Frequently asked questions FAQs
Do you have questions about SwissPostCard? Here’s where you’ll find the answers.
General ▼
Why should I use SwissPostCard?
You can use postcard mailings to win and retain new customers. With a high-quality product, flexible and personal. SwissPostCard lets you send a personally addressed postcard featuring a picture of your choice whenever you like. Designed online by you, printed with a high-quality gloss finish and dispatched by Swiss Post – to anywhere in the world.
How professional is SwissPostCard?
How you design your postcard mailings is entirely up to you. We provide you with the tools to create postcards with a background motif, incorporating your chosen image(s), advertising message, text, logo and postage stamp. A wide selection of clip art is available to help you create your postcards. They will be printed on high-quality stock using the latest digital printing technology. Lamination protects them from damage during delivery and also gives them a glossy finish.
What are the technical requirements for my computer system?
You don't need anything except a computer with Internet access and an up-to-date Internet browser, for example Microsoft Internet Explorer, from version 6.0, Mozilla Firefox 1.0, Mozilla 1.7 or later, or Apple Safari from version 2.0. For our application to be able to execute various functions correctly, JavaScript must be activated in your browser, which it normally is by default.
Do I need to register to create a postcard mailing?
No. Registration is voluntary and offers the following benefits: the ability to save your postcards in the order list, copy them and edit them again later. You register with an e-mail address and a password. If you would like us to invoice you for your mailing, you must always register for this and submit a corresponding application.
Can I re-use postcards I previously sent?
We store completed and sent postcards for 6 months after dispatch of the last card. During this period, you can retrieve these cards again and copy or edit them for example, provided that you registered with an e-mail address and a password when you created the mailing.
How do I re-use postcards I previously created?
Log on with your user name and password. All your stored orders will be displayed in the order list. You can then edit or copy the individual orders using the various buttons.
What does a SwissPostCard mailing cost?
You can find the prices for SwissPostCard here. The price includes printing and posting to anywhere in the world. You only pay for the postcards actually sent.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No. As you can see from the price table, the price per postcard varies depending on how many you order.
How can I find out about special offers from SwissPostCard?
Click the link on the right-hand navigation bar on the first page to register to receive SwissPostCard's newsletter. You can unsubscribe from this free service again at any time.
I'm having difficulty with the application. What can I do?
We at Swiss Post are happy to help you create your postcard mailing. We have provided instructions and online answers to frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions, you can also contact our Customer Service on 0800 888 777 00 or e-mail supportspi@swisspost.com.
How can I contact Customer Service?
You can reach our Customer Service department on 0800 888 777 00 Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except public holidays. You can also e-mail us at supportspi@swisspost.com at any time or tell us your problem on the contact form.
You can use postcard mailings to win and retain new customers. With a high-quality product, flexible and personal. SwissPostCard lets you send a personally addressed postcard featuring a picture of your choice whenever you like. Designed online by you, printed with a high-quality gloss finish and dispatched by Swiss Post – to anywhere in the world.
How professional is SwissPostCard?
How you design your postcard mailings is entirely up to you. We provide you with the tools to create postcards with a background motif, incorporating your chosen image(s), advertising message, text, logo and postage stamp. A wide selection of clip art is available to help you create your postcards. They will be printed on high-quality stock using the latest digital printing technology. Lamination protects them from damage during delivery and also gives them a glossy finish.
What are the technical requirements for my computer system?
You don't need anything except a computer with Internet access and an up-to-date Internet browser, for example Microsoft Internet Explorer, from version 6.0, Mozilla Firefox 1.0, Mozilla 1.7 or later, or Apple Safari from version 2.0. For our application to be able to execute various functions correctly, JavaScript must be activated in your browser, which it normally is by default.
Do I need to register to create a postcard mailing?
No. Registration is voluntary and offers the following benefits: the ability to save your postcards in the order list, copy them and edit them again later. You register with an e-mail address and a password. If you would like us to invoice you for your mailing, you must always register for this and submit a corresponding application.
Can I re-use postcards I previously sent?
We store completed and sent postcards for 6 months after dispatch of the last card. During this period, you can retrieve these cards again and copy or edit them for example, provided that you registered with an e-mail address and a password when you created the mailing.
How do I re-use postcards I previously created?
Log on with your user name and password. All your stored orders will be displayed in the order list. You can then edit or copy the individual orders using the various buttons.
What does a SwissPostCard mailing cost?
You can find the prices for SwissPostCard here. The price includes printing and posting to anywhere in the world. You only pay for the postcards actually sent.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No. As you can see from the price table, the price per postcard varies depending on how many you order.
