Plastic Postcards Direct Mailers: What Are They and How to Use Them?
A 2024 Focus Digital report says that postcards have a response rate of 2.79%! It is much higher than many digital marketing channels, so businesses often use these direct mail items in their promotional mix. They send plastic postcards to their prospects and customers to capture their attention and convince them to buy their products and services.
You can also send postcards in several other ways, such as inviting them to events, asking for referrals, etc. However, you must find a solid direct mail solution to print and ship postcards to the correct delivery addresses. This solution will help you automate the process and significantly cut expenses.
This blog discusses plastic postcard mailers in detail and explains why you should combine them with digital marketing strategies. Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
- Plastic postcards are direct mail materials that make a lasting impression on your target customers with their high-quality finish. They ensure people remember your business and buy your products or services.
- Plastic postcard mailers maintain their appearance throughout transit and are resistant to tearing, bending, and water damage.
- They are effective for retail, healthcare, automotive, hospitality, and financial services businesses. You can send them for various use cases and in many sizes.
- Businesses can automate the process of printing and shipping plastic postcards with PostGrid’s advanced API and dashboard solutions, ensuring timely and accurate mail delivery.
What are Plastic Postcards?
They are direct mail items usually made of more durable materials than traditional paper postcards. Businesses can send them in the mail without worrying about wear and tear because they are more wear-resistant.
Plastic postcards are brightly colored and designed to stand out from other mailpieces your recipients receive. They often have punch-out cards or key tags for customer use. To offer more value to your audiences, you can also send perforated or pop-out coupons with your postcards.
Most plastic postcard mailers have a thick laminate to capture readers’ attention. They also feature full-color artwork and custom messages, which can help you acquire and retain customers.
Various Use Cases of Plastic Postcards
Plastic cards are helpful in many ways, from business to personal needs, like:
- Gift cards are popular in stores because they let people buy products without using cash.
- Loyalty cards help companies reward repeat customers with discounts and points.
- Membership cards are used in gyms, clubs, and libraries to grant access.
- ID cards help identify employees, students, and event attendees. Access cards use technology like RFID to open doors in offices and hotels.
- Payment cards, such as credit and debit cards, allow people to make purchases quickly.
- Medical cards store health details for quick reference in emergencies.
- Transit cards help passengers pay for buses and trains without cash.
Furthermore, plastic postcard mailers work well for direct mail marketing because they are durable and responsive. The best sizes depend on the purpose. For example, a 4″ x 6″ card is ideal for quick promotions and coupon offers. A 5″ x 7″ card gives more space for product images and brand messaging, whereas a 6″ x 9″ card stands out in the mail and works well for high-impact marketing.
6″ x 11″ direct mail postcards are excellent for detailed offers and event invites. Using plastic makes these cards last longer and keeps them in customers’ hands, increasing the chances of getting responses and conversions!
Also Read: Best Print and Mail Services 
Features Available With Plastic Postcard Mailers When Conducting a Direct Mail Campaign
Variable Data PrintingIt allows all plastic postcards to be unique. You can customize names, offers, and images based on your customer data, making the message more relevant and engaging. Personalization increases response rates because people pay more attention to mail that feels made just for them, leading to better results. |
QR Codes and PURLs for Tracking ResponsesThey make it easy to track responses from plastic postcard mailers. Customers can scan a QR code or visit a unique and personalized link to redeem offers or learn more. These elements help firms see who engages with the mailer, measure campaign success, and improve future marketing efforts. |
High-Quality Digital PrintingThis feature makes plastic postcard printing look sharp, vibrant, and professional. Crisp images and bold colors grab attention, making your message stand out in the mailbox. The durable print resists fading, water, and wear, keeping your brand looking fresh for a long time. This premium look builds trust and improves customer response rates. |
Segmented Mailing ListsYou can send your postcards to specific buyer groups based on location, buying habits, or interests. It ensures the right message reaches the right people, making marketing campaigns more effective. Targeted mailing campaigns reduce your marketing spend by letting you only send plastic postcards to people who might be interested in your products or services. |
Also Read: Best Print and Mail checks Services Industries That Can Use and Benefit From Gift Card Mailers
Almost all industries use direct mail plastic postcards for different reasons. For example, retail and ecommerce companies can send them to customers as redeemable coupon vouchers, membership cards, key tags, etc. They can also use them to invite people for product launches or spread awareness about their seasonal sales discounts.
