The Ultimate Guide to Post Cards in the UK: Where to Buy, Design Tips & Best Picks

Why postcards still pack a punch

You might think postcards belong in a museum with rotary phones and paper maps, but they’re far from obsolete. Postcards are tactile, memorable, and cut through the screen-fatigue of emails and social feeds. Whether you’re promoting a local cafe, sending personal notes, or designing a seasonal campaign, a well-made postcard grabs attention in a way a digital ad rarely does. Think of a postcard as a mini billboard that lands right in someone’s hand—compact, personal, and surprisingly effective.

Popular postcard sizes and what they mean for mail

Picking the right size matters. Too small and your design feels cramped; too big and you risk extra postage or awkward handling. The most common sizes you’ll see are 4 x 6 inches, 5 x 7 inches, and A6—the latter is roughly 4.13 x 5.83 inches. A 4 x 6 inch card is wallet-friendly and classic for mass mailings, while a 5 x 7 inch piece gives you room to breathe and looks premium. If you’re sending a short message or a photo-heavy design, go for the larger size for better impact.

Standard business postcard sizes

Many businesses opt for 4 x 6 inches for cost-efficiency or 5 x 7 inches for a more polished presence. A common rule of thumb: use 4 x 6 inches for high-volume campaigns and 5 x 7 inches when you want the recipient to pause and examine the card more closely.

Choosing the right paper: weight, finish and feel

Paper choice is more than an aesthetic detail—it’s the handshake of your brand. Cardstock weight often appears as pounds (lb) in imperial measurements; for postcards, 80 lb to 100 lb cover stock is common. An 80 lb card feels firm and economical, while 100 lb cover delivers that satisfying heft that says “quality.” Finish matters, too: a glossy finish makes colors pop, while a matte finish feels modern and classy. If you want a luxe tactile experience, consider a thicker stock in the 100 lb range to give your postcard durable presence in hand.

Finish options and their effects

Glossy finishes boost saturation—great for photography or bright graphics. Matte finishes reduce glare and feel more premium for text-heavy designs. Uncoated stock has an organic, textured feel that works well for artisanal brands or eco-friendly messaging.

Top UK stores for buying postcards — quick overview

UK shoppers have a solid mix of high-street and online options for buying postcards. For off-the-shelf and small packs, WHSmith, Ryman and Paperchase are reliable. For custom printing and higher-end options, Moo, Vistaprint, and Photobox stand out. Etsy UK and local print shops offer bespoke and artisan postcards if you want something unique. Below I break down what each of these retailers typically offers and which one might fit your project.

Ryman — the office supply stalwart

Ryman is a go-to for office essentials and affordable stationery. They carry ready-made postcard packs and basic customizable options. If you need a simple run of printed postcards or plain stock to DIY, Ryman balances convenience with price. It’s great for last-minute needs and local pickup if you prefer to see paper before buying.

Paperchase — design-forward stationery

Paperchase leans on style. They offer eye-catching designs and seasonal ranges that suit creative campaigns, greeting cards, and personal use. If you’re after on-trend prints or quirky art-led postcards, Paperchase is a fun place to browse and get inspiration for your own designs.

WHSmith — widespread and reliable

WHSmith is everywhere, which makes it handy for grabbing simple postcard packs or branded stationery. They’re good for straightforward, no-fuss options and often stock popular designs and tourist-themed postcards. If convenience and availability matter to you, WHSmith is a safe bet.

Moo — premium custom printing

Moo is the first name many designers think of for boutique-quality prints. Their custom postcards come with features like luxury paper, spot varnish, and different sizes including square formats. If you want a professional finish, attention to detail, and the ability to print multiple designs in one batch, Moo is worth a look.

Vistaprint — affordable custom runs

Vistaprint balances affordability with customization. It’s ideal for small businesses running direct mail campaigns who want custom artwork, bulk pricing, and a range of finishes. You’ll find easy-to-use templates and enough flexibility to tailor your postcard without a steep learning curve.

Photobox & Snapfish — photo-first postcards

If your postcard is photo-centric—think travel shots, event photography or product images—Photobox and Snapfish make it easy to turn snaps into glossy postcards. They specialise in high-quality photo printing and have user-friendly editors that help non-designers create striking results.

Etsy UK — artisan and bespoke cards

Looking for handmade or artist-designed postcards? Etsy UK connects you with independent creators who can make small runs or one-off pieces with a personal touch. If uniqueness and creative collaboration matter, Etsy is a fantastic source for original designs.

