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Greeting Card Business Plan Template

Published Mar.19, 2018

Updated Apr.23, 2024

By: Jakub Babkins

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Table of Content

Do you want to start own greeting card business?

Are you planning to start greeting card business ? Well, if you are creative and have a passion for designing greeting cards then this is definitely the right business for you.

Greeting card business has undoubtedly a lot of market potential and a need for continuously emerging new and innovative minds. Its market can be estimated by the fact that over 7.4 billion greeting cards were sold in the United States in 2017.

The biggest benefit of starting this business is that it offers an extremely high rate of return on your investment and has the least amount of risk associated with it as compared to other businesses. The second benefit is that its market never gets down because people buy cards for various occasions, events, and festivals throughout the year.

Considering these aspects, we can say that this venture can be immensely profitable, provided that you produce quality designs and plan your business effectively.

So, before you move on to starting this business, you will have to prepare a comprehensive business plan which will establish the basis of your company’s future operations and decisions. If you are wondering how to write one then here we are providing you the business plan of a greeting card business startup named ‘KJ Cards’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

KJ Cards will be a licensed American card manufacturing company located in the main commercial market of the Downtown Manhattan. The company will be owned by Kelly Janes, a passionate Graphic Designer. Janes has been associated with greeting card industry for more than 6 years and has served as the Assistant Director of Design Department in Hallmark Cards for the last 3 years.

For the startup, the company will initially procure office furniture including work desks, cabinets, tables, chairs; computers and related devices including printers and scanners; ten card printers; necessary software and other stationery products.

2.2 Management

The success of a startup heavily depends on its staff and management that’s why Janes planned it before starting her greeting card company . The main management of the company will comprise of sales executives, graphic artists, technicians, and customer representatives. The team will be led and managed by Janes herself, who is well experienced with the process of designing and production of greeting cards. The staff will be hired one month before the launch of startup and will be trained by Janes.

2.3 Customers

Our target market is the residential community living nearby at the 10 minutes’ drive from our office. The community has a monthly income ranging from $40k to $50k while nearly 10% people have incomes even around $100,000. We will offer three types of greeting cards; printed cards, hand-made cards, and customized cards, for various occasions and festivals. The hand-made cards will be completely manufactured by Artisans without any machine while the customized cards will be designed according to the customer requirements.

Although we have a tough competition since there are hundreds of established greeting card companies in the New York City, but with the teamwork of our innovative and creative team members, and the leadership of Janes, we will soon excel our competitors.

2.4 Business Target

We aim to become the best greeting card company of the New York City within next five years of our startup. Our target is to balance the initial cost of the startup with earned profits by the end of the first year and to achieve the net profit margin of $10k per month by the end of the first year, $15k per month by the end of the second year and $25k per month by the end of the third year.

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

KJ Cards will be owned by Kelly Janes, a passionate Graphic Designer. Kelly did her Masters of Art in Graphic Designing from University of Illinois, Chicago. After completing her studies, Janes remained associated with some of America’s renowned greeting card companies and was the Assistant Director of Design Department in Hallmark Cards for the last 3 years. She is known for her exceptional graphics skills and innovative designs.

3.2 Why the Business is being started

Janes has always been extremely passionate about graphic designing, especially the designing of greeting cards. Her designed cards are praised by all and sundry and it was her exceptional abilities and innovative mind which landed her an executive position in one of the biggest greeting card manufacturers of the United States in a very young age.

But this success is nothing more than a part of her career plan, as she has dreamed of much bigger things. From the very beginning of her career, rather her college days, she had thought about starting a greeting card company and her service to this industry was just meant to gather the necessary experience needed for starting her own business.

3.3 How the Business will be started

KJ Cards will be a greeting card company which will produce all sorts of personal and business greeting cards . The business will be located in the main commercial market of the Downtown Manhattan. The company will initially procure following things for the startup.

• Office furniture including five filing cabinets, five work desks, a round table with chairs for meeting area, couch and chairs for customer waiting area
• Four computers with color printers and scanners
• Ten card printers for printing greeting cards
• Graphic designing and other related software including Illustrator, Freehand, Photoshop, Quark, Traffic Office Manager, Font Management Utilities, and Microsoft Project
• Assorted office stationary and brochures
• A strong internet connection and office telecom systems

The financial experts have forecasted following costs for expenses, assets, investment, and loans for the Start-up.

The detailed start-up requirements, start-up funding, start-up expenses, total assets, total funding required, total liabilities, total planned investment, total capital and liabilities as forecasted by experts, is given below:

Services for customers

KJ Cards will be a licensed and insured American cards manufacturing company, which will produce a variety of cards for various occasions, festivals, and people. We will produce all types of cards such as holiday, business, birthday greeting cards , and Christmas card for businesses as well as individuals. Our main products include:

1. Printed Cards: Printed cards are our primary products and will form the bulk of our production. They will also contribute the biggest chunk of our revenue. These cards will be printed by the company’s card printers after they have been designed by the graphic designing team. These cards can be further sub-divided into the following three categories.

• Occasional Cards: Occasional cards include cards for Anniversary, Baptism and Christening, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Birthday, Confirmation, Congratulations, First Communion, Get Well, Graduation, Just Because, New Baby, Promotion, Retirement, Sympathy, Thank You, and Wedding
• Holidays and Festival Cards: Holidays and Festival cards include cards for Christmas, Easter, New Year, Passover, St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day and other local festivals
• Relational Cards: Relational cards include cards which can be given to relatives like Brother, Daughter, Father, Friend, God-family, Grandma, Grandpa, Husband, Kids, Mother, Partner, Romantic Interest, Sister, Son, Wife

2. Hand-made Cards: Our second category includes hand-made cards. These greeting cards will be completely hand-made and no machines will be used in their manufacturing process. Every such card will be hand cut, hand designed, and hand wrapped before being delivered to the customers. Special artisans will be hired to manufacture this product category. These cards will be costlier than the printed cards due to intensive hard work and expertise needed for their manufacture.

3. Customized Cards: Our final category includes customized cards which will be completely made and designed according to the customer demands. Customers can order for a customized card either online through our official website or by visiting our office in Downtown Manhattan.

Customers can describe their requirements, graphics, and text to be written on the cards to a customer representative and can get a customized card either in a printed or a hand-made form.

Marketing Analysis of greeting card business

The most important component of an effective greeting card business plan is its accurate marketing analysis that’s why Janes acquired the services of marketing experts to help her through this phase. It is only after this stage that a good greeting card business plan template could have been developed. After identifying the trends of greeting card business in the New York City, the marketing experts and analysts also helped her to select the best site to start a greeting card company .

The success or failure of a business totally depends upon its marketing strategy which can only be developed on the basis of accurate marketing analysis. There are four main steps to carry out an accurate marketing analysis which are to identify the current market trends, identify your target audience and potential customers, set out the business targets to achieve, and finally set the prices of your products and services. Marketing analysis is extremely important because the planning of many subsequent components depends on it. Therefore, it must be considered before developing the greeting card company business plan .

Operational and Strategic Planning

5.1 market trends.

According to the Greeting Card Association (GCA), over 7.4 billion greeting cards were manufactured and sold in the United States in 2017. Out of these 7.4 billion cards, approximately 2.5 billion were manufactured and sold by freelances and non-major greeting card distributors while the remaining were manufactured and sold by established companies. Nearly 80% of all greeting cards were bought by women. As of 2017, there were more than 2000 established greeting card companies in the United States which generates more than $7.5 billion every year.