Similarly, financial service businesses can send plastic postcard mailers to their prospects to communicate service information or update existing clients. Healthcare companies can use these postcards to send medical information, health tips, client offers, etc. They help effectively connect with target audiences and provide them with the necessary details.
Other businesses that can use postcards are real estate, insurance, nonprofits, fitness centers, credit repair businesses, and others. They need only find a Print & Mail solution to help them create and ship the mailers.
Why Combine Digital Marketing With Plastic Postcards?
Plastic postcard mailers have many use cases as a standalone marketing tool. However, you can get better results by combining them with online marketing channels, like email, social media, online ads, etc. Here are the top reasons you must consider this collaboration:
Higher Comprehension
People understand printed messages better than digital ones. A plastic postcard stays in their hands, making it easier to read and remember. Digital ads disappear fast, but a physical card lasts longer. When businesses use them together, people see the message online and in print, reinforcing the information for better recall.
Better Conversion Rates
Plastic postcards feel valuable, so people pay more attention to them. Postcards are more likely to be seen than digital ads that people could ignore or block. If you time them correctly, they remind customers of online offers. This repeated exposure builds trust and increases the chances of them taking action, boosting conversions.
Higher Brand Recall
Plastic postcard mailers are tangible and long-lasting, keeping your brand in customers’ sight. Digital ads disappear quickly, but physical cards stay on desks or wallets for weeks or months. Thus, these tangible items strengthen buyer memory and help them think about your business whenever they need your product or service.
Different Reasons to Send Plastic Postcards Instead of Other Direct Mail Items
A More Premium Look
Plastic postcards look high-end and professional, making your brand appear more valuable. The glossy, durable finish stands out compared to regular paper mail. People associate quality materials with trustworthy businesses. A premium look increases the chances that recipients will take your message seriously and respond to your offer.
Adds a Human Touch
Your plastic postcard mailers feel personal and thoughtful, unlike digital messages that can feel distant or impersonal. Receiving a physical card makes people feel valued, as it shows effort and care. This human touch creates a stronger connection with customers, building trust and encouraging them to engage with your brand.
Easier to Store
These items are easy to keep and are not damaged like paper mail. Their long shelf life means people can store them in wallets, desks, or even fridges without falling apart. Recipients can stick them to their refrigerators or pin them on their boards, which they might not do for other bulky or multi-paged mailers.
More Interactive
Plastic postcards can include QR codes, barcodes, PURLs, or scratch-off areas that make them interactive. These encourage recipients to take action, like scanning the code for a special offer or visiting a personalized website. Postcards make the marketing experience more memorable and effective by directly engaging new customers.
Improved Brand Image
Sending plastic postcards enhances your brand’s image by showing that you care about quality and detail. Such thoughtful, high-quality communication reflects positively on your business and helps create a strong, professional impression that sticks with customers.
Increased Engagement
High-quality plastic postcards are likelier to be kept and engaged because they feel different and unique. They encourage recipients to act by scanning a QR code or saving the card for future reference. This higher level of engagement leads to better return on investment (ROI) and stronger customer connections.
Also Read: Best Print and Mail SolutionWhy Use PostGrid Print & Mail to Send Plastic Postcards?
PostGrid Print & Mail API and dashboard allow you to conduct plastic postcard marketing online without manual effort. This solution takes care of everything, from design to delivery, so you can focus on running your business while effectively reaching your customers. You need not worry about printing or mailing logistics and can rest assured that your plastic mailers will arrive at the correct mailing addresses on time.
PostGrid offers high-tech features such as address verification, design templates, real-time tracking, delivery services, campaign insights, etc. Thus, businesses can efficiently conduct and track their campaigns in one place. Sign up to explore how you can design, print, and ship plastic postcards with us!
