Mailing Cards: Calculating Postage + Tips for Troublesome/Embellished Cards

[@kwernerdesign]

NOTE: Mailing a Large Envelope that is under 1 ounce is not THAT expensive. However, when your smaller envelope is determined to be a "Large Envelope" because it is too thick (over 1/4" thick) or over 3 ounces in weight, THEN is it so much more expensive. I should have clarified that more. So... If you have a LARGE card, make sure it's light and thin, and you'll save some money on postage. :)

[@cportinga9834]

I was once told that if it is a letter over a 1/4" thick it is considered a "package" at this point not an envelope.

[@rachaelb2888]

I had a question about the color of ink used for the address. Does it matter if it is a non-black ink? I recently bought some awesome black envelopes and plan to address them in white ink. It seems if I write it 'standard' then this would not count as non-machinable but thought I would ask if you had an idea. Thank you so much!!

[@kwernerdesign]

@@rachaelb2888 I’ve heard conflicting opinions when it comes to dark envelopes. Some say it’s nonmachinable, other say it’s not. So just to be safe, consider it nonmachinable and include extra postage.

[@suthat7021]

Good affternoon.😮🎉❤

[@dww786]

For measuring thickness, the blade track for most FIskars sliding-blade paper trimmers is 1/4" wide. If your envelope fits through that, you're set. :o)

[@DancesWifHooves]

@cardclassicorcute4640 - THANK YOU!

[@cynthiajackson1474]

Loved the video!!! I do use the yellow butterfly non-machinable surcharge stamps for many of my cards. From what I'm reading online at USPS, these are "forever" type stamps and can always be used for whatever the postage is for the basic rate + the non-machinable surcharge. Currently, the stamp being sold in this series is the "Colorado Hairstreak butterfly"(blue) and sells for the $1.04 rate (basic +non-mach.). USPS states it is a "forever" type stamp. I have never had any problem sending my cards using these stamps.

[@1CE.]

Nice to hear I was eyeing that stamp myself already. I have a thing for butterflies :)

[@mpbailey18]

This is very helpful...unlike the USPS at times!~ Get so frustrated with them and their rules, I sometimes stick an extra stamp on a card and drop in the mailbox. Never have had one returned or extra postage requested at the other end. Their rule about "rigid" is crazy...and I learned the hard way when I mailed someone an embossing folder and got charged a lot. The other day I was mailing an mouse pad and he tried to charge me for it being rigid. I challenged him and won. Instead of almost $6, it was $2.50!

[@lindas.9313]

I just had to mail 2 Valentine's day shaker cards that were thicker then 1/4" and used a bubble mailer. It cost $4.75 to mail these cards. I use calipers to measure the thickness of my cards but I really like the template you showed in your video. Thanks for all the information. I love to mail my cards and always want them to arrive in good condition. (I dry emboss the scrap cardstock I use to protect my card fronts. It's just a little more flexible and bends easier around the embellishments.)

[@maureenthomas5445]

This has been extremely helpful in a world that's so complicated! I live in a small town and the post office here is quite limited on knowledge and products. If your looking to send a complicated parcel it's best to drive into town to the main post office. This will help alot on limiting the necessary drives into town! Thank you!

[@craftingwithclass1]

Thank you so much for this flow chart! This is so very helpful and useful. I appreciate the time, effort, and thoughtfulness that went into creating this to share with everyone. ❤

[@katkards456]

What a wonderful series this mail art has been. I ordered some micro glaze from Simon specifically with the idea of adding protection to my artistic attempt to embellish a future envelope. Appreciate all the great tips. Looking forward to February!

[@jennifermielo-shook3174]

This whole series has been so helpful. Thank you so much for providing the pdf and for providing links to the USPS products.