The greeting card industry employs more than 35,000 people and provides annual payrolls of over $1.2 billion dollars. This industry is the future growth in it is expected to be equal to that of the general US economy. After identifying these market trends, it is clearly evident that the greeting card industry has a lot of potential and can be immensely profitable provided that you plan your business successfully.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

Our target market is the residential community living nearby at the 10 minutes’ drive from our office. The community consists of all types of people from varying backgrounds. As per the financial position, nearly half of the community has a monthly income ranging from $40k to $50k while nearly 10% people have incomes even around $100,000.

There are currently more than 738,000 households in Manhattan out of which 17.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 25.2% are married couples living together and 12.6% have a female householder with no husband present. 59.1% are non-families, out of which 48.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older.

It is very important to analyze the market segmentation of the future customers of your services before you start a greeting card business because a successful and efficient marketing strategy can only be developed after we completely know our potential customers. Our experts have identified the following type of target audience which can become our future consumers:

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.1.1 Married Couples & Adults:

Our first target group will be the married couples and the adults aged between 25-50. These people are most likely to buy greeting cards for various purposes since they have the biggest social circle comprising of friends, family, relatives, neighbors, colleagues, etc. as compared to the other target groups. This group buys greeting cards on various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, festivals and other events of their friends. This group will be the biggest consumer of our products and hence our marketing strategy will be specifically built to attract them.

5.1.2 Children & Teens:

Our second target group comprises of children and teens aged below 25. Children and teens studying in primary, middle, high schools and colleges have a large circle of friends around them and usually buy various cards such as birthday, friendship and festival cards. Teens are the biggest consumer of valentine cards.

5.1.3 Senior Citizens:

Our third group comprises of senior citizens aged above 50. These people will mostly buy anniversary, birthday and festival cards but their contribution to our sales will be less as compared to the other groups, hence they will play no specific role in our marketing strategy. The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

We aim to become the best greeting card company of the New York City within next five years of our startup. Our main business targets to be achieved as milestones over the course of next three years are as follows:

• To achieve the net profit margin of $10k per month by the end of the first year, $15k per month by the end of the second year, and $25k per month by the end of the third year
• To balance the initial cost of the startup with earned profits by the end of the first year

5.4 Product Pricing

Product pricing is one of the most important factors in deciding the strategy for business a greeting card. After considering the market demands, we have priced all our products in the similar ranges as of our competitors. The reason behind our pricing policy is to achieve the minimum attractive rate of return which would not be possible in case of offering our services at low prices. Our product pricing is as follows:

• Printed Cards: Prices vary from $4-$15
• Hand-made Cards: Prices vary from $20-$50
• Customized Cards: Prices vary from $20-$50

High Quality Business Plan and Professional Support

It was amazing to work with OGS Capital for our business plan. They promptly responded our enquires and delivered document on time.The document was well organized high quality and content.We succeded with Alex and his team support. We thank you guys again for professional approach and easy communication.

After identifying the market trends, market demand, and the potential customers of the startup, the next step is to define an effective strategy to target the potential customers and attract them towards us. Like marketing analysis, sales strategy is also an important component of a greeting card business . Janes carried out an extensive research about various marketing strategies implemented on large as well as small greeting card companies before she finalized her plan about how to start a greeting card business .

A successful strategy can only be developed after setting specific marketing goals, carrying out a competitive analysis to know what is missing in your competitors and developing a plan for attracting your potential customers.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

Our competitive advantage lies in the power and dedication of our team. We have a team of creative and highly proficient graphic designers, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas of greeting card industry. This industry is undoubtedly one of the most competitive industries of the United States and with the increasing number of greeting card startups, the competition is getting stiffer by the day. That’s why one has to be highly creative and come up with innovative designs and concepts so as to survive and grow in this industry. Considering the teamwork of our innovative and creative members, and the leadership of Janes, we hope to excel our competitors.

6.2 Sales Strategy

After carrying out a detailed analysis, our experts came up with the following brilliant ideas to advertise and sell ourselves.

• Google search ranking is one of the most important factors in deciding the success of a business, especially a startup, that’s why we will put special emphasis on it. We would do our best to get higher rankings in Google search results and a rank on the first page of Google.
• We will ensure at least a 20% increase in website traffic each month and will ensure at least an 80% conversion rate, i.e. to turn 80% of our website visitors into our customers.
• We will get featured in the local news or on a certain website by a popular blogger to increase our brand awareness in people.
• We will advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and social media.
• We will offer a 20% discount on our cards for the first three months of our launch.

6.3 Sales Monthly:

Our monthly sales, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts, are as follows:

6.5 Sales Yearly:

Our yearly sales, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts, are as follows:

6.5 Sales Forecast

Considering the quality of our services and our exceptional marketing strategy, our sales pattern is expected to increase with years. By analyzing our market segmentation strategy, our experts have forecasted the following sales on a yearly basis which are summarized in the column charts.

The detailed information about sales forecast, total unit sales, total sales is given in the following table:

Personnel plan

Personnel plan, like all other plans, is an important component of an effective business plan so it must be planned before you even think about how to start your own greeting card business . Janes has developed the following personnel plan for her company.

7.1 Company Staff

Janes will act as the General Manager of the company and will initially hire following people:

• 1 Accountant to maintain financial and other records
• 2 Sales Executives responsible for marketing and discovering new ventures
• 6 Graphic Artists for designing printed cards
• 4 Artisans for creating hand-made cards
• 3 Technicians to operate the card printing machines
• 2 Managing Assistants for managing the company’s official website and social media pages
• 4 Customer Representatives to interact with customers and record their orders
• 4 Drivers to transport cards to retail outlets
• 1 Front Desk Officer to act as a receptionist
• 1 Security Officer

To ensure the best quality service, all employees will be selected through vigorous testing and will be trained for a month before starting their jobs.

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

The following table shows the data about employees and their salaries for next three years.

Financial Plan

There are hundreds of greeting card businesses in the New York City and in order to survive in this competitive environment, a startup must develop an impeccable financial plan. The financial plan should craft a detailed map about the cost of inventory, payroll, equipment, rent and utilities needed for the startup and how these costs will be covered by the earned profits.

8.1 Important Assumptions

The company’s financial projections are forecasted on the basis of following assumptions.

8.2 Brake-even Analysis

The following graph shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

The following table shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

The following charts show the company’s expected Profit and Loss situation on the monthly and yearly basis.

8.3.1 Profit Monthly

The following graph shows the monthly profit, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

The following graph shows the yearly profit, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts.

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

The following graph shows the monthly gross margin, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts.

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

The following graph shows the yearly gross margin, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts.

The following table shows detailed information about profit and loss, and total cost of sales.

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following column diagram shows the projected cash flow.

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The following table shows detailed data about pro forma cash flow, subtotal cash from operations, subtotal cash received, sub-total spent on operations, subtotal cash spent.

The following projected balance sheet shows data about total current assets, total long-term assets, total assets, subtotal current liabilities, total liabilities, total capital, total liabilities and capital.

8.6 Business Ratios

The following table shows data about business ratios, ratio analysis, total assets, net worth.

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Greeting Card Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Wholesale & Retail

Do you want to start a greeting card business and need to write a plan? If YES, here is a sample greeting card business plan template & feasibility report.

Businesses that are worth going for are those you are certain people would need your services or products quite frequently. Greeting card wholesale and retail business falls under this category; you can be certain that there would be occasions of celebration that would make people purchase greeting cards for colleagues, friends and family members.

So, if you are looking for a business to start as an aspiring entrepreneur who has an interest in selling stuffs, you can open a greeting card wholesale and retail shop in your city.

