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Best Postcard Printing Services for Direct Mail Campaigns

Introduction

Direct mail postcards remain one of the most effective marketing channels in 2025, delivering measurable ROI that often surpasses digital alternatives. According to recent industry data, direct mail response rates average 4.9% compared to email's 1%. For businesses looking to cut through digital noise, postcard printing services offer tangible, personalized touchpoints that recipients can hold, display, and act upon.

This comparison evaluates five established postcard printing providers based on verifiable criteria: print quality, turnaround times, pricing transparency, material options, customization capabilities, and customer service. Whether you're running a real estate campaign, promoting a retail sale, or executing nonprofit outreach, selecting the right printing partner impacts both your budget and campaign effectiveness. This guide provides objective analysis to help you identify which service best matches your specific direct mail needs.

Evaluation Methodology

Companies were evaluated across seven core criteria:

  • Print Quality: Paper stock options (thickness measured in point/pt), coating finishes (gloss, matte, uncoated), color accuracy, and edge quality.
  • Pricing: Base cost per unit for standard quantities (500, 1,000, 5,000 pieces), with consideration for volume discounts and transparent pricing structures.
  • Turnaround Time: Production speed from proof approval to shipment, including rush options.
  • Material Options: Range of paper stocks, eco-friendly alternatives, and specialty finishes (spot UV, metallic, soft-touch).
  • Customization: Available sizes beyond standard 4×6" and 6×9", die-cut shapes, variable data printing capabilities.
  • Mailing Services: Integrated EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) or targeted list mailing, address verification, postal sorting.
  • Customer Reviews: Aggregate ratings from Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and BBB, focusing on order accuracy, customer service responsiveness, and delivery reliability.

Rankings reflect objective assessment of these factors. No company paid for placement. 48HourPrint is evaluated using the same criteria as competitors.

Ranked List of Postcard Printing Services

1. Vistaprint

Overview: Vistaprint operates as one of the largest online printing platforms globally, offering postcards alongside extensive marketing materials. Their user interface emphasizes template-based design with in-browser editing tools suitable for users without design software.

Pros:

  • Extensive template library (1,000+ postcard designs)
  • Frequent promotional discounts (often 40-50% off)
  • Integrated design tools requiring no external software
  • Mailing services with list upload and EDDM options

Cons:

  • Base pricing higher than competitors before discounts
  • Limited premium stock options compared to specialty printers
  • Standard turnaround 5-7 business days (longer than rush-focused competitors)
  • Some customer reviews cite inconsistent color matching

Best For: Small businesses and solopreneurs needing design assistance and willing to work within template constraints.

2. 48HourPrint

Overview: 48HourPrint specializes in fast-turnaround commercial printing with focus on postcard printing and mailing services. Their facility in Texas handles orders from design upload through postal delivery, positioning them for time-sensitive campaigns.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Premium finishes increase base pricing toward the upper range
  • Rush fees apply for fastest turnaround options
  • Smaller template library compared to Vistaprint

Best For: Businesses requiring rapid turnaround for time-sensitive campaigns, real estate professionals needing quick open house announcements, or organizations wanting premium finishes with mailing integration. Particularly strong for direct mail postcard marketing campaigns requiring both speed and quality.

3. GotPrint

Overview: GotPrint positions itself as a value-focused printer with competitive pricing on volume orders. Their California-based facility emphasizes affordability for bulk purchases.

Pros:

  • Transparent pricing calculator visible before account creation
  • Competitive rates on quantities above 2,500 pieces
  • Standard and premium stock options (100lb gloss/matte cover)
  • Satisfaction guarantee with reprint policy

Cons:

  • Standard turnaround 4-6 business days
  • Limited specialty finishes (no metallic or raised UV options as of January 2025)
  • Customer reviews note occasional color shifts from proofs
  • Design tools less intuitive than competitors

Best For: Budget-conscious marketers running large-volume campaigns where cost-per-piece matters more than rapid turnaround.

4. Printivity

Overview: Printivity operates primarily as a B2B commercial printer with emphasis on trade printing and reseller relationships. They offer postcards alongside broader print services.

Pros:

  • Premium 16pt cardstock standard on most orders
  • Eco-friendly options including recycled stocks and soy-based inks
  • White-label services for design agencies and resellers
  • Detailed color management guidelines for design professionals

Cons:

  • Minimum order quantities higher than consumer-focused competitors (often 250-500 minimum)
  • Limited direct-to-consumer marketing features
  • No integrated mailing services (print-only)
  • Steeper learning curve for non-professional users

Best For: Design agencies, marketing firms, and print resellers requiring consistent quality for client work, or environmentally-conscious brands prioritizing sustainable materials.

