In a digital-heavy world, printed postcards continue to deliver results — especially when they’re produced with care, speed, and professional craftsmanship. From real estate agents in Beverly Hills to creative agencies in Downtown LA, postcards remain one of the most powerful and affordable marketing tools. But how does a postcard actually go from a digital design to a printed, tangible message that lands in a customer’s hand?
Depending on the campaign’s needs, businesses often explore custom postcard printing to tailor their designs with specific layouts, textures, or local branding elements.
This blog takes you behind the scenes of postcard printing Los Angeles operations — giving you a look into the real factory process that helps brands connect, convert, and grow locally.
🧾 Step 1: File Preparation & Pre-Press Checks
Before a postcard reaches a press, it starts with your uploaded artwork. Many issues can delay print jobs: incorrect bleeds, low-resolution images, or colors set in RGB instead of CMYK. In a local Los Angeles printing company, technicians review your file to ensure it’s ready for commercial printing standards.
📍 Key checks before printing begins:
🖼️ DPI resolution must be at least 300 for sharp images
🎨 Colors must be in CMYK mode (not RGB)
📐 Bleed margins (usually 0.125″) must be present
🔠 Fonts should be outlined or embedded to prevent errors
These checks ensure your custom postcard printing job is accurate from the start.
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📄 Step 2: Choosing the Right Paper Stock
Paper plays a crucial role in both appearance and performance. A thick, coated card sends a premium message; a recycled matte finish appeals to eco-conscious brands. Based on the purpose of the campaign, printers will guide customers toward the ideal paper stock. Most local printers follow similar stages in their postcard printing services, starting from file checks to coating and final delivery.
📍 Popular postcard stocks used in Los Angeles factories:
📏 14pt or 16pt glossy cardstock for a polished finish
📝 Matte coating for a non-reflective, writable surface
♻️ Recycled uncoated options for eco-friendly campaigns
✨ Premium soft-touch or velvet stocks for luxury brands
Top-tier postcard printing Los Angeles services offer multiple stock types depending on use case and branding.
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🖨️ Step 3: Offset or Digital Printing?
The printing method depends on quantity, speed, and budget. Offset printing is ideal for high-volume jobs due to its sharp detail and lower per-unit cost. Digital printing offers faster turnaround and is great for small batches or personalized runs. In some production environments, same day postcard printing is possible when using digital presses that allow for immediate output after pre-flight approval.
📍 Offset vs Digital: When to use each
🎨 Use offset printing for 1,000+ postcards — best color accuracy and value
⚡ Use digital printing for short runs or same day postcard printing Los Angeles orders
🔄 Digital allows variable data (e.g. personalized names or QR codes)
Knowing the difference allows customers to choose a faster or more cost-effective approach depending on need.
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✂️ Step 4: Trimming, Finishing & Coating
Once the artwork is printed, it’s time for cutting and finishing. Professional postcard cutters trim to exact dimensions, ensuring clean edges and consistency across the batch. Coatings are then applied depending on finish preferences. Facilities that handle both the design and distribution usually streamline the entire postcard printing and mailing service, making the process more efficient behind the scenes.
📍 What happens at the finishing stage:
📐 Trimmed down to standard sizes like 4×6″, 5×7″, or 6.5×9″
💎 UV gloss coating for vibrant color and protection
🧴 Matte coating for a smooth, modern feel
✂️ Optional rounded corners or die-cut shapes for custom flair
Great postcard printing Los Angeles companies ensure trimming and coating align with your design goals.
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📦 Step 5: Packing, Bundling & Delivery
After production, postcards are counted, bundled, and either boxed for local pickup or prepared for mailing. For direct mail campaigns, postcards are organized by postal code and bundled for USPS drop-off — ensuring they reach the right neighborhoods at the right time. As highlighted in recent trends, flyers, postcards & posters drive local business in 2025 by keeping physical marketing relevant in community-focused campaigns.
📍 Final steps in postcard delivery process:
📦 Counted and bundled in quantities of 50, 100, or more
📪 Packaged securely to avoid edge damage
🚚 Drop-shipped directly or prepared for local distribution
📬 Available with EDDM prep for USPS-approved marketing drops
Whether you’re mailing or handing out, high quality postcards Los Angeles printers make sure the final product arrives ready to represent your brand.
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💡 Why This Matters for Local Businesses
Understanding the full process helps you plan smarter campaigns. It reduces reprint errors, improves production timelines, and gives you confidence in what you’re ordering. You’re not just uploading a file — you’re partnering with a real, local production team committed to making you look professional. Many businesses prefer the convenience of an online postcard printing service to streamline their file submission, approval, and production workflow.
This is why PrintLocker remains a trusted partner for postcard printing Los Angeles businesses — we combine speed, quality, and expert guidance all under one roof.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does postcard printing take in Los Angeles?
Standard orders take 3–5 business days. However, same day postcard printing Los Angeles options are available for rush orders placed before noon.
2. What’s the best postcard size for Los Angeles campaigns?
The 4”x6” postcard is popular for handouts, while 6.5”x9” works well for mailers and bigger promotions. PrintLocker supports all standard and custom sizes.
3. Can I get eco-friendly postcard options?
Yes! We offer recycled paper postcard printing with soy-based inks and matte finishes that look clean and professional while being sustainable.
4. Do I need to submit my file in a specific format?
Yes. For best results, submit a PDF file with 0.125” bleed, 300 DPI resolution, and CMYK color mode. Need help? Our team at PrintLocker’s Los Angeles printing company can review and correct your file for free.
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🏁 Final Words: Your Local Postcard Partner in LA
When it comes to marketing that works, quality matters — and so does process. By knowing what happens behind the scenes, you can better design, plan, and execute your next postcard campaign with confidence. Whether you’re running a promotion, sending a thank you, or launching a product, make sure your cards are printed with local expertise and attention to detail.
📞 Trust PrintLocker for postcard printing Los Angeles businesses rely on — fast, flawless, and always factory-direct.
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