Compare
HandyLead or do it yourself?
Four ways to get your card into nearby mailboxes in Canada. Who does each step, how much of your time it takes, and what it costs.
Ways to mail postcards to nearby homes
Swipe the table sideways to see all four.
| Canada Post yourself | Online print shop | Local agency | HandyLead | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who designs the card | You do it: You or a designer you hire, to Canada Post's specs | You do it: You, with their templates | Done for you: The agency | Done for you: We draft it from your site, you change any word |
| Who picks the homes | You do it: You, in Canada Post's route tool | You do it: You | Done for you: The agency | Done for you: We pick the routes near you, or the homes around a job |
| Printing, bundling, drop-off | You do it: You arrange the printer, bundle to Canada Post's rules and drop it off | Partly, or it depends: Many print only and ship the cards to you | Done for you: The agency or its partners | Done for you: We do it |
| Results | You do it: Add your own QR or code | Partly, or it depends: Usually a QR on the card | Partly, or it depends: Depends on the contract | Done for you: QR scans counted on your page, a mailing code for callers |
| Your time | Several hours plus print time | Medium to high | Meetings and approvals | Paste your site, check the proof |
| What it costs | Postage 18.7¢ a card (up to 50 g, 2026) plus printing and design | Print price plus postage and your time | Quoted per job, sometimes with a monthly fee | From $0.59 a card, all in, before tax |
- Done for you
- Partly, or it depends
- You do it
Unaddressed mail (Neighbourhood Mail) goes to every home on a Canada Post route. Delivery dates are estimates for every option, including ours.
Do it yourself
When doing it yourself makes sense
If you have a designer, someone who knows print, and time to plan routes and prepare the mail, doing it yourself costs the least per card. It also gives you full control over every route and supplier. Price the whole job, not just postage: printing, design, bundling and your hours.
HandyLead
When HandyLead makes sense
You'd rather be on jobs than learn Canada Post's rules. You want a card that sounds like you, one price that includes everything, and a page that shows the scans. You approve the proof and the price before anything prints.
Sources
Where the numbers come from
Checked October 2026. Rates change, so check current prices before you compare.
See your card in 20 seconds
Paste your website. We read it and draft your card and first mailing. Free, nothing to sign.