I never thought I’d say this, but a postcard—yes, a postcard—saved our restaurant’s grand re-opening.
Let me rewind.
Last fall, we had just finished renovating our small noodle shop in Portland. New seating, new lights, new branding. To celebrate, we planned a soft relaunch with a big local mail campaign. We designed a beautiful postcard with a promo code for 20% off and a QR code that linked to our online menu. It was colorful, minimal, and very us.
We printed 3,000 postcards and handed them out at farmers’ markets, slid them into takeout bags, and dropped them off at apartment complexes nearby.
Then came the rain.
Postcards, Puddles, and Panic
We live in Oregon. You’d think we’d be prepared for the weather.
But one Saturday, I watched as a customer pulled our postcard out of their mailbox. It was soaked, folded, and completely unreadable. The ink had bled. The QR code? Gone. The coupon? Smeared.
That’s when it hit me—we needed waterproof postcards.
The Switch That Changed Everything
I reached out to our printer, and they suggested synthetic waterproof stock. It had a smooth, matte finish and was tear-resistant, too. Slightly pricier than regular cardstock, but still affordable.
We reprinted just 1,000 for our next campaign, focusing on apartment mailboxes and counter giveaways.
Here’s what changed:
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Customers kept the postcards longer. They tossed them in bags, cars, even left them on kitchen counters—and they stayed crisp.
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People noticed the quality. One regular said, “This doesn’t even feel like paper. I love it.”
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More QR scans and code redemptions. In fact, our waterproof postcard campaign had 38% more redemptions than our first round.
Small Detail, Big Difference
The waterproof finish became part of the brand story. People associated it with quality, durability, and attention to detail. Even when they spilled coffee on it or left it in the rain—it still worked.
It was no longer just a discount card. It became a reminder of who we were.
Why I’ll Never Go Back
Waterproof postcards may seem like a small upgrade—but for us, they became a symbol of resilience.
We’re in an industry where every detail matters. From the font on the menu to the feel of a loyalty card, people notice when things are thoughtfully done. And in a rainy city like ours, it turns out a waterproof postcard is more than clever—it’s necessary.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a restaurant owner who hands out coupons, takeout promos, or direct mailers—and your city gets even a little wet—I strongly recommend switching to waterproof postcards.
Because no matter how great your food is, it only matters if your message survives the journey.
Looking to print waterproof postcards for your restaurant?
We offer full-color synthetic stock postcards that are weatherproof, tear-resistant, and perfectly brandable—ideal for takeout, mailers, and promotions that go the distance.
Let your next postcard work rain or shine.
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