One good thing about this type of business is that you don’t need qualifications to start and run it; you just require basic business skills such as customer service skills, accounting skills, bargaining skills, networking skills and of course overall business management skills.

When starting this business, you should ensure that you carry out feasibility studies and market survey. Business plan is yet another very important business document that you should not take for granted while launching your business.

Below is a sample greeting card wholesale and retail business plan template that can help you to successfully write your own with little or no difficulty.

A Sample Greeting Card Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Greeting card wholesale and retail business is part of the Gift Shops and Card Stores industry and players in this industry retail a range of gifts, gift wrap, novelty merchandise, souvenirs, greeting cards, party supplies and seasonal and holiday decorations.

It is important to state that this industry does not include retailers that operate as used merchandise stores, electronic shopping, mail-order houses and discount retail stores.

If you are close observer of happenings in this industry, you will notice that the Gift Shops and Card Stores industry has displayed signs of contraction as external competition has caused the number of operators to fall over the past five years.

On the other hand, industry revenue has continued to rise as consumers have increased their discretionary spending on nonessential items that are predominant in this industry.

Please note that the continued growth of per capita disposable income has also enabled consumers to travel more and purchase items from gift shops and other industry operators. Going forward especially as it relates to projecting for the five years, the industry is anticipated to benefit from rising disposable income levels and tourist activity.

Statistics has it that in the united states alone, the Gift Shops and Card Stores industry generates over $19 billion annually from more than 61,279 businesses. The industry is responsible for the direct employment of over 188,120 people.

Experts project the Gift Shops and Card Stores industry to grow at a 0.2 percent annual rate. Hallmark Cards Inc. American Greetings Corporation LLC and Party City Holdco are the establishments in this industry that has the lion market shares in the industry.

A recent report published by IBISWorld shows that the Gift Shops and Card Stores industry is in the mature stage of its life cycle.

The report further revealed that over the 10 years to 2023, industry value added, which measures the industry’s contribution to the overall domestic economy, is estimated to increase at an annualized rate of 1.0 percent, whereas US GDP is projected to expand an annualized 2.2 percent during the same period.

This industry is growing at a slightly slower rate than the economy as a whole, but its growth generally mirrors that of the US at large, which is characteristic of a mature industry. Industry revenue is expected to grow relatively consistently over this period however, intensifying competition from alternative retailers will likely mitigate any faster growth.

The market for the greeting card wholesale and retail business is also no longer limited to a single customer or to women, especially as women once made up the largest segment of the industry’s market, as both customers as well as recipients. The market has now expanded to include the corporate client.

The Gift Shops and Card Stores industry has minimal barriers to entry, with low startup capital and no specific licensing requirements.

The majority of greeting card retail shops operate as a one – outlet business and the capital costs of establishing greeting cards wholesale and retail shop outlets are not substantial relative to many other retail industries, such as department stores with chains of outlets all over the country.

On the other hand, the high level of competition and market saturation in a declining industry can prove challenging to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own business. Most players in the Gift Shops and Card Stores industry are small – to medium – size establishments that cater to the local community.

If you are contemplating opening a greeting card retail shop business in the United States, you should ensure that you carry out a thorough market survey and feasibility studies so you that you will be able to get the ideal location to launch your greeting card business.

2. Executive Summary

Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC is a registered greeting cards wholesale and retail shop business that will be located in one of the busiest business cum market districts in Carson City – Nevada.

We have been able to lease a shop facility along a major road that is big enough to fit into the kind of business we intend launching and the shop facility is located in a corner piece property directly opposite the largest shopping mall in Carson City – Nevada.

Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC will be involved in retailing a wide range of greeting cards and related merchandize. We will also be involved in helping our clients wrap and deliver their greeting cards as instructed.

We are aware that there are several greeting cards wholesale and retail shops all around Carson City – Nevada, which is why we spent time and resources to conduct thorough feasibility studies and market survey so as to offer much more than our competitors will be offering.

We have delivery service options for our customers, and our outlet has various payment options. Our customer care will be second to none in the whole of Carson City – Nevada. We know that our customers are the reason why we are in business which is why we will get them satisfied when they visit our shop.

Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

Our plan is to position Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC to become the leading brand in the greeting cards wholesale and retail industry in the whole of Nevada, and also to be amongst the top 10 greeting cards wholesale and retail shops in whole of the United States of America within the first 10 years of opening our first shop.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are confident that Carson City – Nevada is the right place to launch our business before spreading to other parts of the United States.

Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC is a family business that is owned by Sharon Pearce and her immediate family members. She has the required exposure, experiences, qualifications and skills that will help her grow the business in the shortest time frame possible.

Although the business is launching out with just one outlet in Carson City – Nevada, but there is a plan to open other outlets all around key cities in the United States of America via franchising.

3. Our Products and Services

At Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC we make a wide range of greeting cards in terms of sizes and niches (products) et al; we will engage in retailing and wholesale distribution. As part our strategy to create multiple sources of income in line with our core business concept, we will go into franchising and consultancy services.

Our intention of starting Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC is to make profits from the gift shops and cards stores industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and ambition. Here are some of our products and services;

• Single greeting cards
• Greeting cards sold in boxed sets
• Customized / handmade greeting cards
• Packaging and delivery services
• Franchising

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• To be amongst the top 10 leading greeting cards wholesale and retail shops in the United States of America before our 10 th anniversary.
• Our mission is to build a greeting cards wholesale and retail business that will meet the needs of all our customers in the regions/cities where we have our outlets and to sell franchise all across the United States of America and Canada.

Our Business Structure

As part of our plan to build a standard greeting cards wholesale and retail shop in Carson City – Nevada, we have perfected plans to get it right from the beginning which is why we are going the extra mile to ensure that we have competent and hardworking employees to occupy all the available positions in our organization.

The kind of business goals we want to achieve is what informed the amount we are ready to pay for the best hands available in the industry as long as they are willing and ready to work with us to achieve our business goals and objectives. Below is the business structure that we will build Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC;

• Chief Executive Officer

Shop Manager

Merchandize Manager

• Sales and Marketing Officer
• Accountants / Cashiers

Information Technologist

• Drivers / Deliverers
• Customer Service Executives

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO (Owner):

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the greeting cards wholesale and retail shop
• Part of the team that determines the quantity, types and brands of greeting cards to be retailed in our store
• Maps out strategy that will lead to efficiency amongst workers in the shop
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of the entire workforce
• Ensures that the shop meets the expected safety and health standard at all times.
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Manage vendor relations, market visits, and the ongoing education and development of the organizations’ buying teams
• Help to ensure consistent quality of greeting cards on our rack
• Responsible for the purchase of greeting cards for the organizations
• Responsible for planning sales, monitoring inventory, selecting the merchandise, and writing and pricing orders to vendors

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Manages external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Models demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer purchases
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
• Manages the organization website
• Handles ecommerce aspect of the business
• Responsible for installing and maintenance of computer software and hardware for the organization
• Manages logistics and supply chain software, Web servers, e-commerce software and POS (point of sale) systems
• Manages the organization’s CCTV
• Handles any other technological and IT related duties.

Accountant/Cashier

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the organization
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Distribution Van Drivers:

• Delivers customer’s orders promptly
• Runs errand for the organization
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the sales and marketing executive

Client Service Executive

• Responsible for taking orders from clients when the call or email the organization
• Ensures that all contacts with customer (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with customers on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the shop manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to customers when they make enquiries
• Responsible for cleaning the entire shop facility at all times
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

Due to our desire and drive for excellence, we were able to engage some of the finest business consultants in Carson City – Nevada to look through our business concept and together we were able to examine the prospect of the business and to access ourselves to be sure we have what it takes to run a standard greeting cards wholesale and retail shop that can compete favorably compete with other leading brands in the industry.

