Complete Guide to Postcard Printing & Mailing Pricing
What Determines the Cost of Printing & Mailing Postcards?
At TPSi Tulsa, we price every direct mail project honestly — based on the real materials, labor, and postage your campaign requires. But with dozens of options available (sizes, coatings, paper weights, mailing classes), it's not always clear what drives the final cost per piece.
This guide breaks down the five biggest factors that affect postcard pricing — so you can make informed decisions that balance quality, impact, and budget.
The 5 Factors That Affect Postcard Pricing
Click any section below to see detailed pricing breakdowns and real-world examples:
1. How Postcard Size Affects Pricing
Size impacts material usage, press efficiency, and USPS postage rates. Learn why a 6"x9" postcard can cost 60% more than a 4"x6" — and when it's worth it.
Topics covered:
• Standard sizes vs. oversize formats
• USPS postage rate thresholds
• Material waste and press efficiency
• Cost comparison by size
→ Read the full guide: How Postcard Size Affects Pricing
2. How Finishing Options Affect Pricing
From UV coating to foil stamping, finishing adds value — and cost. Understand which enhancements deliver ROI and which are purely aesthetic.
Topics covered:
• UV, aqueous, and soft-touch coatings
• Round corners, perforating, and tabbing
• Foil stamping and variable foil
• Scented coatings
• Cost impact of each finishing option
→ Read the full guide: How Finishing Options Affect Pricing
3. How Paper Type Affects Pricing
Thickness, coating, and material quality directly impact durability and perceived value. Learn how paper weight affects both cost and response rates.
Topics covered:
• 12pt vs. 14pt vs. 16pt vs. 18pt stocks
• Coated vs. uncoated paper
• Recycled and premium specialty stocks
• GSM weight specifications
• Cost comparison by paper type
→ Read the full guide: How Paper Type Affects Pricing
4. How Ink Coverage Affects Pricing
Not all designs cost the same to print. Heavy ink coverage, dark backgrounds, and specialty colors increase material costs and slow down production.
Topics covered:
• Light vs. heavy ink coverage
• 4-color process (CMYK) vs. spot colors
• How design choices affect print costs
• Tips to reduce ink costs without sacrificing quality
→ Read the full guide: How Ink Coverage Affects Pricing
5. How Addressing & Mailing Affects Pricing
Getting your postcard from the press to the mailbox involves data processing, addressing, presort, and postage. This is often the largest cost component in direct mail.
Topics covered:
• USPS-ready addressing vs. bulk delivery
• Variable data printing (VDP) and personalization
• First Class vs. Marketing Mail vs. EDDM
• NCOA, CASS, and presort optimization
• Turnaround time and rush fees
• Quantity breaks and volume discounts
• Data services that reduce waste
→ Read the full guide: How Addressing & Mailing Affects Pricing
Need a Custom Quote?
Every postcard campaign is different. Send us your specifications, and we'll provide a detailed, line-item quote within 24 hours.
What we need to quote accurately:
• Postcard size
• Quantity
• Paper weight and finish
• Coating or specialty finishes
• Mailing class and target audience size
• Turnaround time
Get Your Free Quote
📞 (918) 254-9622
📧 sales@tpsitulsa.com
Why TPSi Tulsa for Direct Mail?
• Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
• Full-service — print, address, and mail under one roof
• USPS-certified — maximum postage discounts
• Fast turnaround — standard and rush options available
• 40+ years serving Tulsa and beyond
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most cost-effective postcard size?
4"x6" postcards offer the lowest material and postage costs while still qualifying as USPS standard mail. Learn more about size pricing →
Can I save money by printing more postcards than I need?
Yes. Printing larger quantities dramatically lowers cost per piece due to fixed setup costs. See quantity break pricing →
What's the cheapest way to mail postcards?
USPS Marketing Mail with EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) is the most affordable option at $0.21–$0.24 per piece. Compare mailing options →