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Getting Ready for Holiday Mail-Outs? Start Here

CETTEC Printing
1 minute ago
3 min read

Hand holding a December promotional postcard beside Canada Post community mailboxes.

October might feel early to think about the holidays, but if you're planning to send something to customers this season, now is a good time to get organized.


Holiday mail-outs don't have to be complicated. A simple thank-you card, a seasonal postcard, or a special offer can be a nice way to reconnect with customers before the year ends.


A few decisions made early can make the whole process easier.



When Should Your Holiday Mail-Out Arrive?


This is probably the most important part.


If you're promoting a November sale, your postcards need to reach customers before the sale begins. If you're sending holiday greetings, you'll want them to arrive while people are still in the office.


Work backwards from that date.


Allow time for artwork approval, printing, trimming, folding if needed, and mailing. Check Canada Post delivery estimates too, especially during the busy season.



Keep the Mailing Simple


Think about what you're trying to accomplish.

  • Holiday greeting cards: A personal way to thank existing customers. An uncoated card is worth considering if you plan to add handwritten notes.

  • Promotional postcards: Good for seasonal offers, gift cards, events, or reminding customers about your services.

  • Neighbourhood mailers: Useful if you want to introduce your business to nearby households or other local businesses.


You don't necessarily need an elaborate design or expensive finishing. A good message on a well-printed card can do the job.



A Few Printing Details Worth Checking


Before finalizing your artwork, consider these small details:

  • Size and paper: Larger or heavier pieces can affect postage. Confirm the mailing format before settling on the design.

  • Address space: If you're mailing postcards without envelopes, leave the required areas clear for addresses and postage.

  • Artwork: Allow approximately 3 mm of bleed and keep important text safely inside the trim. Use high-resolution images, ideally 300 ppi at final size, and supply a print-ready PDF.

  • Folding: Heavier coated paper may need scoring to avoid cracking along the fold.

  • Final details: Double-check offer dates, contact information, QR codes, and website links.


And if you're reusing last year's artwork, take another look before approving it. Old dates and outdated information are surprisingly easy to miss.



Don't Forget the Mailing List


For addressed mail, check your customer list before printing.


Are the addresses current? Are you sending to the right people? Who will handle addressing, envelopes, and mailing?


For unaddressed neighbourhood campaigns, confirm the intended delivery area and quantities instead.


These details can affect both your final cost and your schedule.



A Few Common Questions


When should we start preparing holiday printing?

October is a good time, especially for November promotions or larger December mailings. The right schedule depends on the artwork, quantity, finishing, and delivery method.

Not necessarily. A postcard can be simpler and more economical. Just make sure its size, thickness, and layout meet the requirements of the mailing service you plan to use.

If colour, folding, paper texture, or the finished appearance is particularly important, a physical proof or sample can be worthwhile.



One Less Thing to Rush in December


Holiday mail-outs are usually easier when the planning happens before the holiday rush.


Start with who you're sending to, what you want to say, and when it needs to arrive. The printing decisions become much simpler from there.


If you're preparing holiday postcards, greeting cards, or other marketing materials, send us your size, quantity, paper preference, print-ready artwork, and target delivery date. We'll help you plan the printing around your schedule.

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