In view of that, we were able to take stock of our strengths, our weakness, our opportunities and also the threats that we are likely going to be exposed to if we launch our greeting cards wholesale and retail business in Carson City – Nevada.

Here is a of what we got from the critically conducted SWOT Analysis for Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC;

Our strength lies in the fact that we have a wide range of both handmade and mass – produced greeting cards that can meet the needs of a wide range of customers. We have the finance, facility and competent workforce that has positioned us to compete in the industry.

Another factor that counts to our advantage is the background of our Chief Executive Office; she has a robust experience in the industry. We are not ignoring the fact that offering consultancy services and running a franchise is definitely going to count as a positive for us.

The fact that we are setting up a greeting cards wholesale and retail business in a city with other leading greeting card outlets might likely pose a challenge for us in breaking into the already saturated market in Carson City – Nevada.

In essence our chosen location might be our weakness. But nevertheless, we have plans to launch out with a big bang. We will be able to create a positive impression and we have a proper handle when it comes to building on already gathered momentum.

• Opportunities:

A rise in consumer spending may lead to more consumers purchasing high-cost greeting cards. Furthermore, revitalized discretionary spending among consumers incites businesses to purchase mail order catalogs from industry publishers. Consumer spending is expected to increase in the coming year, representing a potential opportunity for the industry.

Although the Greeting Cards business includes companies that retail both print and electronic products, it does not include companies that solely retail their products digitally.

Consumers are increasingly able to access alternatives to industry products on their mobile phones and tablets, which has hastened the shift toward companies that solely provide digitally based substitutes. External competition is expected to intensify in the coming year, posing a potential threat to the industry.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The Gift Shops & Card Stores industry has risen slowly over the last five years while combatting lackluster consumer spending and changing preferences pattern. The introduction of technology and subsequently online retail store has indeed helped in reshaping the industry.

It is now a common phenomenon for retail outlets and greeting cards wholesale and retail shops to leverage on technology to effectively predict consumer demand patterns and to strategically position their shop to meet their needs; in essence, the use of technology helps retailers to maximize supply chain efficiencies.

No doubt data collected from customers goes a long way to help greeting cards wholesale and retail shops serve them better. The market for greeting cards is also no longer limited to a single customer or to women, especially as women once made up the largest segment of the industry’s market, as both customers as well as recipients.

The market has now expanded to include the corporate client. As a matter of fact, external factors such as Domestic trips by US residents and Per capita disposable income in the Gift Shops & Card Stores industry impact the overall performance in this industry.

8. Our Target Market

When it comes to greeting cards sales and delivery business, there is indeed a wide range of available customers. In essence, our target market can’t be restricted to just a group of people, but all those who reside in the location where we intend opening our shops.

In view of that, we have conducted our market research and we have ideas of what our target market would be expecting from us. These are the groups of people we intend marketing our greeting cards to;

• Corporate Organizations
• Corporate Executives
• Government Officials
• Business People
• Celebrities
• Military Men and Women
• Sports Men and Women
• Everyone who resides in our target locations.

Our Competitive Advantage

Our aim of starting Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC, is to build a business that can grow within the first 10 years of establishing it to be listed amongst the top 10 greeting cards wholesale and retail shops in the United States of America and also to sell our franchise. With that in mind, we have been able to come up with strategies that will help us compete favorably in the industry.

Another competitive advantage that we have a wide range of handmade and mass – produced greeting cards that can meet the needs of a wide range of customers. We have a competent workforce that has positioned us to meet the demand of products even if the demand tripled over night.

Lastly, we can boast of having attractive product presentation and effective quality control. We are not taking for granted that our excellent customer service culture, highly competitive prices, reliable and easy to use payment option and the visibility of our outlets will serve as a competitive advantage for us.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the Gift Shops & Card Stores industry in the United States of America and we are going to go ensure that we do all it takes to sell a wide range of greeting cards to a wide range of customers.

Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC will generate income by offering the following products and services;

• Sale of franchise and consultancy services

10. Sales Forecast

We are well positioned to take on the available market in the U.S. and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income/profits from the first month of operation and grow the business and clientele beyond Carson City – Nevada.

We have been able to examine the Gift Shops & Card Stores industry, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we were able to come up with the following sales forecast. Below is the sales projection for Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC, it is based on the location of our business and our competitive advantage;

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $500,000
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $700,000

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same products and services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Before choosing a location to launch Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop and also the types of greeting cards to retail, we conducted a thorough market survey and feasibility study in order for us to be able to penetrate the available market in the cities where we intend positioning our business. We have detailed information and data that we were able to utilize to structure our business to attract the number of customers we want to attract per time.

We hired experts who have good understanding of the Gift Shops & Card Stores industry to help us develop marketing strategies that will help us achieve our business goal of winning a larger percentage of the available market Carson City – Nevada and throughout the United States of America where we intend selling our franchise.

In summary, Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC will adopt the following sales and marketing approach to sell our products;

• Introduce our greeting cards wholesale and retail shop – brand by sending introductory letters to residents, corporate organizations and other stakeholders in Carson City – Nevada
• Advertise our products in community based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
• List our business and products on yellow pages’ ads (local directories)
• Leverage on the internet to promote our greeting cards wholesale and retail shop brand
• Engage in direct marketing and sales
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Despite the fact that our greeting cards wholesale and retail shop is a standard one with a wide range of products that can favorably compete with other leading brands in the United States, we will still go ahead to intensify publicity for all our brand. We are going to explore all available means to promote Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC.

Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC has a long term plan of opening outlets in various locations all around the United States of America and also to sell our franchise which is why we will purposefully build our brand to be well accepted in Carson City – Nevada before venturing out to other cities in the United States of America.

Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and lifestyle magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, twitter, et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around major cities in the United States of America
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Position our Flexi Banners at strategic positions in the location where we intend getting customers to start patronizing our products.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our customized clothes, and all our official cars and distribution vans are customized and well branded.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Generally, the prices for greeting cards and similar products are relatively affordable hence there is no need to employ any detailed strategies when it comes to pricing.

In view of that, our prices will conform to what is obtainable in the industry but will ensure that within the first 6 to 12 months our greeting cards are sold a little bit below the average market price. We have put in place business strategies that will help us run on low profit margin for a period of 6 months; it is a way of encouraging people to buy into our brand.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for our greeting cards without any stress on their part.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

When it comes to starting a standard greeting cards wholesale and retail business, one is expected to spend the bulk of the startup capital in renting a store facility. You are also expected to purchase distribution vans, purchase commodities, and pay your employees and utility bills.

These are the key areas where we will spend our startup capital;

• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in Carson City – Nevada – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $1,300.
• Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of – $3,580.
• The cost for hiring Business Consultant – $2,500.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400.
• The cost for payment of rent for 12 months at $1.76 per square feet in the total amount of $55,200.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery ($500) and phone and utility deposits ($2,500).
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $50,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory (a wide range of handmade and mass – produced greeting cards and related merchandize et al) – $80,000
• Storage hardware (bins, rack, shelves, food case) – $3,720
• The cost for counter area equipment – $9,500
• The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
• The cost of purchase of distribution vans – $20,000
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000.
• The cost of launching a Website – $600
• Miscellaneous – $5,000

We would need an estimate of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) to set up our greeting cards wholesale and retail business in Carson City – Nevada.