[@carloshaun7297]

Thank you for the downloadable PDF, Kristina! I’ve already printed it. I am putting it into a page protector,and keeping it by a plastic template I got from the post office many years ago. They don’t give them out anymore, unfortunately. But, it has the 1/4 inch slot, and the corner where you place your envelope, so you can see where the top right corner of the card lands, to see if it is in the right “size range” or proportion. I use this to check every single card I make and mail. It saves me getting a lot of cards returned for more postage. Thanks again!

[@pampam9590]

Hi Kristine?! This video was very helpful! Thanks One thing I do is put my card in the envelope (I don’t usually make my own) I Mae sure the “bumps” are in the BACK of the card. Then put strips of packing tape on the back of the card from end to end making sure I cover the bumps. That way it slides smoothly through the machine and doesn’t ever catch. I’ve sent all my card with bumps that way, and have never had a problem that way. I always check with my recipient asking if it came through ok and if more postage was required. Had it happen only once - which I think. Was size related more then anything.

[@suetownsend1932]

Thank you so much for tackling postage issues when mailing our handmade cards, Kristina. This is a super helpful video, and well explained. One thing I'd like to mention is that there seem to be inconsistencies from post office to post office regarding total fees for mailing. Your information is absolutely correct, but some postal employees seem to disregard standards!! As an example, a relative in another state mails handmade cards using only the non-machinable stamp without putting on regular postage first. Her cards always arrive just fine!! I've also noticed that one of our local post offices often charges more for my cards than another post office station a few miles away! Again, thank you!!

[@kwernerdesign]

If your relative used the new nonmachinable Forever stamps, then those are okay. They are the full postage value. However, there are some nonmachinable stamps that are labeled “nonmachinable surcharge”, meaning that they are only the extra 40 cents. It’s so confusing.

[@suetownsend1932]

@@kwernerdesign Thanks for your answer, Kristina. No, she is using the "nonmachinable surcharge" stamps, just the one!!

[@spdybug]

Thank you so much for this, Kristina. It is SO helpful. I tend to keep adding stamps "just to be sure"/ Maybe this will help me put just what's needed and no more - way better for my budget. You are really so thoughtful and awesome - and practical!

[@jclyntoledo]

😂😂 I do that too if the card is really large or bulky and if I'm sending a magnetic bookmark, tiny Pic or it has confetti

[@kimsharabba5386]

My lovely mail person at the Post Office GAVE me one of those USPS templates YEARS ago. I use it ALL the time. This is a fabulous video, Kristina. It'll be so useful for so many people. It'll be right up there with your WeRMemory Keepers enveloper maker videos. Thank you.

[@michellestephens381]

Kristina, Bless you for this very well designed and informative video. I have been sending cards, maybe to family thank goodness-because they have been very forgiving- as everyone has had to retrieve their cards from the post office. I now completely understand the mailing process. Thank you so much for this January series, I've loved every single video!

[@annakickan]

This series has been one of my favorites things you have done over the years. Please bring it back soon!

[@JustPrepperGal]

came across your video while trying to figure out if my greeting cards will require more postage and noticed you're from DIAMOND BAR, CA! i grew up there so that put an immediate smile on my face & sense of familiarity~ thanks for posting!

[@kwernerdesign]

Nope, I'm not from California. But thanks for the comment. :)

[@mistyobarr]

Thank you for the instruction and the pdf flowchart! Wonderful! It’s been my experience that having the back of the card directly under the address side makes USPS happy. Then, I use pieces of foam sheets that come in packaging keeps envelopes light and embellishments safe.

[@robindemack6415]

This has been an amazing series because it was info that I most definitely find so helpful! Thank you for taking the time and trouble to make these videos! I have enjoyed each and every one of them!

[@janetranieri8706]

Great, useful info presented perfectly! Lovely flow chart! Beautiful envelopes! And I like the way your multitude of stamps looks like a miniature art gallery! A card or letter from you must be a real event! Thank you! All in all, 5 stars! *****

[@melindahessel]

This is so helpful! I’ve struggled to understand the USPS mailing rules, but your flowchart makes it easy! Thank you for creating it and for sharing this information in an easy to understand way. My cards are often too thick and it’s ridiculous how much it is to mail them. I ordered the acrylic template you suggested. Hopefully this will help save me some money on postage!

