By sending a postcard you show friends and family that you think of them even when you are away; it's perfect for keeping a picture of the time you spent in an exciting and exotic place. The process of shipping is virtually identical to that of a letter: you have to buy the right number of stamps, write the recipient's address, the message, and find a place to post it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Finding the Postcard and Stamps
Step 1. Purchase the postcard
You can find it in almost all supermarkets, souvenir shops and petrol stations. Choose one that represents where you are well, something that gives the recipient a taste of the experience you are having. If you have time, consider making it yourself: you can use a virtual print shop or print the photo yourself, if you have access to a computer with an image processing program and an internet connection.
Step 2. Buy a stamp
This is proof that you have paid for the shipping service; without it a postcard or letter is not handled by the post office. Depending on the destination, its cost may vary; those for domestic shipments generally cost less than those for overseas shipments. In some cases, there are flat rates for all international destinations, but sometimes the price changes based on the distance. Always check the cost of the service at a post office or their website.
- Two, three or more stamps may be needed, depending on the city where the recipient resides; carry out research on the necessary requirements, for example by typing the words "send from Tanzania to Italy" on the search engine.
- Typically, you can buy them directly at the post office. In Italy they are also distributed by tobacconists and, in tourist areas, by souvenir shops that sell the postcards themselves. Abroad you could find them at gas stations and even buy them from vending machines.
- Make sure the stamp is valid. The price of these stamps changes with the passage of time; Unless you use them often, a stamp you have bought for a while may not have enough value for shipping.
Step 3. Attach it
Paste the stamp in the upper right corner of the postcard; many times you can find a symbol or a sign indicating where to attach it. Some stamps are self-adhesive, others need to be moistened.
- If you have purchased a self-adhesive template, simply peel off the protective film from the back and have it adhere to the postcard in the space provided. Be careful it is not upside down! If that happens, however, don't worry, the postal service will handle your postcard anyway.
- If it is not self-adhesive, you need to moisten the back to activate the adhesive. Just lick the stamp; if you prefer not to, you can use a damp sponge or just dip two fingers in the water. Moisten the stamp until the sticker becomes wet but not impregnated; if there is too much water, the paper may tear or peel off the postcard.
Part 2 of 2: Write the Message, Address and Send the Postcard
Step 1. Address the postcard
Generally, you will find a section dedicated to the recipient's address and one to the message. If you are using an artisanal or unconventional postcard that is not divided into sectors, you can draw a vertical line in the center and then a horizontal line that divides the right half into two parts. Use the left section to write the message, the upper right corner for the postage stamp and the lower right section for the shipping address.
It is not necessary to indicate the sender's address. The postcard is delivered as long as the recipient's shipping information is reported. If you are traveling, do not expect a response or provide the other person with the details of the place where you will reside in the following days
Step 2. Write the postcard
You can check out this article for more details on this. If you are sending it to yourself, you can jot down some memories of the trip; if you are writing to a friend, add a short message to inform them of what you are experiencing; try to give him a snapshot of your experience. You don't have to write a novel; the act of sending a postcard, however short, is usually enough to show the recipient that they are always on your mind.
- Again, remember to put the stamp first; in this way you avoid writing in the sector intended for the stamped value.
- It is essential not to write at the bottom. Typically, post office staff attach a sticker in this area of the postcard to be able to send it to its destination; try to leave a blank, finger-wide strip between the bottom edge and your message.
Step 3. Mail it
Find a post office or post office in the area where you are. Make sure you have glued the right number of stamps and that you have correctly entered the address; at this point, send the postcard as if it were a letter. If you are overseas, it may take a couple of weeks for it to arrive at its destination.
Some public offices, government offices or community centers have letterboxes. If you are in the hotel, you can ask the receptionist to insert your postcard in the outgoing mail; if you can't find a place for shipping, ask locals or other travelers for information
Warnings
- Do not write any private or personal information; the postcard does not come with an envelope and anyone can read it.
- If you send the postcard overseas, it may not arrive on time.