Generating Funds/Startup Capital for Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC

Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC is a family business that is owned and financed by Mrs. Sharon Pearce and her immediate family members. They do not intend to welcome any external business partners which is why she has decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital to 3 major sources.

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sell of stocks
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from the bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $80,000 and soft loan from family members $20,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $150,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Part of the plans we have in place to sustain Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC is to ensure that we continue to make available a wide range of greeting cards, deliver quality services, improvise on how to do things faster and cheaper. We are not going to relent in providing conducive environment for our workers and also the required trainings that will help them deliver excellent services at all times.

From our findings, another factor that kills new businesses is financial leakages. In order to plug financial leakages, the management of Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC adopt the use of payment machine and accounting software to run the business.

We are quite aware that our customers are key component to the growth and survival of our business hence we are going to continuously engage them to give us ideas on how to serve them better and the products they want to see in our store. We will not waste time in adopting new technology, best practices and diversifying our services.

Happy People™ Greeting Cards Shop, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of store facility and re – construction of the store facility: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Packaging and Promotional Materials : In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – wholesale suppliers / merchants of handmade and mass – produced greeting cards and related merchandize: In Progress
• Purchase of delivery vans: Completed

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How to Start a Greeting Card Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Sending a greeting card can really brighten someone’s day. Whether you want to congratulate them, say happy birthday, or just let them know they’re on your mind, sending a card is a simple act that shows a loved one you care. If you’re passionate about the importance of snail mail and have a passion for a piece of good stationery, why not put your expertise to work and start a business in the greeting card industry?

If you’re design-savvy and can write witty copy, then keep reading to learn how to how to start a greeting card business of your very own.

Creating a greeting card business in 7 simple steps

Before you get your creative juices flowing, you’ll want to pause to review these seven steps to start a card company. Of course, there will be some fun parts like designing your cards. But you’ll also have to roll up your sleeves and work on some more tedious (but equally important) tasks.

Step 1: Choose your niche

Your niche is “greeting cards” right? Not exactly. You’ll need to get more specific than that if you want to stand out in such a saturated marketplace. Finding your niche market is super important because it will allow you to hone your craft and build a devoted customer base at the same time. You want to master your art before you branch out too much. Not to mention, having a niche will give you a stronger selling point to market to customers.

So, what type of niche should you consider? Take some time to think about what type of greeting cards catch your attention. Are you sick and tired of overly sentimental cards? Focus on creating ones that are sweet, but a bit more on the realistic side. Or make some laugh-out-loud greeting cards. Consider making cards with recycled paper. Maybe you’ll want to feature the artwork of young and up-and-coming artists. Whatever path you choose to go down, focus on staying on that path. Doing so will help you form a strong brand identity and master your production process.

When you choose your niche, it’s important to consider more than just your taste. Do some market research and make sure that there is a need and room for your greeting card business. You can get the answers you’re looking for by conducting a market analysis, which will help you scope out your competition and discover openings in your industry. During this process, you’ll also want to take a close look at how similar businesses are currently operating and how your business can succeed in areas they are not.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Step 2: Write a business plan

Writing a business plan is an extremely important step toward learning how to start a handmade greeting card business—whether you plan to work out of your home or on a larger scale. A business plan can help keep your business on track, outline your plan for growth, and prove your brand’s value to any potential investors. If you’ve already started your business, it’s not too late to write a business plan. In fact, it can be helpful to return to your business plan every so often and refresh it. Writing a business plan can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. You can make the process easier on yourself and ensure you’re doing it correctly by using a business plan template.

Choose a business name

Every good business needs a memorable name. If you haven’t already chosen a name for your business, doing so while you’re writing your business plan is a good idea. A strong business name should clearly represent your business, while being catchy and easy to remember. Let’s say you do find the perfect name (no easy feat!), you’ll need to dot your i’s and cross your t’s before you can call the name yours. What do we mean by that?

Before using a business name, you should make sure it is legally available. You can do this by reviewing your secretary of state’s website where you can double-check if your chosen name is already in use. A quick Google or trademark search for the name won’t hurt either. If your name is free and clear, make sure you reserve your domain name and social media handles before someone else does.

Choose a business entity

Another important decision you’ll likely make while writing your business plan is what business entity is right for your business. Deciding the legal structure of your business will help keep you organized and legally protected. Some business entity options you may want to consider are a sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation.

If you’re unsure of how you want to structure your business and what option will be most beneficial, then you may want to bring in the big guns. Hiring a business attorney or tax expert may feel like an unnecessary expense, but they can help you choose the right business entity so you don’t run into any legal or tax problems down the road. After you’ve landed on a business entity, you’ll have to register your greeting card business with the appropriate federal and state agencies.

Define your products and services

When you identified your niche, you took the first step toward defining your products and services. You’ll want to continue down this path and ask yourself some important questions about the products and services your greeting card business will provide.

What type of greeting cards will you sell?

What will you charge per card? For a pack of cards?

Where will you buy your supplies?

How much will your supplies cost?

How much will you spend on production?

Now you can take your polished business plan and use it as a helpful roadmap toward building a successful greeting card business. If you choose to seek funding to help launch your company, having a comprehensive business plan will also signal to potential lenders that you’re a responsible borrower.

Step 3: Apply for licenses, permits, and insurance

This next step is a bit of a doozy, but it couldn’t be more important. When starting any type of business, it is vital that you apply for all of the necessary licenses, permits, and types of insurance. If you don’t, you risk being hit with fines or encountering legal issues as soon as you start growing your greeting card business. Your location, business type, and business structure will determine which type of licensing, permits, and insurance you’ll need. Be prepared, you might need to apply for business licenses at the state, federal, and local level. If you’re not sure what is required for your business, resources from the SBA and your local chamber of commerce can help you get the ball rolling.

For the record, if you’re planning on hiring any employees, you’ll need to register for an employer identification number (EIN). You’ll need your EIN come tax time to start. If you are employee-free, there are still some benefits of getting an EIN to mull over.

Last, but certainly not least, you should research your business insurance options. For business owners who have employees on the payroll, you’ll need to carry workers compensation, unemployment, and potentially disability insurance. Even if you don’t have employees and are working out of your home, you may want to look into commercial property insurance or general liability to ensure both you and your inventory are protected. Your business attorney will also be a useful resource for this step.

Step 4: Find a spot to sell your cards

At this point, you know what you want to sell, but do you know where you want to sell your greeting cards? A storefront may be your dream down the line, but there are other great options for selling greeting cards that have lower overhead costs. An online greeting card business is a great choice as you build your customer base.

You can create your own ecommerce website or sell your cards through a digital marketplace like Etsy , which specializes in unique arts and crafts products. There are tons of ecommerce platforms for you to choose from once you decide what your selling needs are.

If in-person experiences are more your thing, you can sell your greeting cards through local boutiques. Or you can host your own booth at your town’s arts and crafts fair or farmers market.

Step 5: Obtain small business funding

You know the old saying: It takes money to make money. But who says you have to spend all of your own money? Small business funding can help you cover the expenses required to start a greeting card business. Equipment, supplies, employees, legal fees—you can use small business funding to help cover any of your greeting card needs.

There is no one-size-fits-all type of business funding, so consider your options carefully. And keep in mind, while traditional bank or SBA loans may have the best terms and lowest rates, these will typically be out of reach for startup businesses. Until you have a year or two of business history under your belt, here are a few common funding options to consider:

Business lines of credit : If you’re looking for more flexibility than a standard business loan , then consider a business line of credit. A business line of credit provides you with a set amount of money that you can pull from to fund business expenses. You only pay interest on the money you actually need, and it’s a great resource to have in case of emergency.

