Affordable Short-Run Postcards

Why Single-Sided Postcards?

Short-run pricing stays affordable because we keep the production process streamlined. Single-sided printing eliminates a production step, which lets us pass the savings on to you — perfect for designs where the front is the focus, like art prints, announcements, mini posters, and giveaway cards. The blank back stays clean for handwritten notes, address labels, or stamping.

At a Glance

• Quantity: 50 postcards per order
• Sides: Single-sided (front print only, blank back)
• Available sizes: 4 x 6, 4.25 x 5.5, 5 x 7
• Paper options: 110# Gloss Cover or 100# Matte Cover
• Production time: Fast turnaround on short-run orders
• Printed in: United States

Paper Options

• 110# Gloss Cover – Smooth, vibrant finish with strong color pop. Best for photographs, illustrations with saturated colors, and designs where you want maximum visual impact.
• 100# Matte Cover – Thick, non-gloss finish with a refined, artistic feel. Best for fine art reproductions, typography-focused designs, and anything where a softer, more premium look is preferred.

Who This Short-Run Option Is For

• Artists making mini prints, convention handouts, or collectible cards
• Photographers offering small print runs of recent work for clients or fans
• Patreon rewards, Kickstarter inserts, and small-batch mailers
• Small businesses adding thank-you cards, business announcements, or packaging inserts
• Local events and promotions needing quick, affordable cards
• Testing a new design before committing to a larger print run
• Seasonal or limited-edition artwork sold in small batches

Why Choose Short-Run Postcards?

Short-run printing makes it easy to test new designs, rotate artwork seasonally, and reorder based on demand — without overprinting. It's a simple way to stay flexible while still delivering a professional, premium feel. Many artists and small brands use short runs to validate new artwork before scaling up to larger orders.

Available Sizes

This short-run option is offered in three popular postcard sizes: 4 x 6 (the standard postcard size), 4.25 x 5.5 (A2 invitation size, popular for greetings and announcements), and 5 x 7 (a larger format favored by photographers and artists). Each size includes 50 single-sided postcards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many postcards come in one order?

Every short-run postcard order includes 50 postcards. The quantity is fixed and doesn't change based on size or paper choice — pick your options, and you'll receive 50 cards.

Are these postcards printed on both sides?

No, short-run postcards are printed single-sided only. The front of the card features your artwork; the back is left blank. This is what allows us to keep short-run pricing affordable. If you need double-sided printing, browse our standard postcard collection for size-specific products with 2-sided options.

Can I write on the back of these postcards?

Yes. The blank back is ideal for handwritten messages, mailing addresses, postage, or stamping. Many customers use short-run postcards as note cards, thank-you cards, or art prints with a hand-written personal touch on the back.

Can I print different designs in the same order of 50?

This depends on the size and configuration. For mixed-design printing across multiple files, please contact our team or check the standard postcard products, which support multiple file printing on most sizes.

What's the difference between gloss and matte for postcards?

Gloss has a smooth, shiny coating that boosts color saturation and makes images appear more vibrant — great for photographs and bright illustrations. Matte has a non-shiny surface with a softer, more refined feel — preferred for fine art, typography, and minimalist designs. Both use the same heavyweight cover stock, so card thickness is comparable. Go deeper into comparing gloss and matte papers.

Will my postcards mail at the standard postcard rate?

Standard USPS postcard rates apply to cards measuring between 3.5 x 5 and 4.25 x 6 inches. The 4 x 6 size mails at standard postcard rate. The 4.25 x 5.5 size also qualifies. The 5 x 7 size exceeds USPS postcard dimensions and will mail at the larger letter rate.

What file format should I upload?

For best results, upload a high-resolution PDF or PNG at 300 DPI. Include 0.125" of bleed on each side and keep important elements 0.125" away from the edge to allow for trimming.

How fast will my order ship?

Short-run orders typically have a quick turnaround due to the simplified single-sided production process. Shipping time is additional and depends on your selected method at checkout.