Avery 8386 Printable Postcards Review: 8.6/10 Verdict
A surprising pattern emerged in user feedback for the Avery Printable Postcards, 4" x 6", Matte White, 100 Blank (8386)—while marketed heavily for professional-looking results straight from a home printer, consistent reports show they deliver on that promise for most, earning a solid 8.6/10 user score. Across Amazon, Walmart, Office Depot, and Reddit discussions, buyers praised the sturdy feel, clean separation, and vibrant printing, though a small percentage encountered feed or perforation issues.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Yes — Ideal for small business owners, event planners, and DIY card makers who use inkjet printers. May be less appealing for those needing glossy finishes or laser optimization.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavyweight 80 lbs / 216 gsm cardstock for professional feel | Limited to inkjet optimization (some laser printer use possible but not primary) |
| Sure Feed® technology reduces misalignments and jams | Occasional reports of imperfect perforations |
| Full-bleed "print-to-the-edge" capability | Matte finish only—no glossy option in this SKU |
| Complies with U.S. postal regulations—no envelopes required | Not acid-free |
| Easy customization via Avery Design & Print online templates | Higher price compared to generic postcard sheets |
| Clean, smooth edges after separation | Rare printer feed incompatibility reported |
Claims vs Reality
One of Avery’s core marketing claims is Sure Feed® technology for reduced misalignments and jams. Digging deeper into user reports, this largely holds true. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: "Ran through my HP OfficeJet without a single misfeed—every card aligned perfectly." However, Reddit user feedback revealed occasional exceptions: "Worked great in my Epson, but my Canon Pixma grabbed two sheets at once twice in 50 prints." While not widespread, these incidents suggest printer model compatibility can influence results.
Another claim is full-bleed printing with ‘print-to-the-edge’ capability. Community consensus supports this, with Walmart reviewers saying designs printed right to the edge without borders. One Walmart buyer wrote: "My vibrant floral invites looked like they came from a print shop—colors went all the way to the edge." Yet, Office Depot’s spec sheet oddly lists "print to edge: no," creating a spec discrepancy. In practice, most users report the feature works as advertised on inkjet setups.
Avery also promotes professional finish via ultra-fine micro-perforations. Feedback confirms clean separation for the majority, but not universally. A Reddit comment noted: "Edges were tidy, but on one batch I had tiny paper fuzz along one side." This suggests manufacturing consistency is good but not flawless.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Heavyweight cardstock quality is the most consistent praise. The 80 lbs / 216 gsm matte white stock feels substantial in hand, making it suitable for mailing without envelopes. A verified Amazon buyer said: "These feel as thick as premium greeting cards—survived mailing without bending." Event planners benefit from this durability, with one Walmart reviewer sharing: "Used for wedding RSVP cards, they arrived in perfect condition after being mailed across the country."
Customization ease via Avery Design & Print templates also wins approval. Small business owners repeatedly mention the time saved. A Staples customer noted: "I designed my thank-you cards in 10 minutes using Avery’s online tool—no need for graphic software." This appeals to non-designers who value simplicity.
Sure Feed® technology’s reliability is another strong point. Office Depot reviews highlight smooth feeding even in mid-range inkjets. "Printed 100 cards in one sitting without a jam," wrote one buyer, underscoring efficiency for bulk jobs.
Common Complaints
Perforation quality, while mostly good, occasionally disappoints. A Reddit user reported: "One sheet tore unevenly, leaving a jagged edge—out of 50 sheets, two had this issue." For perfectionists or high-volume runs, this small defect can be frustrating.
Printer compatibility limits also surface. Although optimized for inkjet, some laser printer users tried them with mixed results. An Amazon buyer who ignored the inkjet-only note said: "My laser prints smudged—these aren’t coated for laser ink." This mismatch between expectations and specs can cause dissatisfaction.
Price sensitivity is another complaint. Compared to generic postcard sheets, Avery’s branded pack commands a premium. eBay listings show buyers seeking bulk discounts or turning to alternative suppliers when budgets are tight.
Divisive Features
The matte-only finish polarizes opinions. Artists and photographers who prefer glossy presentation find the texture dull. One Walmart reviewer said: "Great for text and flat graphics, but my photo postcards lost vibrancy." Conversely, small business owners appreciate the matte as "more elegant and easier to write on."
Environmental certifications like FSC® get nods from eco-conscious buyers, but others dismiss them as irrelevant to purchasing choice. A Trustpilot comment summarized: "Nice that it’s FSC-certified, but I buy for print quality, not sustainability."
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit threads reveal minimal scam concerns—Avery’s long-standing brand reputation appears intact. No widespread counterfeit reports emerged. However, some bulk buyers on marketplaces like eBay caution about storage conditions: "Cards from one seller had slight curl, likely from humidity."
Long-term durability stories reinforce reliability. A Reddit user revisited their year-old stash: "Printed invites last year, kept extras—still flat, no yellowing." This suggests the cardstock holds up well over time, even in varied storage environments.
Alternatives
Competitors mentioned include generic office supply postcard sheets and Avery’s own glossy or laser-compatible variants. Compared to these, the 8386 excels in inkjet performance and design-to-mail workflow. However, the Avery Glossy series offers better photo reproduction, and the laser-compatible 5389 model expands printer options. Small business owners seeking cost savings may opt for unbranded bulk sheets, sacrificing Sure Feed® reliability.
Price & Value
Prices vary widely—Office Depot lists at $37.49, Staples at $35.39, Walmart around $22.87, and eBay bulk deals as low as $18.97 per box. Community buying tips emphasize timing purchases during seasonal sales or using Avery’s direct coupons. Amazon buyers note that "price per card is worth it if you mail regularly—no envelopes needed saves money on supplies." Resale value is negligible, as these are consumables, but unopened boxes can sell near retail on secondary markets.
FAQ
Q: Can these postcards be used in laser printers?
A: They are optimized for inkjet printers. While some users have tried laser printing, results often include smudging or poor adhesion, so inkjet is strongly recommended.
Q: Do they meet U.S. postal regulations without envelopes?
A: Yes. Users report mailing them directly with a stamp applied. The thickness and size comply with postal standards.
Q: Is the print-to-the-edge feature functional on all inkjet models?
A: Most inkjet users report success, but occasional printer-specific limitations can result in narrow margins.
Q: Are these acid-free for archival purposes?
A: No, they are not acid-free. Long-term archival storage may result in gradual yellowing.
Q: Can I write on them with pens or markers after printing?
A: Yes. The matte surface is pen-friendly, and users appreciate that text does not smear when handwritten.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a small business owner, event planner, or DIY creator using an inkjet printer who values professional-looking, durable postcards straight from home. Avoid if you require glossy photo finishes or laser printer compatibility. Pro tip from community: Store sheets flat in a dry environment to maintain feed reliability and edge quality.