Business credit cards: If your business lacks credit history, then a business credit card may be a more realistic form of funding. A 0% intro APR credit card, in particular, can allow you to carry a balance without paying interest for a set amount of time—sometimes as long as 12 months. Just make sure you can pay off your balance before the introductory offer is over and a variable APR sets in.

Equipment financing: If your greeting card business requires equipment, then equipment financing can help you purchase it. In this case, a lender loans money to fund equipment purchases. Your equipment will serve as collateral for the loan, making it an easier type of funding to qualify for.

Startup funding: A brand-new business may want to consider some of the popular startup financing options such as SBA microloans or business grants. Some entrepreneurs have also successfully turned to crowdfunding to get their business idea off the ground.

After you secure your business funding, do your best to keep all personal and business expenses separate from each other. Opening a business checking account is a great step in that direction. You’ll need to choose between a business checking or savings account. More established businesses that have large amounts of cash available should take advantage of savings accounts that earn interest, but when you’re just starting out and don’t have a lot of extra cash on hand, a checking account with little-to-no fees is your best bet.

Step 6: Order and manage your supplies

The supplies required to create greeting cards aren’t expensive at first glance (paper, ink, glitter, etc.), but they can add up when you start making a lot of cards. You’ll want to keep your costs low by buying your supplies from a wholesale supplier. Before you place that first order, try to calculate how much inventory you should carry. That way, you don’t buy too little and can take advantage of any deals that come with buying supplies in bulk. This step will also help you better estimate how much you need to spend on supplies.

Once you’ve ordered all the necessities, create an inventory system that will ensure you never run out of supplies. Once you start selling your cards, you won’t want a lack of glue or craft paper getting in your way of fulfilling a big order. An inventory management app can help keep you organized.

Start Your Dream Business

Step 7: Market your cards

Your customers probably won’t discover your charming greeting cards without a little bit of help. Spread the word about your business by creating a marketing plan. By taking a more formal approach to your marketing efforts, you’ll ensure you stay on track with promotion even when other areas of your business take precedence. Social media, email marketing, or taking an ad out in your local paper can all help you find customers.

As a lover of paper goods, what types of advertising for greeting cards catch your eye? Take note of which aspects stand out the most and how you can apply them to your own marketing efforts.

On a similar note...

How To Write a Business Plan for Greeting Cards in 9 Steps: Checklist

By alex ryzhkov, resources on greeting cards.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Marketing Plan
• Bundle Business Plan & Fin Model

Greeting cards are a timeless way to show appreciation, celebrate special occasions, and connect with loved ones. In the US, the greeting card industry is thriving, with an estimated $7.5 billion in revenue in 2020 alone. With such a lucrative market, it's no wonder that aspiring entrepreneurs are eager to enter the world of greeting card business.

But with great opportunity comes great planning. To successfully start a greeting card business, you need a solid business plan that encompasses various aspects such as target market identification, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and more. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of creating a comprehensive and effective business plan for your greeting card venture in just 9 steps.

Step 1: Identify your target market and customer demographics. It's crucial to understand who your potential customers are and what they desire in a greeting card. Are you targeting young couples, busy professionals, or senior citizens? Gathering this information will help you tailor your designs and marketing efforts to appeal to your target audience.

Step 2: Conduct market research and analysis. Dive deep into the greeting card industry to identify trends, competitors, and potential growth opportunities. By staying informed about the latest market insights, you can make informed decisions and stay ahead in this dynamic industry.

Step 3: Define your unique selling proposition (USP) and competitive advantage. What sets your greeting cards apart from the rest? Determine your USP and leverage it to create a competitive advantage. Whether it's impeccable craftsmanship, eco-friendly materials, or heartfelt messages, make sure your cards stand out.

Step 4: Determine your pricing strategy and profit margin. Deciding on your pricing strategy is crucial for your business's financial success. Consider factors like production costs, market demand, and perceived value to set a pricing structure that not only covers expenses but also enables profitability.

Step 5: Develop a marketing plan and promotional activities. Your greeting cards won't sell themselves. Craft a marketing plan that includes online and offline channels, social media strategies, collaborations with influencers, and engaging promotional activities to create brand awareness and drive sales.

Step 6: Determine the required startup costs and create a budget. Starting a business comes with expenses. From designing and printing cards to packaging, marketing, and operational costs, understanding your startup expenses and creating a budget helps you manage your finances effectively.

Step 7: Identify potential suppliers and establish partnerships. Building relationships with reliable suppliers is crucial for sourcing quality materials and ensuring timely production. Research potential suppliers, negotiate pricing and terms, and establish partnerships that align with your business goals.

Step 8: Research and understand applicable laws, regulations, and permits. Ensure compliance with legal requirements by researching and understanding the relevant laws, regulations, and permits. This includes copyright laws, sales tax obligations, and any other industry-specific regulations.

Step 9: Define short-term and long-term business goals and objectives. Successful businesses set clear goals and objectives. Define your short-term goals (e.g., launching within six months) and long-term goals (e.g., expanding into international markets) to provide direction and focus for your greeting card business.

Creating a business plan for your greeting card venture is a crucial step towards building a successful and sustainable business. By following these 9 steps, you can lay a strong foundation for your greeting card business and bring your creative vision to life.

Identify Target Market And Customer Demographics.

Identifying your target market and understanding your customer demographics is a crucial step in developing a successful business plan for greeting cards. By accurately identifying your target market, you can tailor your products and marketing efforts to meet their specific needs and preferences.

To begin, conduct thorough market research to gain insights into the demographics of your potential customer base. Consider factors such as age, gender, income level, and geographic location. This information will help you understand who your target customers are and how to effectively reach them.

Once you have identified your target market, it is important to delve deeper into their preferences and interests. Understand their buying behavior, such as whether they prefer traditional or contemporary card designs, and the occasions for which they purchase greeting cards.

Additionally, consider the psychographics of your target market. This involves understanding their attitudes, values, and lifestyle choices. For example, do they value sustainability and eco-friendly products? Are they more likely to purchase high-end, premium cards?

To further identify your target market and customer demographics, consider the following tips:

Conduct surveys and interviews:

Analyze competitor data:, utilize online analytics tools:, stay up-to-date with market trends:.

By thoroughly understanding your target market and customer demographics, you can develop greeting card designs and marketing strategies that resonate with them. This will increase the likelihood of capturing their attention, gaining their loyalty, and ultimately driving sales for your greeting card business.

Conduct Market Research And Analysis

Conducting thorough market research and analysis is crucial for the success of any business, including a greeting card company. It allows you to gather valuable information about your target market, competitors, and industry trends. This data will enable you to make informed decisions and develop a solid business plan.

During the market research phase, identify your target market and customer demographics. This includes understanding their preferences, purchasing habits, and needs when it comes to greeting cards. This information will help you tailor your designs and marketing strategies to appeal to your target audience.

• Use surveys, focus groups, and interviews to gather feedback from potential customers.
• Study industry reports and statistics to understand the current market trends and opportunities.
• Monitor social media platforms and online communities to gain insights into consumer preferences and popular design styles.
• Consider collaborating with retailers and seeking their input on customer preferences and market demands.

Additionally, analyze your competitors in the greeting card industry. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling propositions (USPs). This analysis will help you differentiate your business and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Once you have gathered and analyzed market data, use it to refine your business and marketing strategies. Determine how you can position your greeting cards to stand out from the competition. Define your unique selling proposition (USP) and competitive advantage that will attract customers and make your business profitable.

