Hallmark and the U.S. Postal Service Launch Postage-Paid Greeting Cards: Barcoded envelopes and scanning technology innovate the card-sending process

Hallmark and the U.S. Postal Service introduce Postage-Paid Greetings a line of "everyday" and seasonal cards that already include postage. Just sign, seal and send.

"In this busy world of ours, Hallmark and the Postal Service want to help make connecting with loved ones a little bit easier," said Rob Bensman, vice president of strategic alliances at Hallmark. "Postage-Paid Greetings provide you with everything you need. All you have to do is add a personal message."

Hallmark Postage-Paid Greetings feature the U.S. Postal Service's Intelligent Mail barcode on the front of the envelope. When the cards are processed at a Postal Service facility, the barcode automatically indicates to the Postal Service the postage is paid.

The postage is treated like a Forever stamp, and its value will always be equal to the price of a standard First-Class stamp, regardless of when it's mailed.

"Sending a card is an important tradition and receiving cards is as meaningful as it ever was," said Postmaster Krystal Barnes. "We are pleased to work with Hallmark in a way that honors this tradition while providing consumers with added convenience afforded by advanced technology."

More than 200 varieties of everyday Postage-Paid Greetings will be sold in Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS and other Hallmark distribution locations. Seasonal cards will be available starting this Easter season. Postage-Paid everyday cards can be purchased for $3.99, and seasonal cards will range in price from $2.69 to $3.99. For more information, visit www.hallmark.com.