Postcards: Wish you were here!
Categories: Package Improvement
Postcards are very popular these days. You can personalize them, use showy graphics, and get the message out without breaking the bank. But … have you tried to design a postcard and found you didn’t have enough real estate on the postcard to deliver your message? Face it, a postcard is a great vehicle if your message is short and you simply want to direct the recipient to a website, a personalized URL, or a phone number. Otherwise, there simply isn’t much room! Cramped space is especially tricky if you want to design a “wish-you-were-here” style postcard (you know, the kind you send on vacation … a 4-1/4 x 6 card with a graphic or message on the front and, on the other side, a rule down the middle). The mailing address on the right side of the rule limits your message or graphics on the left side. Moreover, nine times out of 10, you don’t qualify for automation postal rates because you haven’t left enough room for the barcode! Consider a redesign. First of all, remove the rule down the middle. Next, rethink the space on the addressing panel all together. You need an area that is about two inches high for your mailing address, return address, and indicia. You will need an area that is at least 4-3/4-inches wide and 5/8-inches high for your barcode. And the rest of the card is now available for copy and graphics!