# Why some postcards arrive smudged or marked? **Short answer:** USPS processing can scuff or smudge postcards during high-speed sorting and transport. This is common across the industry and does not indicate a printing defect. #### What you might see * Light gray or black **rub marks** or streaks * **Scuffing** or small scratches on coated areas * Minor **toner lift** where rollers made contact * **Inkjet spray or barcodes** printed over artwork * Occasional **corner nicks** or edge wear * Rare cases of **surface “burn” marks** from friction heat #### Why it happens * **USPS high-speed sorters** use belts, rollers, and metal gates that physically contact each postcard to move and route it. Contact creates friction and can abrade the surface. * **Friction and heat** in the mailstream, plus stacking in bins, add minor wear. * **Barcode and cancellation spraying** can land on the front image depending on orientation. #### What OLC controls * We print on **production-grade digital presses** with calibrated color and quality checks per batch. * We handle, package, and tender mail to USPS following USPS operational standards. Once USPS accepts the mail, it enters its automated network. #### What USPS controls * The end-to-end movement through sorting equipment and carrier handling. * Local facility calibration and throughput, which can vary by plant and day. #### How to reduce visible marks on future campaigns * **Design for the journey.** Avoid large solid dark areas in critical spots since rub marks are most visible on heavy coverage. Keep key text away from likely contact paths and barcode zones. * **Allow safe areas.** Keep must-read content and CTAs clear of edges and postal indicia zones where equipment engages. * **Consider envelopes** for VIP audiences. If pristine presentation is critical, mailing in an envelope protects the piece during processing. Community and practitioner reports support this. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.openletterconnect.com/olc-help-docs/mailing-and-delivery/why-some-postcards-arrive-smudged-or-marked.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.