CHRISTMAS / POSTCARD EXCHANGE FAQS

Here you'll find our FAQs for our Christmas Card & Summer Postcard Exchanges. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

How does it work?
When you sign up, we'll be in touch by email with all the details. You'll send in x5 cards (ideally from your home town, or wherever you like) to us. You can do this right away or at any stage throughout the exchange. Please note - your signup fee does not cover the cost of you sending your cards to us here, nor of the cards themselves, so it's worth considering this before you send them in.

Do I need to send all five cards?
Ideally yes, but if you'd like to send in less please let us know when you join. You'll receive the same amount of cards back that you send in. Please send all cards at the same time and not intermittently.

Do I write the postcards before sending them?
Yes. Simply write your message as normal. Place your five cards (casting aside its matching envelope or leaving the address blank) into an outer envelope and address the envelope to us and add your order number to your envelope.

Will my address be shared with other participants?
No. London Letters forwards all cards on your behalf, so participant addresses remain private.

Do I need to be a London Letters customer to join?
Not at all. Everyone is welcome to take part.

Can I join from overseas?
Yes. Everyone is welcome.

Is there an age limit for taking part?
No, everyone is welcome. If your child wishes to write, please help them to make their cards legible. We will do our best to swap cards from under 18's amongst themselves, but this is not guaranteed.

What does the sign-up fee cover?
The fee covers the cost of forwarding your cards to other participants and administering the exchange.

Can I join after the exchange has started?
Yes. You can join at any time, as many times as you wish.

What if you don't receive my cards or I don't receive any back?
Once postcards are sent, delivery is over to Royal Mail to manage and is out of our hands. We do not therefor guarantee the safe arrival of any mail, and some cards may arrive long after the exchange has finished.

Is there a deadline for sending my cards in?
Yes, this can be found on the product page. Cards received after the end date may not be included in the exchange.

What should I write on my cards?
There are no strict rules. Most people write a short message about their day, where they live, something they love, or a small story. Please just make sure anything written is appropriate for all ages.

Are there any content guidelines?
Yes. We ask that all cards remain respectful and suitable for a general audience. We reserve the right to exclude any cards containing offensive, political, or inappropriate content.

What size cards can I send?
Your cards must be a standard 6x4 inch size. If you’re unsure, anything that can be posted with a standard stamp and fits comfortably in a C6 or C5 envelope is fine.

Do I need to use a specific type of card?
No - handmade, printed, illustrated, or purchased postcards are all welcome. Part of the fun is the variety.

Can I include extra items in my envelope?
Please don’t include additional items such as gifts, stickers, or bulky materials, as this affects the cost of forwarding on.

Do I need to pay for postage to send my cards to you?
Yes. Participants are responsible for the cost of sending their cards to us. The sign-up fee only covers administration and onward distribution.

Will I receive confirmation when you receive my postcards?
Due to volume this sadly isn't possible. Rest assured, all cards are safely logged once received.

Can I update my address after signing up?
Yes, but please notify us as soon as possible. We can only guarantee correct forwarding if changes are received before your cards are processed.

What happens if I lose my return cards?
If return cards are undelivered or lost in transit, we’re unable to replace them once they have been dispatched, as delivery is managed by Royal Mail.

What happens if I only send in part of my cards?
You'll receive as many back as you send in.