How can I find out about special offers from SwissPostCard?
Click the link on the right-hand navigation bar on the first page to register to receive SwissPostCard's newsletter. You can unsubscribe from this free service again at any time.
I'm having difficulty with the application. What can I do?
We at Swiss Post are happy to help you create your postcard mailing. We have provided instructions and online answers to frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions, you can also contact our Customer Service on 0800 888 777 00 or e-mail supportspi@swisspost.com.
How can I contact Customer Service?
You can reach our Customer Service department on 0800 888 777 00 Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except public holidays. You can also e-mail us at supportspi@swisspost.com at any time or tell us your problem on the contact form.
Design ▼
In which formats is SwissPostCard available?
SwissPostCard is currently available in A5 or A6 size, in either portrait or landscape format.
I can't upload my own files into the image folder. Why?
First check the file format. You can include images in .JPG, .GIF, .PNG or .BMP format. Our application does not support images or text saved as a PDF or Word file. Then check the size of the image file the maximum file size supported is 5 MB. If your image upload still doesn't work, contact us directly.
What resolution do my images need to be?
The greater the resolution of the image, the better the print quality of the postcard will be. We recommend a resolution of 2480 x 1748 pixels for an A5 postcard, and a resolution of 1748 x 1240 pixels for A6 format. If you can't obtain the image in a higher resolution, we recommend creating the postcard in a smaller size or not filling the entire postcard with the picture. The image format should ideally have an aspect ratio of 2:3 since this corresponds most closely to the standard paper sizes A6 and A5. Please note that most digital cameras use an aspect ratio of 4:3 – this will lead to the image being cropped slightly along the shorter edge during production. The image is printed in the centre of the postcard. Also take care not to place important parts of your pictures or text too close to the edge.
I want to upload an image, but the operation won’t complete. Why?
There are two possible reasons. Either: If you accessed our application from a corporate intranet or a network with a proxy/firewall, the proxy/firewall settings may block uploads. This then causes the application to hang. We have no influence on the settings of company firewalls. The relevant system administrator there would have to change the settings to permit files to be uploaded to Swiss Post (Internet domain mc.4foto.net). Otherwise you should switch to a private computer. Or: Your Internet access line may have been very busy or overloaded at the time of uploading. Try again later.
I cannot select templates and/or use them properly.
Make sure that JavaScript is activated in your browser. The application for creating the postcards requires this script to execute various functions correctly.
How do I delete images?
To remove pictures from the image folder or from the postcard template, click on the red x.
What images can I use?
You can use any image as long as it does not violate Swiss Post’s legal terms and conditions. It is important that you do not use any misleading images, or images for which you do not own the necessary copyright. Illegal or indecent images will not be sent.
How do I insert my own postage stamp?
To create your own stamp, follow the same procedure as for other images: either select an image from the gallery or upload your own image into the image folder. To upload your own pictures, click the "Browse" button and select the image you want. Choose "Open" then click the "Upload" button. Drag and drop the image you want to use as your stamp onto the corresponding area marked on the postcard template. If you do not insert your own stamp, Swiss Post will add a standard one.
Why aren't there more fonts available?
You can currently choose from over a dozen fonts that are recognized and supported by all common browsers. You can create texts with a different font in a graphics program then upload them as an image and drag them onto the card.
How can I upload text prepared as a graphic and incorporate it?
Copy the text into a graphics program and save it as a .JPG, .GIF, .PNG or .BMP file. Then upload the file as an image and drag it over onto the card.
Is it possible to move the line down the middle of the address side of the postcard?
No, this is not possible as the address and message parts must always be clearly separated. The addressing format meets Swiss Post's layout specifications.
How do I enter text?
There is a field at the bottom on the left named "Enter text". Click on "Insert new text box" to insert a text box on the front or reverse of the postcard. To provide you with the maximum design freedom, it is also possible to insert several text boxes above one another.
Why aren't blank lines replicated on the card?
If line breaks are not correctly processed, it may be that the version of the browser you are using can't handle the text currently being entered. Solutions have already been found for the most popular browser versions.
Why do special characters print as question marks?
Problems like this can arise if you copy over text from Microsoft Word. Word does not correctly convert punctuation marks. For this reason you should either type the text directly into the text boxes, or save your Word text in Notepad or another text editor first.
Why do the line breaks on the printed card look different from on the preview?
Line breaks never exactly match the preview, especially if you have incorporated mail merge fields. For instance, if the first name is "Bob" on one card and "Anne-Marie" on the next, the line break will move automatically because the names are a different length. This same thing happens in form letters created in Word.
