A postcard or post card is usually, but not always, a rectangular piece of thick paper or thin cardboard intended for writing and mailing without an envelope. Shapes other than rectangular may also be used. There are novelty exceptions, such as wood postcards, made of thin wood, and copper postcards and plastic postcards.

Why use postcards:

• Affordable
• Track Results (coupon or code or numbered)
• Versatile – shape, thickness, call to action
• Help with Branding and Name recognition
• Test an offer or show off new product or service
• Great for displays and sharing your benefits
• They can be folded (note card) and put into an envelope (Thank you note, Invite to an event etc.)
• They can be die cut and used as Hang Tags or Doorhangers.

The world’s oldest postcard was sent in 1840 to the writer Theodore Hook from Fulham in London, England.

The study and collecting of postcards is termed deltiology.