Sending a card is one of the most personal ways to stay connected. Whether you’re sharing holiday wishes, celebrating a milestone, announcing exciting news, or thanking family and friends, both Shutterfly and Postable offer tools that help you create, address, and send cards with ease.
Both services include address collection, address books, envelope printing, and direct mailing options. The biggest differences come down to customization, envelope choices, mailing features, and the types of projects you can create beyond cards. Here’s a closer look at how Shutterfly and Postable compare.
Shutterfly vs. Postable at a Glance
| Feature | Shutterfly | Postable |
|---|---|---|
| Free online address book | Yes | Yes |
| Address collection link | Yes | Yes |
| Add contacts manually | Yes | Yes |
| Import existing address lists | Yes | Yes |
| Recipient and return address printing | Yes | Yes |
| Direct card mailing | Yes | Yes |
| Custom envelope designs | Yes | No |
| Colored envelope options | Yes | Limited |
| Envelope liners | Yes | No |
| Free back-of-card customization | Yes | Limited |
| Birthday reminders | No | Yes |
| Scheduled card sending | No | Yes |
| Mail tracking | No | Yes |
Collecting Addresses
Shutterfly and Postable both make it simple to gather and organize addresses for future mailings.
With Shutterfly’s Easy Address Collector, you can share a link through text or email and invite friends and family to enter their information themselves. Their addresses are automatically added to your Shutterfly Address Book, making them easy to use for future holiday cards, invitations, announcements, and more.
If you already have an address list, both services allow you to import existing contacts. Shutterfly also offers a free Address Book Service for customers who need a little extra help getting started. Simply send your address list in an approved format, and we’ll upload it to your account for you.
Creating Personalized Cards
Both Shutterfly and Postable let you customize cards with your photos and personal message, but Shutterfly offers more ways to tailor the finished design.
Depending on the card you choose, you can personalize:
- Photos and layouts
- Fonts and colors
- Card format and size
- Trim styles
- Premium cardstock options
- Foil and glitter finishes
- Back-of-card photos, messaging, and designs
Those details make it easy to create everything from a simple thank you card to a holiday greeting filled with favorite family memories.
Envelope Options and Address Printing
The envelope can be just as memorable as the card inside.
Both Shutterfly and Postable offer recipient and return address printing, helping your mailing look polished from the moment it arrives.
Shutterfly also offers additional envelope options that can help tie your entire design together, including:
- Custom printed envelopes
- Colored envelopes
- Pre-lined foil envelopes
- Decorative envelope liners
Free return and recipient address printing is included with custom envelopes or pre-lined foil envelopes.
For Christmas cards, wedding stationery, graduation announcements, and other special occasions, these additional options help create a coordinated look from start to finish.
Mailing Cards to Recipients
If you’d like your cards sent directly to recipients, both Shutterfly and Postable offer mailing services.
Shutterfly’s Mail for Me® service handles the addressing, assembly, postage, and mailing of eligible cards. Once your order is complete, we’ll prepare each card and send it through USPS First Class Mail.
Mail for Me® uses plain white envelopes, making it a convenient option when direct mailing is your priority.
Postable also offers direct mailing and provides tracking information for mailed cards.
When comparing costs between services, it’s helpful to look at the complete order, including card quantity, customization choices, mailing services, postage, and any available discounts or promotions.
Features for Staying Connected Throughout the Year
Postable includes birthday reminders, scheduled card delivery, and mail tracking. If you like planning birthday cards, anniversary cards, and other mailings ahead of time, these features can help you stay on schedule throughout the year.
Shutterfly helps you keep those memories close at hand, too. With *free unlimited photo storage, you can back up your favorite photos and return to them whenever you’re ready to create something new. The family photos from this year’s holiday card can still be waiting for you when it’s time to design next year’s greeting, send graduation announcements, or create thank you cards for another special occasion.
*Simply make a purchase at least once every 18 months to remain active and enjoy unlimited storage.
More Than Cards and Invitations
Sending cards is just one way to share your favorite memories.
In addition to cards and stationery, Shutterfly offers:
- Photo books
- Calendars
- Wall art
- Photo prints
- Personalized gifts
- Home décor
Because your photos are already stored in your Shutterfly account, it’s easy to come back to them whenever you’re ready for your next project. The family photos from a holiday card can become a photo book after the season ends, a custom calendar for the new year, or a personalized gift for someone special.
With free unlimited photo storage and thousands of ways to personalize your projects, Shutterfly gives you one place to store, organize, create, and share the moments that matter most.
Which Addressing & Mailing Service Should You Choose?
Both Shutterfly and Postable provide convenient ways to collect addresses, manage contacts, and mail cards.
Postable stands out with features like birthday reminders, scheduled card sending, and tracking.
Shutterfly stands out with greater design flexibility, more envelope choices, premium card options, and a much broader collection of personalized products. From holiday cards and invitations to photo books, wall art, calendars, prints, and gifts, Shutterfly offers more ways to turn your favorite photos into something meaningful.
If you’re looking for a service that combines card sending with creative possibilities for every occasion, Shutterfly provides everything you need to create, personalize, and share life’s most memorable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shutterfly collect addresses for you?
Yes. Shutterfly’s Easy Address Collector lets you share a link by text or email so friends and family can securely submit their information. You can also add contacts manually, import a list, or use our free Address Book Service.
Do Shutterfly and Postable print addresses on envelopes?
Yes. Both offer recipient and return address printing. Shutterfly includes free recipient and return address printing with custom and pre-lined envelopes.
Can Shutterfly mail cards directly to recipients?
Yes. Mail for Me® is available on eligible cards. Shutterfly addresses, assembles, stamps, and mails your cards for you.
Can I use custom envelopes with Mail for Me®?
Mail for Me® uses plain white envelopes. Orders with custom envelope upgrades are shipped directly to you for mailing.
Which service offers more customization options?
Both services offer personalized cards, but Shutterfly offers a larger selection of card styles, premium cardstock options, foil finishes, trim styles, and envelope customization options.
Does Shutterfly offer scheduled card sending?
No. Shutterfly currently does not offer scheduled card sending. Postable allows customers to schedule cards in advance for certain occasions.
Create and Send Cards with Shutterfly
From holiday greetings and birth announcements to thank-you cards and wedding stationery, Shutterfly helps you share meaningful moments with the people who matter most. Collect addresses, personalize every detail, choose the envelope style that fits your occasion, and send your cards with confidence.
And when you’re ready for your next project, those same favorite photos can become a photo book, custom calendar, wall art display, personalized gift, or keepsake you’ll enjoy for years to come.