[@cecilecoonrod4146]

Ok i HAD to find a video of the post office running envelopes thru the cancellation machine. Really cool!

[@Pearlsmith23]

I have watched so many videos about mailing cards including postage and your video explanation was spot on. I totally understood everything. Thank you so much for this video and tips!

[@merrygohlke1879]

Thank you Kristina, I ordered the Etsy acrylic and downloaded your PDF. You are so very sweet to provide this info to all of us! ❤

[@madebylora]

Postage in the uk seems much simpler! For cards it would pretty much always either be a “standard letter” or “large letter”. Then it’s just a choice between sending first or second class depending how urgent it is. (Each option is a fixed price without any surcharges). However with our new style stamps (which have a kind of barcode on them) we can’t use old stamps.

[@joycenavarro7697]

The barcodes only apply to definitives (small 1st a d 2nd class plain)..we can still add old unused commemorative stamps.

[@lecreamcakes4069]

Hi postal worker here, a couple other tips. Tape the right corner of the envelope if it's a little thicker, the machine feeds starting at the right corner, so taping the flap on the top right of the letter is great BUT BE CAREFUL NOT TO TAPE THE STAMP! tape the envelope first then put the stamp over the tape, if you tape your stamp it will not be accepted and be sent back. 2nd if you envelope is dark (red, green, black, pretty much any color) the machine can't read writing on it put a white label where you write the address.

[@bethdevitt6956]

Kristina, Thank you so much for all this great information. Love the chart you created. You're truly a card maker SUPERHERO!!

[@kcinca5410]

Thank you for this informative PDF. I so appreciate that it includes the new price increases. Of course, I buy Forever stamps but, unfortunately, my stash doesn't last forever! But thanks to online banking and other conveniences at least I only use stamps to mail cards these days. I do use a discount service for those cards that don't meet the USPS less expensive requirements. Every penny helps. I'm really enjoying your envelope series.

[@tumblingtangles]

Thank you so much for this video and the updated postage flow chart. This is so helpful to me because I like to send ephemera swaps and heavily decorated cards. I really appreciate you!

[@carolestrawn8755]

Loved this video. You can also use the slot on the Fiskars paper cutter which is 1/4". I use this all the time. Thanks for the printouts.

[@saraflores4620]

Loved this video! I'm in the process of sending out save the dates and wedding invitations, and I never realized how much I had to consider when sending mail. Thanks!

[@happyducky1143]

This is GREAT! Thank you for your thoughtful, very helpful flow chart and all the examples. You’re the best!

[@cptdebbie]

Thank you! I’ve been going to the post office and asking lots of questions trying to understand. LOL. Not everyone there has appreciated my quest for knowledge.

[@1Corinthians15-1]

Seems like people hate their jobs now when it used to be that people were genuinely happy to help. 😢 Oh well, keep on asking those questions. Knowledge is power! ❤😊

[@donnaphelan3108]

Great tips! Love your chart! I tend to fold my 'sequined' cards inside out and then put them in the envie, confuses the recipient a bit, but works. Anything thick (I can't seem to make a flat/skinny card) I just take to the PO and tell them non-machinable, not much more in postage and it ensures (I hope) that it gets to where it's going! This was a great week of videos, thank you! ❤

[@susanjr1202]

thank you for all the information. I make cards for donations to nonprofits and elderly..but they have to be mailable with 1 stamp! so I have tried to make them mailable but also special..its not easy but your guidance is super. thank u so much.

[@jacquievogler9038]

Wow, thanks so much for this video! And, I adore your customized envelopes. They are so unique and special.

[@deborahcurtis98]

THANK YOU so much for this video. Mailing cards is always a challenge for me. Even different clerks in different post offices come up with different charges.

