Pricing art postcards can feel weird. They’re small, affordable, and easy to sell — but they still represent your art, your time, and your skill. Price them too low, and you feel undervalued. Price them too high, and you worry they won’t sell.
The good news? Most artists are already charging within a fairly consistent range. Once you understand what artists actually charge for postcards — and why — pricing becomes much easier.
What Do Artists Typically Charge for Art Postcards?
Based on art fairs, conventions, online shops, and studio sales, here are the most common postcard prices artists charge in the U.S.:
- $1–$2 each – Bulk bins, giveaways, zine tables, or impulse add-ons
- $3–$4 each – The most common price point for art fairs and conventions
- $5+ each – Premium paper, specialty finishes, or limited editions
If you’ve ever wondered whether charging $4 for a postcard is “too much,” you can relax — it’s completely normal.
How Postcard Size Affects Pricing (4x6 vs 5x7 vs 6x9)
Postcard size plays a bigger role in pricing than many artists expect. Larger postcards feel more substantial to buyers, cost more to print, and are often perceived as closer to small art prints than simple promotional cards.
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4x6 Postcards
The most common and affordable option. Artists typically price 4x6 postcards between $2–$4. They work well as impulse buys, bundle deals, and introductory merch for new fans. -
5x7 Postcards
A popular upgrade in size and presentation. Artists often charge $3–$5 for 5x7 postcards, especially when printed on thicker stock or used as mini art prints suitable for framing. -
6x9 Postcards
Larger and more visually impactful, 6x9 postcards are frequently priced between $4 - $6+. These are commonly used for featured artwork, limited editions, or premium table displays at art fairs.
As a general rule, artists can confidently charge more as the postcard size increases, especially when the artwork benefits from additional space and detail. Utilizing the "rule of three" for pricing tiers, this method is great for upselling.
Why Postcards Are One of the Best Low-Cost Art Products
Postcards sit in a sweet spot for artists. They’re affordable for buyers, easy to display, cheap to ship, and fast to reorder. Many artists use postcards as:
- Entry-level merch for new fans
- Affordable art for conventions and fairs
- Promotional pieces that still generate income
- Mini prints that don’t require framing
Because postcards are low-risk for buyers, pricing them confidently is often easier than pricing large prints.
What Actually Affects the Price of an Art Postcard
Not all postcards are equal. Artists who charge more usually do so for good reasons.
Paper Quality & Thickness
Thicker cardstock and premium paper stocks immediately feel more valuable. A flimsy postcard feels disposable; a sturdy one feels collectible.
Print Quality & Color Accuracy
Artists care deeply about color. High-quality printing that preserves detail and saturation justifies higher prices.
Edition Style
Limited runs, signed postcards, or numbered editions can easily push prices higher — even at the same size.
Where You’re Selling
Prices vary by context. A $4 postcard at an art fair feels normal. Online, bundles often work better than single cards.
Real Pricing Examples Based on Actual Print Costs
Let’s break this down with realistic printing numbers so you can see how artists actually make money with postcards.
Example 1: Small Test Run
- Quantity: 250 postcards (4x6, full color)
- Total print cost: ~$60
- Cost per postcard: ~$0.24
- Retail price: $3 each
- Gross profit per card: ~$2.76
Sell just 25 postcards, and you’ve already covered your print cost. Offering bundles is a great way to get to breakeven faster.
Example 2: Standard Art Fair Run
- Quantity: 500 postcards
- Total print cost: ~$80
- Cost per postcard: ~$0.16
- Retail price: $4 each
- Gross profit per card: ~$3.84
This is why postcards are a staple at artist tables — the margins are strong without feeling overpriced.
Example 3: Bulk Printing for Regular Sellers
- Quantity: 1,000 postcards
- Total print cost: ~$100
- Cost per postcard: ~$0.10
- Retail price: $4 each
- Gross profit per card: ~$3.90
Bulk runs dramatically improve profit, but only make sense once you know a design sells well. Some companies 😁 offer multiple design options, allowing you to take advantage of bulk rates.
Pricing Advice for Different Types of Artists
New Artists
Start simple. Price confidently but accessibly. A $3 postcard on quality stock is perfectly acceptable and helps build confidence. Be more concerned with getting your art out there than making huge profits. Consider adding your name, the title of the art, and the URL to the back of your retail art cards.
Established Artists
If people recognize your work, $4–$5 postcards are normal — especially with premium paper or finishes. Archival paper or 16pt cardstock are great options.
Convention & Art Fair Sellers
Postcards work best as impulse buys. Keep pricing clear and visible. Bundles like “3 for $10” often outperform single pricing.
Online Sellers
Online, postcards sell best in sets. Bundles reduce shipping friction and increase average order value.
Talk to your artist friends and browse conventions to see what everyone else is doing. But don't feel compelled to copy them exactly.
How Many Art Postcards Should You Print?
If you’re unsure, start small. You don’t need to overcommit.
- 100–250 – Testing a new design
- 500 – Art fairs and conventions
- 1,000+ – Proven bestsellers. With Printkeg, you can print 200 of five different designs.
It’s always better to reorder a successful design than sit on boxes of unsold cards.
Common Pricing Mistakes Artists Make
- Pricing too low out of fear
- Using business-card quality stock
- Overprinting before testing demand
- Not factoring in reprint costs
Your postcard doesn’t need to be cheap — it needs to feel worth it.
Final Thoughts: Charge What Respects Your Work
Postcards are one of the most artist-friendly products you can sell. They’re affordable for buyers, profitable for creators, and flexible for promotion.
Choose quality paper. Start with manageable quantities. Price with confidence.
Your art deserves it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pricing Art Postcards
How much should I charge for my first art postcards?
If you’re just starting out, most artists charge between $3–$4 per postcard. This price feels accessible to buyers while `still respecting your work and covering printing costs. Starting in this range also makes it easier to bundle postcards later.
Is $4 too much for a postcard?
No. Charging $4 for an art postcard is completely normal, especially at art fairs, conventions, and gallery events. Buyers generally expect to pay more for original artwork than for mass-produced postcards. If you charge $4, you can offer 3 for $10.
Do larger postcards sell better than 4x6?
Often, yes. 5x7 and 6x9 postcards tend to feel more like small art prints, which allows artists to charge more. Larger sizes work especially well for detailed illustrations, photography, or premium paper stocks.
Should I sell art postcards individually or in bundles?
Both work, but bundles usually perform better. At events, single postcards are great impulse buys. Online, bundles like “3 for $10” or themed sets increase average order value and reduce shipping friction.
How many art postcards should I print for a new design?
For a new design, most artists start with 100–250 postcards. This lets you test demand without overcommitting. Once a design proves popular, printing 500 or more significantly lowers your cost per card.
What paper is best for selling art postcards?
Artists usually prefer thicker cardstock or premium uncoated paper that feels substantial in hand. A higher-quality paper often justifies a higher selling price.