How do I edit a text?
Double-click on a text box or choose the edit icon on the right below the text box. The text box will open and you can then edit the text again. The usual functions familiar from Microsoft Word are available here.
How can I personalize my text?
To personalize a text, choose the desired form of personalization from the "Mail merge fields" drop-down box. A placeholder will then be inserted instead of a specific name. In the case of last names for example, this placeholder would look like this: #LASTNAME#. The most important type of personalization is the salutation (Dear Anne, Dear Mr Miller).
What will the printed card look like?
Before sending your postcards, you can either preview them online or you can have a real printed test card sent to yourself.
Why does my postcard suddenly look different in the preview?
Unfortunately the card design screen does not always match the preview 1:1. It is therefore very important to check your postcards in the preview. Your cards will be printed exactly as shown here. Ideally you should send yourself a test card before dispatching the whole mailing.
Why is part of the image on the postcard cut off?
The production methods used mean that a few millimetres of the image may be cropped when the card is cut. This is a safety margin and it also helps to avoid white borders. We recommend that you avoid placing important parts of your message and images too close to the edge, and that you always request a test card before sending the actual mailing.
SwissPostCard is currently available in A5 or A6 size, in either portrait or landscape format.
I can't upload my own files into the image folder. Why?
First check the file format. You can include images in .JPG, .GIF, .PNG or .BMP format. Our application does not support images or text saved as a PDF or Word file. Then check the size of the image file the maximum file size supported is 5 MB. If your image upload still doesn't work, contact us directly.
What resolution do my images need to be?
The greater the resolution of the image, the better the print quality of the postcard will be. We recommend a resolution of 2480 x 1748 pixels for an A5 postcard, and a resolution of 1748 x 1240 pixels for A6 format. If you can't obtain the image in a higher resolution, we recommend creating the postcard in a smaller size or not filling the entire postcard with the picture. The image format should ideally have an aspect ratio of 2:3 since this corresponds most closely to the standard paper sizes A6 and A5. Please note that most digital cameras use an aspect ratio of 4:3 – this will lead to the image being cropped slightly along the shorter edge during production. The image is printed in the centre of the postcard. Also take care not to place important parts of your pictures or text too close to the edge.
I want to upload an image, but the operation won’t complete. Why?
There are two possible reasons. Either: If you accessed our application from a corporate intranet or a network with a proxy/firewall, the proxy/firewall settings may block uploads. This then causes the application to hang. We have no influence on the settings of company firewalls. The relevant system administrator there would have to change the settings to permit files to be uploaded to Swiss Post (Internet domain mc.4foto.net). Otherwise you should switch to a private computer. Or: Your Internet access line may have been very busy or overloaded at the time of uploading. Try again later.
I cannot select templates and/or use them properly.
Make sure that JavaScript is activated in your browser. The application for creating the postcards requires this script to execute various functions correctly.
How do I delete images?
To remove pictures from the image folder or from the postcard template, click on the red x.
What images can I use?
You can use any image as long as it does not violate Swiss Post’s legal terms and conditions. It is important that you do not use any misleading images, or images for which you do not own the necessary copyright. Illegal or indecent images will not be sent.
How do I insert my own postage stamp?
To create your own stamp, follow the same procedure as for other images: either select an image from the gallery or upload your own image into the image folder. To upload your own pictures, click the "Browse" button and select the image you want. Choose "Open" then click the "Upload" button. Drag and drop the image you want to use as your stamp onto the corresponding area marked on the postcard template. If you do not insert your own stamp, Swiss Post will add a standard one.
Why aren't there more fonts available?
You can currently choose from over a dozen fonts that are recognized and supported by all common browsers. You can create texts with a different font in a graphics program then upload them as an image and drag them onto the card.
How can I upload text prepared as a graphic and incorporate it?
Copy the text into a graphics program and save it as a .JPG, .GIF, .PNG or .BMP file. Then upload the file as an image and drag it over onto the card.
Is it possible to move the line down the middle of the address side of the postcard?
No, this is not possible as the address and message parts must always be clearly separated. The addressing format meets Swiss Post's layout specifications.
How do I enter text?
There is a field at the bottom on the left named "Enter text". Click on "Insert new text box" to insert a text box on the front or reverse of the postcard. To provide you with the maximum design freedom, it is also possible to insert several text boxes above one another.
Why aren't blank lines replicated on the card?
If line breaks are not correctly processed, it may be that the version of the browser you are using can't handle the text currently being entered. Solutions have already been found for the most popular browser versions.
Why do special characters print as question marks?
