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Designing Full Color Postcards for Printing, Using Address Block Addressing
The following applies to all address block templates
Your may download the postcard Block Address Templates (below). The templates are scaled at 100%. You may place the template into your design application of choice and use it to verify your layout. We prefer you let us add the white address block and the Indicia to your layout. The address block and Indicia are included on the template to guide your design effort, please do not include either in the file you submit for printing.
HotGloss recommends the Post Office Address Block Automation Template (left) over the conventional Post Office Automation Template. The rules for address Block Addressing are more flexible, the space may be used more efficiently and the address position tolerance is not as tight as the conventional template.
Keep everything out of the address box and do not alter or move the Indicia. It is not necessary for you to add the address block or Indica. Please, submit your postcard design without an Indicia or the white address block, it will be added by our prepress department.
You are free to use color and or pictures everywhere with the exception of the address block and the Indicia.
As indicated by the guide, a bleed of 1/16” (0.0625”) will be cut off each side of the printed postcard. Please extend color into the bleed area like the yellow background of the template demonstrates. Its best to keep any text at least 1/8” (0.125”) from the cut edge (the cut edge is represented by the dotted guide line).
Reply Mail Design
Create Reply Mail Design Online via US Postal Service Website
Meet Postal Service™ standards by creating your Reply Mail online.
Q: What are the requirements for mailing a postcard at the First Class Postcard Rate?
According to US Post Office regulations, the smallest allowed postcard size is 3.5" x 5". The largest size for mailing at the Postcard Rate is 4.125" x 6", which we offer as a Standard Postcard. Qualifiers • 13 ounces or less • 500 or more pieces per mailing. Speed 1–3 days.
The higher Standard Mail Rate applies to any piece larger than our Standard Postcard. Dimensions up to 6.125"x11". Standard Mail, has no Postcard Rate, so all large postcards use the Standard Mail Rate. Standard Mail Rate qualifiers • less than 16 ounces • 200 or more pieces or 50 pounds or more per mailing. Speed 2–9 days.
Q: Should a return address be included on my postcard?
A return address is not required. Including a return address enables you to update your mailing list after each mailing. First Class Mail is returned free of charge. Standard Mail Rate mail is not returned unless an ancillary service is printed on your card. (This service requires additional payment to the US Post Office). Any undeliverable Standard Mail that has no ancillary service endorsement is discarded by the USPS.
Q: Can HotGloss handel my entire mailing project?
Yes. HotGloss can do virtually every step of your job. We can consult on the most efficient way to prepare the job, four color print the piece, do list clean-up, manage your data files, pre-sort and commingle the piece, and deliver the mailing to USPS. To top it off, we offer all of these services at a great price.
Q: Should I print labels and bring them to HotGloss to be applied or let HotGloss print the labels?
Let HotGloss do the addressing. Using specialized software, HotGloss can cleanup your mailing list, apply barcodes and achieve maximum postage savings. Inkjetting is always preferred. It looks more professional and is more time efficient in processing.
Q: Do I need to have a Postal Permit to use HotGloss mailing services?
You can use our Postal Permit, no charge.
Q: What are the advantages of having a Postnet Barcode?
Postnet barcodes allow mail to be processed using automated equipment. The advantages of this are savings in time and money. Postnet barcodes usually reduce delivery time by 1 to 2 days, and allow for significant reduction in postage costs.
Q: What type of data files can HotGloss work with?
HotGloss works with many file formats from most platforms. For the data specifications sheet click here(coming soon) or call 916/ 391-6797.
Q: What is CASS Certification?
Coding Accuracy Support System is a computerized process that standardizes addresses, conforming them to standards set by the USPS. This process adds the information needed to create a Postnet barcode. It also produces a USPS form 3553 required for mailing at automation rates. Automation compatibility and CASS certification will improve delivery time.
Did You Know?
According to a USPS study, Americans spend $528 billion in response to Direct Mail advertising.
Did You Know?
73 million or 25% of the U.S. population ordered merchandise or services by mail.
Source: The DMA Statistical Fact Book 2001: Direct Mail/Buying Habits
Direct Mail gives you:
Flexibility: You can mail anyone your message at any time, using any format. You can send postcards, letters, color brochures. The choice is up to you and your budget. Because Direct Mail pieces can be prepared in a relatively short time, they can give you the competitive edge of surprise or the capacity to respond quickly to a competitor's effort. You can prepare and send a postcard in a matter of days. Moreover, Direct Mail efforts can be kept secret from the competition right up to the time they are delivered to your customer.
Targetability: Choose precisely the audience you want to reach and speak to them, and only to them, one-to-one.
Measurability: There’s no guesswork. By tracking and analyzing your mailings, you’ll know how you’re doing.
Accountability: When you see how well mail works, it becomes its own justification, a “self-funding” medium, if you will.
Privacy: Not only can you reach your customers without your competition’s knowledge, but you can also allow your customers to see your message, without distraction.
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