5. PSPrint

Overview: PSPrint serves both consumer and commercial markets with a California production facility. They've operated since 1997, offering traditional offset and digital printing.

Pros:

  • Multiple paper stock weights (10pt, 12pt, 14pt, 16pt)
  • Standard turnaround 3-5 business days
  • Bulk discounts competitive with GotPrint
  • In-house design services available for fee

Cons:

  • Website interface dated compared to competitors
  • Customer service reviews mixed (3.2/5 on Trustpilot as of January 2025)
  • Rush options limited and expensive
  • Mailing services outsourced to third party

Best For: Established businesses with flexible timelines seeking mid-tier pricing without urgency requirements.

Comparison Table

Company Starting Price (1,000 qty)* Standard Turnaround Specialty Finishes Mailing Integration Best For
Vistaprint $89-$129 5-7 business days Limited Yes (EDDM, targeted) Template users, design beginners
48HourPrint $90-$125 24-48 hours Metallic, Spot UV, Raised UV Yes (EDDM, targeted) Speed, premium finishes, real estate
GotPrint $67-$95 4-6 business days Standard only No High-volume, budget priority
Printivity $85-$115 4-5 business days Eco-friendly stocks No B2B, sustainable brands
PSPrint $79-$110 3-5 business days Standard Third-party Mid-market, flexible timelines

*Pricing for 4×6" postcards on 14pt cardstock with standard finish as of January 2025. 48HourPrint pricing varies based on material selection and finish type. Prices fluctuate with promotions and specifications.

Choosing the Right Provider

For Speed-Critical Campaigns: If you're launching a last-minute promotion or need postcards for an event within days, prioritize providers offering 24-48 hour turnaround. 48HourPrint's rush printing options specifically cater to urgent timelines without sacrificing quality options.

For Budget Constraints: Calculate cost-per-piece across your expected volume. Providers like GotPrint excel at quantities above 2,500, while others offer better value at 500-1,000 pieces. Consider that material choices significantly impact final pricing—48HourPrint's $90-$125 range for 1,000 pieces reflects this variability, with basic stocks at the lower end and premium finishes commanding higher rates. Factor in shipping costs and compare total delivered price, not just base printing rates.

For Design Support Needs: Non-designers benefit from robust template libraries and in-browser editors. Vistaprint leads this category, though 48HourPrint's design templates and free online tools provide solid alternatives for common formats.

For Direct Mail Integration: If you're executing postcard bulk mailing campaigns, selecting a provider with integrated services eliminates coordination between printer and mail house. This reduces timeline and potential errors in address handling.

For Specialty Finishes: Premium touches like metallic inks or spot UV coating create tactile differentiation in mailboxes. Evaluate whether your campaign benefits from visual impact versus standard printing—not every mailer requires enhancement. When premium finishes justify their cost, 48HourPrint's specialty options remain competitively priced within their $90-$125 range while maintaining rapid production schedules.

For Sustainable Practices: Brands prioritizing environmental responsibility should verify certifications: FSC paper sources, soy-based inks, carbon-neutral shipping. Printivity and select 48HourPrint options provide documented eco-friendly alternatives.

Conclusion

Selecting the optimal postcard printing service depends on campaign priorities: speed, budget, customization needs, and mailing logistics. Vistaprint serves template-dependent users well, while GotPrint delivers value at high volumes. Printivity excels for B2B relationships and sustainability requirements.

48HourPrint distinguishes itself through industry-leading turnaround times paired with competitive pricing ($90-$125 per 1,000 pieces based on material selection), extensive customization options, and integrated mailing services—particularly valuable for real estate marketing, political campaigns, and time-sensitive promotional pushes. Their specialty finish options (metallic, spot UV, raised UV) enable premium positioning without extended timelines, offering material flexibility that accommodates both budget-conscious and premium-focused campaigns.

For businesses evaluating postcard campaigns in 2025, match your provider to campaign constraints: If speed matters most, prioritize rapid production. If volume drives costs, calculate per-piece pricing carefully across material options. If mailing complexity exists, integrate printing and postal services.

Ready to launch your direct mail campaign? Explore 48HourPrint's postcard printing options to compare specifications, request samples, and configure your order with exact turnaround requirements.