[@rachaelb2888]

This was so so helpful! I always worry about my cards not making it through the mail so I tend to add a few more cents, but glad to know the specific amounts for weight and size. Thank you!!

[@DancesWifHooves]

You are amazing, Kristina! Thank you for sharing this - I wanted to watch to see if I could learn anything new, and did pick up a few great tips... and I think I need to buy that template! For me, the hardest has always been figuring out if it's too thick or "ok." I appreciate it SO MUCH! 💕

[@meliB32]

The video I've waited for 🥰😁 I know it should seem simple, especially by my age, but asking anyone older about it and they're kind of mean about how you should already know. Thank you so so much for this!

[@fphandmade]

Love this video! I go to the post office often because my cards are usually to large and heavy. I have a fav employee there who always explains the charges, he is super helpful. I can’t wait to order the items you shared. Thank you so much!

[@CraftyKiwiMama]

I'm based in New Zealand, so our postal rates are different, but I still really enjoyed your tips and tricks for odd shapes and thicker makes. Thank you Kristina xoxo

[@deborahcurtis98]

Excellent! Needed clarification on all this. It can be confusing. Thank you for your clear explanations and providing the printouts.

[@SKnecht1948]

I placed my order for the acrylic first-class template and downloaded your template. Thank you very much. So helpful!

[@piafrancia]

I can't thank you enough for this. This flowchart is extremely helpful! Appreciate the time and effort you put into this video. All the best to you

[@Taitcreates639]

Kristin’s, this was extremely helpful, now if Only I can receive a card from you, life would be grand. Thank you for all of this great information

[@cheri6905]

Kristina - a fountain of info here.... thanks so much! My local P.O. is close-by, so I do go there if I'm not sure of exact postage. But this is very helpful - your effort on this project is MUCH appreciated!!

[@Cardsbyann]

Thanks for all your research time! Appreciate the handout too.

[@ladyflimflam]

I routinely send cards that are over 1/4 inch thick. If they are otherwise within the standard envelope dimension they just need postage for non-machinable. The minimum size for a large envelope is the maximum size for standard envelope, so thickness alone doesn’t make them a large envelope. I confirmed this with my post office after designing the birthday card and envelope I send to my clients. It’s an a2 sized card of less than one ounce that is just over 1/4 inch thick in my handmade envelope. A butterfly non-machinable stamp goes on it and it gets delivered just fine.

[@kwernerdesign]

That’s some interesting information. It contradicts what the official USPS rules say about the 1/4” thickness. I suspect you got lucky with the postal worker you spoke with.

[@Wendy-fc1du]

I have had the same experience. I always weigh my cards and add extra postage if they’re heavier or non-machinable but I’ve never had issues with thickness and I send cards constantly. And this has been the case in 3 different states for many years now.

[@Cässie_bru]

Thank you for updating the flow chart!

[@tolebearlucy6936]

Thank you for all of your tips! I printed and laminated your mail sheet and keep it next to my desk. I also treated myself to an acrylic guide I found on Etsy ❤️

[@kathyrosecrans2738]

Outstanding tutorial! I could follow each step clearly. Now to download your flow chart which is brilliant and easy to follow! Thank you so much for this video!!

[@marydavidson6057]

Thank you for all this great information! And for another look at your beautiful envelopes and cards. I've really enjoyed this series!

[@tamrabowman]

As explained by the clerk at my local post office, even if you put a non-machinable stamp on your envelope, you will still need to take it to the post office and have them hand cancel otherwise it will just go through the machine and runs the risk of getting damaged.

[@jeaniet8648]

This was incredibly helpful. I'm always perplexed about mailing cards that aren't exactly one layer. And my local post office can be a hassle to visit -- there's usually just one employee who isn't very happy to be there working alone. (And rightfully so.) Thank you so much for sharing!

[@robiwax8552]

Well done, Kristina!! Thanks for the great video and info! (And what a treat to see all your beautiful mail art.)

