Mr. Postman, wait and see...(Or when should these cards go in the mail?)

You found the perfect business holiday cards...just right for your business. And they've just arrived from the printer. Now when should you mail them?

Ah, yes...another "It depends." But the fact is, it does! Here so factors that will determine when your company Christmas cards should hit the post....

1) What message is on them? Is it Merry Christmas or is the image clearly "Christmas-y?" If so, you'll probably want to send them out to arrive about a week before December 25th. If the message is for a Happy New Year, shoot for an arrival on or around December 26th through 30th. If there's a weekend in there, send them out a bit sooner. Finally, if it's a generic holiday season wish, send them out to arrive on or about December 1st. Not only will you beat the last minute card crunch, you'll probably hit Chanukah, as well as Christmas and the New Year.

2)How far are they going? If your business holiday cards are just going around the corner or across town, you can probably send them out two or three days before the target date, and have them there on time. Cards criss-crossing the country, or heading overseas need much longer lead times. Check with your local post office for suggested mailing times for the company Christmas cards that will be heading far from home.

3)Is there time-sensitive material enclosed? Many businesses use their company Christmas cards as a way to send out discount coupons, employee gift cards or discount offers. If you are planning on enclosing something within the card, make sure the recipients have enough time to use it before the expiration date. Willingness to spend is often much higher in December than in January, so sending out your coupons earlier might increase holiday sales.