Problems like this can arise if you copy over text from Microsoft Word. Word does not correctly convert punctuation marks. For this reason you should either type the text directly into the text boxes, or save your Word text in Notepad or another text editor first.
Why do the line breaks on the printed card look different from on the preview?
Line breaks never exactly match the preview, especially if you have incorporated mail merge fields. For instance, if the first name is "Bob" on one card and "Anne-Marie" on the next, the line break will move automatically because the names are a different length. This same thing happens in form letters created in Word.
How do I edit a text?
Double-click on a text box or choose the edit icon on the right below the text box. The text box will open and you can then edit the text again. The usual functions familiar from Microsoft Word are available here.
How can I personalize my text?
To personalize a text, choose the desired form of personalization from the "Mail merge fields" drop-down box. A placeholder will then be inserted instead of a specific name. In the case of last names for example, this placeholder would look like this: #LASTNAME#. The most important type of personalization is the salutation (Dear Anne, Dear Mr Miller).
What will the printed card look like?
Before sending your postcards, you can either preview them online or you can have a real printed test card sent to yourself.
Why does my postcard suddenly look different in the preview?
Unfortunately the card design screen does not always match the preview 1:1. It is therefore very important to check your postcards in the preview. Your cards will be printed exactly as shown here. Ideally you should send yourself a test card before dispatching the whole mailing.
Why is part of the image on the postcard cut off?
The production methods used mean that a few millimetres of the image may be cropped when the card is cut. This is a safety margin and it also helps to avoid white borders. We recommend that you avoid placing important parts of your message and images too close to the edge, and that you always request a test card before sending the actual mailing.
Addressing ▼
What file formats can I use for uploading addresses?
Our application accepts address files in xls and csv format. You can therefore, for example, simply export a file stored in Outlook or another address management system and use it to address your postcards.
What happens to the uploaded address data?
The protection and security of your data forms the foundation of our cooperation. Address data are processed according to the regulations of Swiss data protection laws. We guarantee high and reliable data protection, combined with correspondingly strict data protection standards, as well as compliance with postal secrecy. Swiss Post does not sell or rent addresses to third parties.
Why doesn't the field assignment work?
Check that the columns do not contain any special characters such as “ and ”. There must be no gaps in the address data either (e.g. a postcode missing from an address). Check that the fields have been consistently assigned to the columns. Divide first names and second names into two columns, and likewise the postcode and the town.
What is the order of the fields on the card and which ones are mandatory?
[Company name]
[Department]
[Title in address][First name][Last name]
[Building]
[Street and house number][House number]
[P.O. Box]
[Postcode][Town]
[Province]
[Country]
Example:
[Example Corporation]
[Marketing Department]
[Dr.] [Peter] [Holmes]
[Central Building]
[56 Coral Street] [House number] (the house number can either be included in the street field or entered in a separate field)
[P.O. Box 677]
[90001] [Los Angeles]
[California]
[United States]
[Name] or [Company], [Street (and house number)], [Postcode], [Town] and [Country] are mandatory fields.
How should my address files be structured?
The first row of your address file must contain the column headers. After you have uploaded your addresses, you can assign your column headers to the designations used by Swiss Post.
Our application accepts address files in xls and csv format. You can therefore, for example, simply export a file stored in Outlook or another address management system and use it to address your postcards.
What happens to the uploaded address data?
The protection and security of your data forms the foundation of our cooperation. Address data are processed according to the regulations of Swiss data protection laws. We guarantee high and reliable data protection, combined with correspondingly strict data protection standards, as well as compliance with postal secrecy. Swiss Post does not sell or rent addresses to third parties.
Why doesn't the field assignment work?
Check that the columns do not contain any special characters such as “ and ”. There must be no gaps in the address data either (e.g. a postcode missing from an address). Check that the fields have been consistently assigned to the columns. Divide first names and second names into two columns, and likewise the postcode and the town.
What is the order of the fields on the card and which ones are mandatory?
[Company name]
[Department]
[Title in address][First name][Last name]
[Building]
[Street and house number][House number]
[P.O. Box]
[Postcode][Town]
[Province]
[Country]
Example:
[Example Corporation]
[Marketing Department]
[Dr.] [Peter] [Holmes]
[Central Building]
[56 Coral Street] [House number] (the house number can either be included in the street field or entered in a separate field)
[P.O. Box 677]
[90001] [Los Angeles]
[California]
[United States]
[Name] or [Company], [Street (and house number)], [Postcode], [Town] and [Country] are mandatory fields.
How should my address files be structured?
The first row of your address file must contain the column headers. After you have uploaded your addresses, you can assign your column headers to the designations used by Swiss Post.
