Ordercard size and color
USA WEEKEND offers two widths of ordercard: 5.5″ and 7″. For the smaller width card, depths vary from 3″ to 5.5″, and are available in 0.5” increments. For the larger card, depts vary from 3″ to 7″ in 0.5″ increments. So, the largest card available is 7″ x 7″ and the smallest is 5.5″ x 3″. A standard business reply card measures 5.5″ x 4″. Pop up cards must be a minimum of 5.5″ x 4.5″. Cards may extend a maximum of 0.5″ above the top edge of the book.
Advertisers may run any color combination on either side of the card: four-color process, Pantone colors or black and white.
Ordercard paper stock
USA WEEKEND offers two types of card stock: 60 pound and 75 pound white vellum offset. Advertisers should spec sixty pound stock for coupons and cards that will not travel through the mail. Seventy five pound stock is appropriate for all mailing applications.
Ordercard material requirements
For cards using the four-color process, we accept Quark files made to standard graphic arts requirements, including fonts and hi-res images at 300 dpi or Postscript files. All card material must be accompanied by two contract color proofs, such as Kodak Approval, matchprint, Iris, or press proof. The card printer will provide the advertiser with a blueline for sign-off, just prior to press.
Please note: there is a 0.25″ non-printable area on the left and right edge of the card. Similarly the 0.5″ stub perf area is non-printable. Advertisers do not need to build this space into their material. For example, an advertiser who has purchased a 5.5″ x 4″ card, should design for an area of 5″ x 3.5″
Schedule and delivery
Card material is due 51 days before issue date. We have more flexibility with short run cards — depending on the capacity of the card printer. Ask about cards early, and reserve your space as soon as possible. USA WEEKEND does not accept pre-printed cards from third parties
Please ship material to:
USA WEEKEND Production
7950 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, VA 22107
Page selection
In general, cards may be placed on: Page 3, page ahead of center spread, center spread, page after center spread, inside back cover and back cover. Sales reps should inquire with ad services about page availability in the desired issue.
On-page position
Most advertisers opt to position cards toward the outside lower corner of the page. A minimum of 0.5″ from the left and right edges of the page and 0.25″ from the bottom edge must be allowed. “Pop up” cards must be positioned so that 0.5″ of the card extends beyond the top edge of the page. This is a standard deviation of 0.25″ placement in any direction during the run.
Ordercard gimmicks
USA WEEKEND has a number of premium “specialties” available for ordercards — including:
- Serialized numbering (to track high redemption coupons or sweeps)
- Micro encapsulated fragrance and cosmetic samples
- Scratch off (a la lottery cards)
- U shaped glue (fold and mail)
- Perforations
- Peel-off labels and game pieces
Many advertisers choose to take advantage of:
- Key numbers by region (to evaluate response)
- A/B split cards to evaluate response
- Pop up cards