John Lewis & The Range — quality retail options

John Lewis offers higher-end stationery and tasteful designs suitable for corporate gifting or premium mailings, while The Range provides budget-friendly multi-packs and seasonal ranges. Each suits different needs: John Lewis for curated quality, The Range for affordable variety.

Best stores for custom printed postcards and when to use them

Custom postcards come into their own when branding, personalization, or professional presentation is required. Moo and Vistaprint are ideal for businesses that need brand consistency. Moo focuses on premium options and print quality, while Vistaprint edges ahead on price and flexible templates. Photobox and Snapfish shine for photographic prints, and Etsy is your go-to for unique, handcrafted styles. Choose your provider based on the balance of quality, turnaround, and how many variations of design you need in a single order.

Where to buy budget-friendly bulk postcards

When you need hundreds or thousands of cards, price per unit matters. Retailers like Ryman, The Range, and online bulk printers offer economical solutions. Amazon UK and large online print houses frequently provide bulk discounts, and many stores reduce the unit price dramatically as quantities increase. For large campaigns, compare a few suppliers’ per-unit prices and paper options—an extra ounce of weight per card adds up over a thousand pieces, so be mindful of material choices.

Eco-friendly and recycled postcard options

Concerned about environmental impact? Good—so are many printers. Look for recycled stock options or suppliers that offer post-consumer recycled papers. Several providers, including some high-street retailers and online print houses, carry recycled 100 lb cover alternatives that still look and feel premium. Uncoated recycled paper can lend an earthy, authentic look to your postcard while keeping the environmental footprint lower than virgin stock.

Design tips to make your postcard pop

Design is where postcards earn their keep. Start with a bold focal image, use clear typography, and keep your message short and punchy. Always include a single, clear call-to-action—whether it’s “Book now,” “Visit us,” or “Use code.” Maintain generous margins and allow for a safe zone so nothing vital gets trimmed. If your design uses full-bleed color, add a 0.125 inch bleed to avoid white edges after trimming. Keep file resolution high—300 DPI is the usual recommendation for printing—so images remain crisp.

Typography and hierarchy

Choose a headline type that grabs attention and a simpler font for body text. Create contrast with size, weight, or color to guide the eye from the image to the message to the call-to-action. Less is often more—don’t try to say everything on one tiny card.

Using postcards for marketing: creative ideas

Postcards work across many marketing strategies. Consider them for local event invitations, seasonal promotions, loyalty reminders, or as a low-cost direct mail test. Personalisation, like adding the recipient’s first name or a tailored offer, can boost engagement. Combine a QR code with a clearly described reward to bridge the physical card and digital conversion—think “Scan to claim a free taste” or “Scan to book your slot.” The tactile nature of a postcard often increases the perceived value of the offer.

Cost-saving hacks when ordering postcards

Want to save money without sacrificing quality? Order in larger quantities to unlock bulk pricing, use standard sizes to avoid special trimming fees, and choose a common paper stock. Many printers have template galleries so you can avoid expensive design services—start with a template and tweak brand colors and copy. Another tip: order a proof or small sample run first to check color and feel before committing to a large print run—this saves both money and headaches in the long run.

Common mistakes to avoid

Poor contrast, tiny fonts, and overcrowded layouts are classic missteps. Avoid using low-resolution images that print pixelated, and don’t forget the bleed. Overcomplicating your message is another trap; postcards are brief by nature, so focus on one core message and one clear action. Finally, double-check spellings, dates, and contact details—typos are expensive on printed material.

Final checklist before you hit ‘print’

Here’s a quick pre-flight check: confirm your size in inches, verify the paper weight in pounds, ensure images are 300 DPI, include a 0.125 inch bleed for full-bleed designs, keep copy concise, and choose a single strong call-to-action. With that squared away, you’re set to make postcards that get opened, read, and acted on.

Conclusion

Postcards remain an effective, tangible way to connect with people in a distracted world. Whether you’re buying off-the-shelf packs from high-street names like Ryman or WHSmith, commissioning artisan designs from Etsy UK, or printing brand-focused runs with Moo or Vistaprint, there’s a solution for every budget and need. Focus on size, paper weight in pounds, clear design, and a single compelling call-to-action—and your postcards will do the heavy lifting for your message. Ready to design your next postcard? With the right choices, a small card can make a big impression.