Frequently asked questions

How are the handwritten letters created?

Our proprietary robots hold a real ball point pen and write the same way a human hand would. The pen follows the path of each character, and presses onto the page with the same variable pressure that a human would, allowing for realistic indentation and ink coverage.

Does the handwriting look real?

Yes, the robots write the same way that a human would, and randomizations and imperfections are included in the writing to make it virtually indistinguishable from human handwriting.

Unlike printed fonts, which are easily identifiable as fake, our robots use real pen ink and mimic human handwriting in the pressure applied in each stroke.

What is the standard turnaround time?

Most handwritten mail campaigns are in the mail within 2 weeks of the proof being approved by the client. Our army of robots write handwritten letters, cards, and envelopes 24/7, allowing us to produce authentic-looking handwritten letters at scale with incredible speed.

What is included in the price of the cards?

Our price includes the cardstock, paper, or envelope, the printed letterhead or artwork, the handwritten message, creasing and folding (where required), matching, inserting, sealing, stamping, and mailing services.

Our quoted prices sometimes include postage.

Are the extra set-up fees or charges?

Typically the price that you see is the price that you pay. Unlike some other direct mail vendors, we do not charge extra set up fees. Things like account management, data preparation, and design work that other direct mail vendors sometimes charge for are included in our price.

Occasional extra charges may include shipping, taxes, credit card processing fees when paying by credit card, or other expenses incurred through the postal service.

Can I use my own custom artwork or letterhead?

Yes, we will print your cards using your custom artwork or letterhead.

Can I choose my handwriting? Can I use my own custom handwriting(s) or signature(s)?

Yes, you can choose from nearly 100 different handwriting styles that we offer, or digitize your own handwriting(s) to be used for your cards or letters. You can similarly use your own signature(s) in combination with any handwriting.

What type of Postage can I use? What are the pros and cons of using each different type of postage?

We mail in the United States and Canada. For our United States Postal Service postage guidelines, click here. For our Canada Post postage guidelines, click here.

What is the process of working with Postalgia?

Every Postalgia client is assigned an account manager who will walk them through the process of placing an order. Artwork, design files, data or list files, message copy, and handwriting/signature files are sent to the account manager. The account manager will then create proofs for the client’s feedback and approval. Once the proofs are approved, the account manager will send the order to production.

How is my recipient data protected?

We incorporate robust cybersecurity practices into our process to ensure the security of your recipient data. Postalgia employs 3rd party privacy and cybersecurity professionals who conduct regular audits of our systems. Recipient data is deleted regularly after orders are sent.

What is the minimum amount of cards that I can send at a time?

Our minimum order quantity is 400 cards

Can I ship my own stationary for Postalgia to write on?

We do sometimes write on stationery, cards, or envelopes that clients provide, but this practice is not advised, and should be avoided whenever possible. In cases where we do write on shipped media, clients are required to send a sample batch for testing before Postalgia can agree to take on the order.

How many variable fields can I have in my letter?

Unlimited! You can include as many handwritten variables as you want.

Where do you mail from? Will my mail have a post-mark?

We mail American mail from Buffalo, NY and Canadian mail from Toronto, Ontario. Most postage that we use will not have a post-mark, or will be post-marked at the last sortation point closest to your recipient.

Only letters sent using first class USPS postage will be post-marked in Buffalo. To avoid this, your enveloped letters or cards can be shipped to you, already sealed and stamped in, for you to drop in the closest mail box, so that they have a local postmark.

For more detailed information about postage and post-marks, please refer to our postage guidelines for the United States Postal Service by clicking here, or for Canada Post by clicking here

Does Postalgia use any barcodes or other identifying marks that will tip-off the recipients that I didn’t write the card myself?

No. Postalgia does not use any barcodes or identifying marks. Your recipient should never know that we had any part in the sending of your handwritten mail.