One of the most popular uses of postcards today is for entering competitions. All across the nation, avid compers are purchasing bulk postcards at inexpensive rates. Postcards are perfect for posting contest entries. Cheap postcards are easy to find on the internet or in discount stores.
Colourful Cards
People who enter a large number of contests on a regular basis should purchase postcards that are of good enough quality that they do not bend easily during the mail process. It is a good idea to use postcards that come in vibrant colours, or that have eye-catching designs. Postcards that are more noticeable, or that are a bit heavier than the rest, have a better chance of coming up winners. Compers can even decorate their postcards with stickers, and use convenient return address labels. Paper entries in brightly coloured envelopes are great for entering competitions, but postcards work equally well, and cost less to purchase. Cheap postcards can be bought in bulk to serve this purpose.
Creative Cards
There is virtually no limit to the way postcards can be decorated before they are mailed out as competition entries.
You could purchase some plain white postcards in bulk, and creative compers can go all out to decorate them with all manner of glitter, ribbons or other interesting accessories. The postcards can come in unusual shapes to make them stand out. They do not have to be rectangular. It is also possible for entrants to purchase postcards that do not have straight edges, but that have scalloped, jagged or other edges that are not of the traditional straight variety instead.
Mailing Tips
Cards that are sent second class cost less to post than cards that are sent first class; however it is important to allow at least 7 days for the postcards to arrive at their destination when they are sent second class. Sometimes postcards are returned to the sender, because the return address is read as the mailing address by mail sorting machines. In order to avoid this problem, write your return address diagonally across the post card, and it will not be mistaken for the return address.
Recorded and Special Delivery
In cases where you are running close to the deadline when you enter a contest, or the prize is very large and valuable, it may be a good idea to consider using Recorded Delivery, which requires a signature upon delivery of the item. Special Delivery is another option. It is very inexpensive for a very light item, such as a post card, and 99.9% of deliveries are guaranteed when the Special Delivery Service is used; however, unless you are claiming a highly valuable prize, regular mail is usually the best option.
Seasoned entrants know that postcards are the most cost effective means to use to enter large numbers and wide varieties of contests and competitions. Postcards that stand out among the mountains of other entries have a better chance of being chosen as winners by the contest organizers.