Remember, market research is an ongoing process. Continuously monitor your target market, competitor activities, and industry trends to stay ahead of the curve and adapt your strategies accordingly.

Define Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and Competitive Advantage

When starting a business in the greeting card industry, it is crucial to define your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and competitive advantage. These elements will set your business apart from competitors and attract customers to your product. Your USP is a succinct statement that communicates the unique benefit your greeting cards offer to customers. It should clearly highlight what makes your cards different and why customers should choose them over others in the market.

Identifying your USP involves understanding your target market and customer needs. Conduct market research to determine what types of greeting cards are currently available, what features or designs are popular, and what gaps exist in the market. This information will help you position your cards to meet customers' unique needs and preferences.

• Tip 1: Focus on a specific niche or theme that sets your greeting cards apart. Whether it's humorous, sentimental, or eco-friendly, specializing in a certain type of card can help establish a clear USP.
• Tip 2: Emphasize the quality and craftsmanship of your cards. Showcase the use of high-quality materials, unique designs, and attention to detail that will make your cards stand out.
• Tip 3: Offer customization options to provide a more personalized experience for customers. Whether it's adding a personal message or allowing customers to design their own cards, providing customization can be a key selling point.

Additionally, understanding your competitive advantage is crucial for success in the greeting card industry. Competitive advantage refers to the unique strengths and advantages your business has over competitors. It could be lower prices, faster production turnaround, exclusive partnerships with artists, or any other factor that sets you apart.

To define your competitive advantage, analyze your competitors' offerings, pricing, distribution channels, and customer service. Identify areas where you can excel and differentiate yourself from the competition. Highlighting your competitive advantage will help attract retailers and customers to choose your cards over others in the market.

• Tip 1: Establish strong relationships with retailers by providing excellent customer service, reliable delivery, and easy ordering processes.
• Tip 2: Develop strong partnerships with talented artists or collaborate with local artists to create unique designs that cannot be found elsewhere.
• Tip 3: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and adapt your designs and marketing strategies to meet changing customer preferences.

Defining your USP and competitive advantage will guide your business strategy, help you target the right customers, and give you a competitive edge in the greeting card industry.

Determine Pricing Strategy And Profit Margin

When determining the pricing strategy for your greeting card business, it is important to consider various factors that can impact your profit margin. One of the key considerations is the cost of producing the cards, including design, printing, packaging, and any special features.

1. Research the Market: Conduct market research to understand the average price range of greeting cards in your target market. This will give you an idea of the price point that customers are willing to pay.

• Study your competitors and analyze their pricing strategies.
• Consider the quality and uniqueness of your designs when determining your pricing.
• Be mindful of any seasonal price fluctuations in the greeting card industry.

2. Calculate Your Costs: Determine all the costs involved in producing each greeting card, including materials, production, packaging, and overhead expenses. This will help you set a baseline price for your products.

3. Set Your Profit Margin: Define the profit margin you aim to achieve for each card. This margin will depend on your business goals, desired return on investment, and market competition.

4. Consider Quantity Discounts: Offering discounts for bulk purchases can attract retailers and incentivize them to buy larger quantities of your cards. However, be cautious not to compromise your profit margin.

5. Test and Refine: Once you have established your pricing strategy, it is essential to test it in the market. Monitor sales data, gather feedback from customers and retailers, and be prepared to make adjustments if necessary.

Setting an appropriate pricing strategy and profit margin is crucial for the success of your greeting card business. By understanding the market, calculating your costs, and aligning your pricing with your business goals, you can maximize profitability while offering value to your customers.

Develop A Marketing Plan And Promotional Activities

Once you have identified your target market and customer demographics, it's time to develop a solid marketing plan to promote your greeting cards business. Marketing plays a crucial role in attracting customers and creating brand awareness. Here are some important steps to include in your marketing plan:

• Define your marketing goals: Clearly outline your objectives and what you hope to achieve with your marketing efforts. Whether it's increasing brand awareness, driving sales, or expanding your customer base, having specific goals will guide your marketing strategies.
• Identify your target audience: Understand the preferences, interests, and needs of your target audience to tailor your marketing messages effectively. Consider their age, gender, lifestyle, and purchasing behaviors to create targeted campaigns.
• Create a brand identity: Develop a distinctive brand identity that resonates with your target market. This includes designing a memorable logo, choosing consistent colors and fonts, and creating a cohesive visual style for your greeting cards and promotional materials.
• Choose the right marketing channels: Determine the most effective channels to reach your target audience. This may include online platforms such as social media, email marketing, and your website, as well as offline channels like direct mail, local events, and collaborations with other businesses.
• Develop engaging content: Create compelling content that showcases your greeting cards and connects with your audience. This can include writing blog posts, sharing beautiful card designs on social media, and creating videos or tutorials that demonstrate the value of your cards.
• Utilize influencer marketing: Collaborate with influencers or bloggers in the greeting card or crafts industry to promote your products. Their endorsement can help increase brand visibility and reach a wider audience.

Tips for Developing a Successful Marketing Plan:

• Stay updated on current trends and incorporate them into your marketing strategies.
• Create a content calendar to plan and schedule your social media posts and promotions.
• Offer special promotions or discounts during peak card-giving seasons like holidays and birthdays.
• Encourage customer reviews and testimonials to build trust and credibility.
• Regularly analyze and measure the success of your marketing efforts to make necessary adjustments.

Developing a comprehensive marketing plan and implementing effective promotional activities are key factors in establishing a successful greeting cards business. Remember to continuously adapt your strategies and stay connected with your target audience to ensure long-term success.

Determine The Required Startup Costs And Create A Budget.

When starting a greeting card business, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the required startup costs and create a budget to ensure financial stability and profitability. Here are the key steps to determine the required startup costs and create a budget:

1. Identify the necessary expenses: Begin by identifying all the expenses associated with starting your greeting card business. This includes costs such as office space rental, equipment and supplies, licensing and permits, website development, packaging materials, and marketing expenses. By listing out all the required expenses, you can get a comprehensive view of the financial investment needed.

2. Research the pricing of necessary resources: Next, research the prices of the resources and materials required for your greeting card business. This may include the cost of blank cards, printing services, envelopes, design software, and any other tools you will need. By understanding the cost of these resources, you can accurately calculate the budget required for production.

3. Consider overhead costs: In addition to the direct costs of production, it is essential to consider the overhead costs associated with running your business. This may include expenses like rent, utilities, insurance, marketing, and advertising. By factoring in these overhead costs, you can ensure that your budget is comprehensive and covers all aspects of your business.

• Allocate a contingency fund: It is always wise to allocate a portion of your budget as a contingency fund to account for unexpected expenses or emergencies.
• Monitor and review your budget regularly: Keep a close eye on your budget and regularly review and adjust it as needed. By staying on top of your financials, you can ensure that you are on track to meet your business goals.
• Explore cost-saving options: Look for ways to reduce costs without compromising the quality of your greeting cards. For example, consider cost-effective suppliers or explore printing options that offer good quality at a lower price.

4. Assess your funding options: Once you have determined your required startup costs and created a budget, assess your funding options. This may include personal savings, loans, grants, or seeking investors. Evaluate each option carefully to determine the most suitable and feasible source of funding for your business.

By determining the required startup costs and creating a budget, you can establish the financial foundation for your greeting card business. This process will provide you with a clear roadmap and help you make informed decisions to ensure the success and profitability of your venture.