[@lindadesgroseilliers17]

Excellent video, Karen, but I'd like to add a couple of things. I have been told by multiple Post Office employees that something that is non-machinable, which includes rigid cards, should be mailed at the post office counter. Writing "non-machinable" on the envelope and adding the additional postage will not insure that it will not be put into the automatic sorter. Mail that is collected from P.O. mailboxes or your roadside mailbox is not sorted before going into the automatic sorter. No one looks at them. This may be why some cards are delivered damaged even though you applied the additional postage and clearly labeled the envelope non-machinable. I have also had postal counter employees show me that if a card does not bend a fair amount, it will not go through the auto sorter (because the card travels around a wheel going through the sorter) and requires the non-machinable additional postage. As others have said, sometimes prices vary from one post office to another or even between employees in the same post office, I think non-machinable is the new term for "hand cancel".

[@gailgonzalez4547]

I agree. Take then to the counter and tell the clerk they are non machinable.

[@debbieduran6791]

Lots of great tips and information. Thanks for sharing!

[@SKnecht1948]

Thank you Kristine, I had to retrieve something I was sending today to add the extra 3 cent increase. Otherwise, I would know when the intended party would receive it and it is time sensitive. Great info.

[@LorenaBrougher]

Finally someone explained it! Thank you so much

[@teresakroll7297]

This was very informative. Thank you. The chart will come in handy. I am also going to make a quick thickness template using a die in my stash. Never thought of that. Will probably laminate it so it holds up! This was very useful for card makers!

[@pollymcfadden1405]

Incredibly useful information. Thank you for designing the flow chart -- OMG! It's so complicated but you really made it make sense. I am sharing this with all my card making friends!

[@iri2be]

My save is to save the very large/embellished cards for when I’m sending a package. Less stress!

[@kwernerdesign]

Great idea!

[@claudiaehmann9338]

I loved the mail art videos this month very much, thank you Kristina! In germany envelopes with rich or dark colors are also non machinable and need more stamps.

[@Chatty-kathy]

Thanks for all the tips... Just went through issues with the mailing of a letter to my daughter and your video was on time!

[@ging3972]

Kristina Thanks so much for this information!! I always struggle with whether to add more postage and this really helps. Have enjoyed your mail series.

[@jo-annepikebrintrup1500]

Thank you, Kristina, that was very informative and helpful!!!! Good luck cleaning your craft room!!! LOL! Thanks again!

[@JenniferSKinney]

Excellent and super helpful information! Thank you.

[@lindailey2225]

The cost of a forever stamp changed on January 22nd. I made sure I bought more stamps before then and ordered thru the post office and get them delivered directly to my box. There is a postal outlet at a Sprouts grocery store here in town and it so much faster than going to regular po.

[@ruthgauss8883]

I appreciate all of the time you spent creating this flowchart and walking through different kinds of issues and solutions! I wonder if you have ever had an envelope go up a weight class because of the addition of your wonderful stamp collages? Thanks again for sharing!!!

[@thestickerlady]

This was exactly what I was looking for! I still Jolee's Boutique stickers and I'm losing so many sales bc people don't want to pay $5+ for shipping, and I don't blame them! I want to start using envelopes and stamps and I was looking for help in how to do postage properly. This helped so much!! I just can't get the flowchart to download. Ugh, I really need it!

[@debbiebghggnameouthill3195]

This was so helpful. The the plastic template was sold out but o ordered the one from USPS and it will be fine

[@lilawetzel8213]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!! This is so helpful! I never knew how to calculate postage without taking my letters to the post office. So Thank You so Much for this video!

[@sharontrabbic30]

Thank you Kristina for all of this!! I love your envelope designs - and am so inspired to create something beautiful to mail. I like to send my fancier cards in a padded envelope which makes it a package and then the postage is like $3.60 or something. It’s worth it though! Thanks for sharing the flow chart and links to the template. I actually think it’s a bargain to mail in the US if you think through the process to get it from one address to another. ❤

[@taylors726]

Thank you, Kristina. This is such a huge help.

