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Send Your First Mailer

What it is​

This guide walks you through creating a thanks.io account and placing your first physical mail order - all from the web dashboard.

When to use it​

  • You're new to thanks.io and want to send something for the first time.
  • You want to verify the process works end-to-end before committing to a campaign.

How to do it​

Step 1 - Create your account​

  1. Go to thanks.io/register and fill in your name, email address, and password.
  2. Submit the form. Check your inbox for a verification email and click the confirmation link.

Setup Wizard​

After entering your email, thanks.io walks you through a three-step setup wizard before you reach the dashboard.

Step 2 - Enter your address for free samples​

  1. Enter your mailing address on the first wizard screen.
  2. This is used to ship you free physical samples so you can see the print quality before you send to anyone else.

Step 3 - Choose a plan​

  1. Review the three plan options: Free, Business, and Professional.
  2. Select the plan that fits your needs. You can start on Free at no cost and upgrade at any time.
  3. If you select Business or Professional, enter your credit card details on this screen.

Step 4 - Set up branding​

  1. Enter your company name and upload a logo.
  2. These defaults are used across your mail pieces and populate the Branding Builder automatically.
  3. You can update branding at any time from your account settings.

Send Mail Wizard​

After completing the setup wizard you land on the dashboard. Click Send Now to open the Send Mail Wizard and place your first order.

Step 5 - Click "Send Now"​

  1. From the dashboard, click the Send Now button.
  2. This opens the Send Mail Wizard.

Step 6 - Choose a mailer type​

  1. Select the physical format you want to send: postcard (4×6, 6×9, or 6×11), letter, Notecard, gift card, or MagnaCard.
  2. For your first send, a 4×6 postcard is the simplest and most affordable option.

Step 7 - Upload your design​

  1. Click Upload to use your own image file, or browse the pre-built template gallery to pick an existing design.
  2. The image you select becomes the front artwork for your mailer.
  3. For a first send, choose a gallery template to skip design work entirely.

Step 8 - Create your message​

  1. Type your message in the editor. This is the handwritten-style text that appears on the mailer.
  2. Use replacement variables like %FIRST_NAME% to personalize each piece automatically.

Step 9 - Enter recipient address​

  1. Click Add Recipients.
  2. Enter the recipient's name, street address, city, state/province, and postal code.

Step 10 - Review and send​

  1. Check the print-ready proof - confirm the design, message text, and recipient address all look correct.
  2. Review the order total, then click Place Order to submit.

Your order enters the processing queue immediately. You will receive an email confirmation once it is accepted.

Tips & best practices​

  • Use your own address as the recipient for your first send - that way you can inspect the printed result in person.
  • Keep your first message short. One clear sentence plus a call-to-action is enough to test the full flow.
  • Check the proof carefully before confirming. Orders move to print quickly and cancellation is only possible within one hour of placing the order.