UV coatings are much cheaper since the process for UV coatings requires cheaper resources and has faster processing times compared to aqueous coatings.
Consider the Quantity
The fewer postcards you print, the cheaper the total price will be. However, this isn't the case for the cost per postcard or mailing your postcards.
Quantities For Printing: While the overall price will be cheaper for fewer postcards, it's cheaper per postcard to print more. For example, if you print 100 6" x 11" postcards, the total printing cost could be around $100, resulting in about $1 per postcard. If you increase the quantity to 200, the overall price would be closer to $150, resulting in around $0.75 per postcard.
Quantities For Mailing: Unless you are mailing your postcards using Postcard Commingling, you need to make sure you have enough postcards to meet bulk mail postage discounts.
For example, if you were looking to save a few dollars by printing only 100 postcards, you wouldn't have enough to qualify for bulk postage rates. You would instead need to mail using non-presort or a stamp, which costs more than printing and mailing 200 postcards. For instance, say you want to print and mail 100 6" x 9" postcards. The cost would be around $325. If you increase that quantity to 200 and use a bulk mail service like Standard Mail, the price would decrease to around $280.
Design Your Postcards in House
If you have an in-house design team or have design experience yourself, it will always be cheaper to design your direct mail postcards in-house.
When designing your postcards in-house, remember the following to ensure your design generates the best results:
- Use a free direct mail postcard design template
- Never forget your branded elements
- Create an eye-catching headline
- Make sure there is enough contrast
- Use high-quality images
- Never forget your call to action (CTA)
Now, if you have zero design experience, then hiring a graphic designer should be considered within your budget. This is because, while it is an added cost, it's essential that your postcard design communicates your message effectively.
Find an All-in-One Print and Direct Mail Provider
Finding a provider who can print and mail your postcards will save you money and time.
For one, most print and direct mail providers will allow you to use their mailing permit, meaning you don't need to purchase one. After printing your postcards, they'll also take care of the entire mailing process, so you don't need to pick up your postcards or pay to have them shipped to you and then lug them to the post office.
At Conquest Graphics, we offer various direct mail marketing services along with high-quality cheap direct mail postcard options that will represent your brand professionally. And we're committed to helping you find the best options to fit even the smallest budget. We even offer Postcard Commingling, so you take advantage of the cheapest way to mail small quantities.
Click below to get started on your direct mail postcard campaign today!
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