[@crafterkg]

Kristina, thanks so much for the .pdf and researching all this info!

[@tn7239]

Thank you for this video. Wish I checked this out sooner 😞. My kids made cards and I didn’t know if the envelope lumpy, it will cause problems.

[@christineb6524]

I’m soooo thankful for you sharing this video…it’s really going to help me out! I usually go to post office and it’s soooo dang bzy in there I feel like I don’t want to bother them with my 10 questions, and u have answered all of mine! Perfect video to share for me 👌

[@tammyb6497]

Canadian postage rules are very similar. We have national, US and International postage though. Also, the smallest size we can send with regular postage is a notecard size (3 1/2 x 5” card) and most square sizes do not cost extra either. Of course, when I’m unsure about the cost, I take the cards directly to the post office and have them tell me the prices. I write it where the stamps go and bring them home to put the postage on. The post office just prints out these massive postage labels to slap on the front and I prefer the pretty stamps! Great tutorial though, even for us in other countries. 😊

[@lindadavis1087]

This was so helpful. Thank you! Going to the post office is never fun.

[@whimsicalwitch5982]

Great information! Tip:The slot the blade runs thru on some paper trimmer is 1/4 inch. I use that as a gauge for thickness if envelopes. Can’t remember where I picked that tip up at.

[@whimsicalwitch5982]

Oops I see someone else already added that tip

[@carolepetersen2279]

Thank you for doing this video and your flow chart - very helpful!

[@karenjudy6936]

Thank you so much! This was so very helpful. I really appreciate that you provided this information.

[@nancyandjohnrodeberg1788]

Great information Kristina! Thank you for the guideline printout as well. I always thought "non-machineable" meant a trip to the post office. Can we actually put the postage on (according to the chart) and the post office will automatically sort it into non-machineable?

[@kwernerdesign]

Not necessarily. You can write (or stamp) “nonmachinable” on the envelope and sometimes a postal worker will catch it before it’s fed into the machines. Sometimes. Not always. However, I have heard that if you use one of the stamps that specifically say “nonmachinable” on them, that that increases your chances because the workers keep their eyes out for those.

[@nancyandjohnrodeberg1788]

@@kwernerdesign Great information! Thanks so much!

[@gulffire117]

What a marvelous resource! Thanks so much.

[@karentatnall8230]

Thank you so much for the instruction and PDF. This was so helpful.

[@heartfeltgreetingco]

Very helpful video, and thanks for the free template :)

[@jennifertoth6732]

Great information! Thanks for pulling it all together. Appreciate the handout.

[@ruthgibbs2944]

Excellent information. Thank you for the “cheat sheet” and the detailed examples.

[@territodd1574]

Thanks Kristina, for such an informative video. I really needed this info and I super appreciate it. PS... your cards AND envelopes are amazing!!!

[@csolano74]

This video was so great! Thank you for doing all the research and providing the tools.

[@anntolley2738]

I’ve found that weighing my cards with a handy little machine I purchased never fails me.

[@pattibull6772]

Thanks so much for sharing this information and the PDF for future reference. There is nothing worse than mailing something that the recipient has to pay extra postage to receive. Yikes....been there done that!!

[@lindarock2893]

I saw a You Tuber who said you could. slide your card/envelope through the slot on a fiskars trimmer as a thickness guide. Thanks for all the info.

[@antoinettelempicki9775]

Thanks for helpful tips to mailing. Always perplexes me.

[@rmbrazz]

How incredibly helpful! Thank you!

[@bcottle51]

Thank you Kristina! That was incredibly helpful! It was nice to know how to calculate this at home! Your flow chart will come in very handy :)

[@cherylmarien523]

This video was very informative and helpful! Thank you!

[@jnelson8732]

Very informative video. Thank you for taking the time to do this!

[@alenabudiman694]

Thank you! This is so useful!!I love your lettering.