Overview
The shape and style of a postcard readily distinguishes itself from conventional mail pieces. The rectangular shape, picture and/or images on one side of the card, and easy mailing make it a readily identifiable mail item. As opposed to conventional mail items, a postcard requires a reduced postage rate and no envelope or other cumbersome mailing companions.
Early History
The modern postcard takes it function from an earlier version that was exclusively distributed by the United States Postal Service. In time, Congress passed a resolution, the Private Mailing Card Act, which allowed private publishers the opportunity to print and distribute postcards. The quintessential feature of the postcard, the picture or image side has been reproduced to include famous landmarks, locations, and/or anything that can be left to the imagination. In fact, the numerous pictures, icons, and images that have decorated postcards over the years have led to collections of famous postcards that have acquired distinctive character and value over the years.
Modern Applications
The postcard has evolved from the elaborate and colorful designs and imprints of yesteryear. In fact, the medium has shifted from paper in some cases and has allowed users to transmit images over the internet. The internet has many readily available samples of stock images and custom designed postcards readily available for transmittal at the click of a button. However, despite the newly derived medium available for postcard transmittal, the majority of postcards sent for business purposes still use paper and ink.
Postcard Marketing
The postcard has not only changed in its medium of delivery, but in its utility purposes as well. For instance, many businesses and organizations utilize the postcard format as an effective marketing tool when communicating to new prospects and previous customers. For example, say a company wanted to inform a prospect that they were having a sale for the upcoming holiday season and the company