Printing ▼
Where are SwissPostCards printed?
The cards are printed and dispatched in Switzerland.
What printing method do you use?
The cards are printed using the latest digital technology. The machine used is currently one of the most advanced high-quality digital printers on the market.
What are the advantages of digital printing?
Digital printing is a high-quality method for handling small and medium-sized print runs, but also for higher volumes too. Being flexible and fast, it is ideal for sending individual and personalized postcard mailings.
The cards are printed and dispatched in Switzerland.
What printing method do you use?
The cards are printed using the latest digital technology. The machine used is currently one of the most advanced high-quality digital printers on the market.
What are the advantages of digital printing?
Digital printing is a high-quality method for handling small and medium-sized print runs, but also for higher volumes too. Being flexible and fast, it is ideal for sending individual and personalized postcard mailings.
Mailing ▼
A postcard didn’t arrive. Why?
Swiss Post dispatches the printed postcards to the destination country as quickly as possible. However, local delivery is dependent on the respective national postal organizations and their delivery times. If you wish to submit an enquiry regarding the whereabouts of your card, it is best to do so via our contact form. For general enquiries about your order we will require the e-mail address you used to register (if applicable), the date of your order, the number of postcards ordered, the payment method and one or more recipients’ addresses. This information enables us to check whether we processed the card correctly. But it is impossible to trace the card back any further to delivery.
How fast is a SwissPostCard and when will it be sent?
You can find information about production and delivery times here.
Will I receive confirmation of dispatch?
Once the card(s) have been paid for and dispatched, you can request that an order confirmation/invoice be sent to your e-mail address or you can open it directly as a PDF document.
Why did a card arrive with creases or ragged edges?
As the postcards are transported together with normal mail in boxes and sacks, they may get creased or their edges may get damaged. However this is an exception!
Can I stop a postcard mailing?
As soon as the cards have gone for printing, you can no longer stop delivery.
What happens if postcards are undeliverable?
If you specified a return address on the postcards, any undeliverable ones will be returned to you. If no sender’s address is included, the card will be destroyed.
Swiss Post dispatches the printed postcards to the destination country as quickly as possible. However, local delivery is dependent on the respective national postal organizations and their delivery times. If you wish to submit an enquiry regarding the whereabouts of your card, it is best to do so via our contact form. For general enquiries about your order we will require the e-mail address you used to register (if applicable), the date of your order, the number of postcards ordered, the payment method and one or more recipients’ addresses. This information enables us to check whether we processed the card correctly. But it is impossible to trace the card back any further to delivery.
How fast is a SwissPostCard and when will it be sent?
You can find information about production and delivery times here.
Will I receive confirmation of dispatch?
Once the card(s) have been paid for and dispatched, you can request that an order confirmation/invoice be sent to your e-mail address or you can open it directly as a PDF document.
Why did a card arrive with creases or ragged edges?
As the postcards are transported together with normal mail in boxes and sacks, they may get creased or their edges may get damaged. However this is an exception!
Can I stop a postcard mailing?
As soon as the cards have gone for printing, you can no longer stop delivery.
What happens if postcards are undeliverable?
If you specified a return address on the postcards, any undeliverable ones will be returned to you. If no sender’s address is included, the card will be destroyed.
Paying ▼
How do I pay for a postcard mailing?
You can pay for your postcards using a credit card, yellowpay or PayPal. Payment by invoice is permitted if the amount exceeds CHF 50.00. If you would like us to invoice you and you don’t yet have a customer number, you must first obtain authorization from Swiss Post.
What should I do if I have a PayPal account but I want to pay by credit card?
As soon as a credit card is registered with PayPal, you must pay using PayPal. The system recognizes the credit card number entered as a number registered with PayPal. For security reasons, it is then only possible to pay via your PayPal account with input of a password.
How much does SwissPostCard cost?
The cost per card depends on the number ordered. The price always includes printing and posting to anywhere in the world.
You can pay for your postcards using a credit card, yellowpay or PayPal. Payment by invoice is permitted if the amount exceeds CHF 50.00. If you would like us to invoice you and you don’t yet have a customer number, you must first obtain authorization from Swiss Post.
What should I do if I have a PayPal account but I want to pay by credit card?
As soon as a credit card is registered with PayPal, you must pay using PayPal. The system recognizes the credit card number entered as a number registered with PayPal. For security reasons, it is then only possible to pay via your PayPal account with input of a password.
How much does SwissPostCard cost?
The cost per card depends on the number ordered. The price always includes printing and posting to anywhere in the world.
