Postcardly Postcards Review

Postcard apps are becoming increasingly popular because they are a fun way to send loved ones some snail mail love. Instead of searching for the perfect postcard to send from a vacation spot or dropping a single picture in the mail, just send a postcard through an app in just a few seconds and call it a day.

Postcardly Postcards isn’t just another free postcard app. It actually sets itself apart with a few great features like full bleed, room for a 100-word message, a unique Postcardly email address to send postcards from the computer and it even lets users send three postcards for free.

To get started, either take a photo or choose an existing one. Postcardly Postcard’s easy-to-use interface is not only elegant but it makes sending a postcard a breeze. The photo can be moved or scaled, and users can then see a preview of the front and back of the postcard. Just tap to write a message and add an address. What’s great about adding an address is that users can enter a new one or choose one from their contacts or from the Postcardly address book.

For some odd reason, users must create an account after they go through the process of creating a postcard which is a little disappointing. Sign up is as simple as entering an email address and password, but not as simple as a Facebook or Twitter sign up.

I love that the first three postcards are free. This lets users test out how great the app truly is before they shell out any cash. After the free ones are used, there is a special introductory offer of $1.99 for 5 postcards instead of the usual $4.99 price tag. Be warned that this is a monthly subscription price according to their website. Those who wish to send out individual ones without a subscription must pay $19.99 for 20 prepaid postcards.

The biggest disappointment is that after going through all this trouble and finally feeling a bit of excitement to send out a free postcard, the app then prompts users to enter their credit card number and information. This is where I stopped because I wasn’t guaranteed any assurance that my information would be safe, I didn't know if I would truly get my free postcards and I didn’t agree to any terms of service. I feel like this part of the app would be better handled through in-app purchases through Apple accounts. Also, it seems a bit odd that I have to enter this information if I am just testing out the three free postcard trial offer.

Postcardly Postcards seems to be off to a good start. It’s obviously well-designed and easy to use, but the account sign in and credit card request is a big turn off for me. Until there is a better way to purchase the cards or access the free trial offer, I just find it hard to recommend—even if it is free to download.