Thinking about using postcards to promote your restaurant?
You’re not alone. Postcards are one of the most affordable, targeted, and versatile marketing tools available—perfect for promoting new menu items, delivery services, seasonal specials, or grand openings.
If you’ve never printed custom postcards before, or if you're looking to improve your next campaign, this FAQ guide is for you.
📨 1. Why should I use postcards to promote my restaurant?
Postcards are direct, visual, and hard to ignore. Unlike digital ads that can be skipped, a well-designed postcard lands directly in a customer’s hand. They’re great for:
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Announcing new menu items or lunch specials
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Offering coupons or loyalty programs
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Promoting online ordering or delivery services
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Targeting local neighborhoods or regular diners
🖼️ 2. What should I put on a restaurant postcard?
A good postcard is all about clarity and impact. We recommend including:
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Your logo and brand colors
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A strong headline (e.g. “Free Drink with Any Entree!”)
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A mouthwatering food photo
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Key info: phone number, website, address, hours
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A call to action (like “Order Online” or “Scan for Menu”)
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A promo code or discount, if applicable
✅ Pro tip: Keep it simple—one key message per postcard.
📐 3. What sizes are available?
The most popular postcard sizes for restaurants include:
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4” x 6” – Budget-friendly, great for quick promos
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5” x 7” – More space for images and offers
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6” x 9” – Stand out in the mail with a large format
Custom sizes are available too, depending on your campaign and budget.
🎯 4. How do I distribute them?
You’ve got several great options:
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EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail): A USPS program that delivers postcards to every mailbox in a selected zip code without needing a mailing list.
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In-store handouts: Drop them into takeout bags or place them at the register.
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Street or event distribution: Perfect for festivals or neighborhood walks.
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Targeted mailing: Use your customer list or purchase mailing lists by zip code or demographic.
🎨 5. Can I get help designing my postcard?
Absolutely. We offer:
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Template-based designs for quick orders
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Custom design services tailored to your restaurant’s brand
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File setup guidance if you have your own designer
We can even help optimize the design for USPS mailing requirements if you're doing EDDM.
🖨️ 6. What finishes and paper options are best for restaurants?
For food businesses, we recommend:
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14pt or 16pt cardstock – Thick enough to feel premium
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Glossy UV coating – Makes food photos pop
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Matte finish – Great for a softer, more upscale look (also easier to write on for hand-signed offers)
💵 7. How many should I print?
It depends on your goals:
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250–500 for small local handouts
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1,000–2,500 for in-store and bag inserts
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5,000+ for a direct mail campaign (EDDM or targeted)
We offer low minimum orders to help you test your campaign before scaling up.
⏱️ 8. How long does it take to get postcards printed?
Typical turnaround is:
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2–3 business days for printing
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5–7 days with design + print + shipping
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For EDDM campaigns, allow 1–2 weeks total including mailing logistics
📦 9. Can I include a QR code?
Yes! In fact, you should.
Link your QR code to:
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Your online menu
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A coupon or loyalty program
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Your Instagram or TikTok
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Google Reviews page
QR codes make postcards interactive and trackable.
🧾 10. What’s the return on investment (ROI)?
Postcards are low-cost and high-impact. When done right, they can bring in new customers, increase repeat orders, and reinforce your brand locally.
💡 A well-designed postcard with a clear offer (like “Free Appetizer with $25 Purchase”) can bring in 5–20x its printing cost in return.
Final Thoughts
Custom postcards may seem old school—but when it comes to local visibility, direct communication, and customer reactivation, they’re still one of the most powerful tools in your restaurant’s marketing toolbox.
And best of all? They’re easy, affordable, and trackable.
Need help printing postcards for your next promotion?
We offer design, printing, and optional mailing services with low minimums and fast turnaround. Let us help you turn that small rectangle of paper into big business.
Would you like a condensed version of this as a handout or web FAQ section for your restaurant clients? Just let me know!
