Help! I'm getting conflicting info from post offices and the USPS itself. Need to know:

1. Is a return address required for bulk-mailed postcards?

2. Does the answer to #1 depend on whether they're going out w/first-class postage?

3. Does first-class postage have any significant impact on postcard response rates?

4. If a return address is required, must it be in the upper left-hand area of the card?

Reason for the questions: I've prepared card copy for years that's been mailed without incident and without return addresses. We often need the space more than we needed the return of non-deliverables.

I have swipe files of postcards that I've received by mail, with addresses placed all over the backs -- and several without addresses at all. Internet searches on postal regulations present all sorts of conflicting information. The mailhouses themselves have their own policies, as well, but the inconsistencies are attributed to post office regs.

A representative whom I reached via the main USPS website wrote to me that a return address is not required, yet the Dallas office, where we're about to drop 30,000 pieces, insists that it is -- and that it must be in the upper-left corner. Needless to say, we'll follow the Dallas "rules," but I'd like to know what's really going on here.

Clarification of any/all would be greatly appreciated!

~ Kathy

Kathy,

Mr. Subtle is correct.

But, I think you need to understand that not all postcard ARE postcards.

A postcard is a card that is no larger than 4.25" x 6", period… End of Story.

Many printers sell 6" x 9" cards, and "jumbo" 6" x 11" cards... As far as the USPS is concerned these are NOT Postcards... They are considered Letters.

So with the "Official” definitions" out of the way...

If you are sending a TRUE postcard, there is no reason to send it out as anything other than first class.

A First Class postcard stamp is 24 Cents, and if you use a mailing service that can CASS Certify your data, and Print the addresses (NOT LABELS) you should be able to mail your postcard for .204 Cents or a little less.

On the other hand... "Bulk" or what is officially known as "Standard" or "Third Class Mail" would run as much as .231 Cents.

So again IF it is a true postcard, go first class. IF your mail piece is not a true postcard, but a Larger Cousin of the postcard go “Standard Mail.”

Now as far as response rate...

"First Class" Versus "Standard Class"... The War between the two basically boils down to this.

IF you want to try to convince someone that you are not doing a massive commercial "junk" mail campaign, and are only mailing to them... Then, AND ONLY THEN... Consider "First Class".

So ask yourself... "Does My Mail Piece Look Personal???"...

If you are sending out a large full-color mail piece, or any deviation of that theme... The answer is probably "No."

So save a few bucks a send it out using "Standard Mail."

... my 2 cents.

Thanks for the info.

We're dropping an oversized "postcard" to 34,000 addresses in December, so the additional info re: what actually constitutes a postcard is especially timely and appreciated!

~ kathy