Identify Potential Suppliers And Establish Partnerships.

One of the key steps in starting a greeting card business is identifying potential suppliers and establishing partnerships. Finding reliable suppliers is crucial for ensuring the quality, variety, and timely delivery of your greeting cards.

Start by conducting thorough research to identify potential suppliers who specialize in producing and distributing greeting cards. Look for suppliers with a good reputation, a wide range of card designs, and competitive pricing. Consider attending trade shows or industry events to meet suppliers in person and get a better understanding of their products and services.

Once you have identified potential suppliers, reach out to them and initiate conversations about establishing a partnership. Share your business idea, explain your requirements, and inquire about their capabilities and terms. Ask for samples of their greeting cards to assess the quality, design, and printing options.

When evaluating potential suppliers, consider the following factors:

• Quality: Ensure that the supplier produces high-quality greeting cards that meet your standards. The cards should be well-designed, professionally printed, and durable.
• Reliability: Choose suppliers who have a reputation for delivering orders on time and responding promptly to any issues or concerns.
• Variety: Look for suppliers who offer a wide range of card designs, themes, and occasions to cater to different customer preferences.
• Pricing: Compare the pricing structures of different suppliers to determine which offers the best value for your business. Consider factors such as bulk discounts and shipping costs.
• Terms and Conditions: Review the supplier's terms and conditions, including minimum order quantities, payment terms, and return policies, to ensure they align with your business needs.
• Consider establishing relationships with multiple suppliers to diversify your options and reduce reliance on a single source.
• Regularly communicate with your suppliers to stay updated on new card designs, upcoming promotions, and any changes in their terms or availability.
• Negotiate for favorable terms, such as extended payment terms or exclusivity agreements, once you have established a strong relationship with a supplier.

Once you have chosen your suppliers, it is crucial to establish clear agreements and contracts that outline expectations, pricing, and delivery schedules. Foster open and transparent communication to build strong partnerships that benefit both parties.

Research And Understand Applicable Laws, Regulations, And Permits.

When starting a greeting card business, it is crucial to research and understand the laws, regulations, and permits that apply to this industry. Familiarizing yourself with the legal requirements will ensure that your business operates in compliance with the law and avoids any potential legal issues.

Here are some important points to consider:

• Obtain a business license or permit: Check with your local government agencies to determine what licenses or permits are required to operate a greeting card business in your area. This may include a general business license or a specialized permit for selling merchandise.
• Trademark and copyright laws: As you create and sell greeting cards, it is essential to understand trademark and copyright laws. Make sure that your designs are original and do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.
• Product safety regulations: Greeting cards may contain various materials, such as glitter or embellishments. It is important to comply with product safety regulations to ensure that your cards are safe for consumers to use and do not pose any health risks.
• Sales tax requirements: Research the sales tax requirements for your greeting card business. Depending on your location, you may need to collect and remit sales tax on each card sold. Contact your local tax authority for specific guidelines.
• E-commerce regulations: If you plan to sell greeting cards online, become familiar with e-commerce regulations . Understand consumer protection laws, privacy policies, and any other legal obligations that apply to online businesses.
• Consult with an attorney or a legal professional who specializes in small business and intellectual property law. They can provide valuable guidance and ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Stay updated on industry-specific laws and regulations. Join relevant trade associations or forums to network with fellow greeting card business owners and stay informed about any legal changes that may affect your business.

By thoroughly researching and understanding the applicable laws, regulations, and permits , you can run your greeting card business with confidence and avoid any legal pitfalls along the way. Remember, compliance is key to ensuring the success and longevity of your business.

Define Short-Term and Long-Term Business Goals and Objectives.

When starting a greeting card business, it is crucial to define your short-term and long-term business goals and objectives. These goals will serve as a roadmap for your company and will help guide your decision-making process. Here are some important considerations:

• Short-Term Goals: Short-term goals are the milestones you want to achieve within the next six months to a year. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). They should focus on establishing your brand, building customer relationships, and generating initial revenue. For example:
• Long-Term Goals: Long-term goals are the overarching objectives you want to achieve within three to five years or more. These goals should align with your company's vision and mission, and they should focus on achieving sustainable growth and profitability. Examples of long-term goals may include:

By defining both short-term and long-term goals and objectives, you will have a clear direction for your greeting card business. These goals will help you stay focused, make informed decisions, and track your progress as you work towards building a successful and profitable venture.

In conclusion, writing a business plan for a greeting card business involves several important steps. By identifying your target market, conducting market research, and defining your unique selling proposition, you can position your business for success. Additionally, determining pricing strategies, developing a marketing plan, and understanding applicable laws and permits are crucial for long-term growth.

Creating a budget, identifying potential suppliers, and establishing partnerships will help streamline your operations and ensure smooth production and distribution of your greeting cards. Lastly, setting short-term and long-term business goals and objectives will provide a roadmap for growth and success.

By following these nine steps and taking a wholesale distribution approach, you can build a profitable greeting card business that reaches a wide audience while offering convenience and accessibility to consumers. With careful planning and execution, your greeting card business can thrive in the competitive market.

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How to Start a Profitable Greeting Card Business [11 Steps]

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 02, 2024

Business Steps:

1. perform market analysis., 2. draft a greeting card business plan., 3. develop a greeting card brand., 4. formalize your business registration., 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for greeting card., 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for greeting card services., 8. acquire greeting card equipment and supplies., 9. obtain business insurance for greeting card, if required., 10. begin marketing your greeting card services., 11. expand your greeting card business..

Starting a greeting card business requires a thorough understanding of the market to identify opportunities and challenges. A comprehensive market analysis will help in shaping your business strategy, product offerings, and marketing efforts. Follow these steps to perform an effective market analysis:

• Research the current market size and potential growth, considering factors such as consumer trends, occasion-specific demands, and purchasing behavior.
• Identify your target audience by age, income, interests, and buying habits to tailor your designs and messages accordingly.
• Analyze competitors by evaluating their product range, pricing, distribution channels, and marketing tactics to find gaps in the market.
• Examine sales channels, whether it's brick-and-mortar stores, online platforms, or both, to determine the most viable options for your business.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, such as the rise of digital cards or the preference for eco-friendly materials, to ensure your products remain relevant.
• Collect feedback from potential customers to understand their needs and preferences, which can guide product development and marketing strategies.

Are greeting card businesses profitable?

Yes, greeting card businesses can be profitable. Greeting cards can be sold both in physical stores and online, making them a profitable venture for entrepreneurs. To increase sales, companies often offer discounts and loyalty programs to customers. Additionally, many greeting card businesses diversify their product lines to include stationery, party supplies, and other related items.

A business plan for a greeting card company should focus on creative design, market positioning, and distribution strategies. It is essential to outline how your cards will meet the needs and preferences of your target audience. Key aspects to consider are:

• Market Research: Identify your niche market, whether it's general consumers, businesses, or specialty cards.
• Product Design: Plan your range of greeting card designs, themes, and messages.
• Production Method: Decide whether to print in-house or outsource to a printing service.
• Distribution: Determine the channels for selling your cards, such as online platforms, retail stores, or craft fairs.
• Marketing Strategy: Develop promotional tactics to reach your target market, focusing on unique aspects of your cards.
• Financial Overview: Include startup costs, pricing strategy, and projected revenue.

How does a greeting card business make money?

A greeting card business can make money by selling their products to retailers or directly to customers. This can be done both online and through physical stores. For example, a greeting card business may target young adults who are celebrating their anniversaries or birthdays as a potential audience for their range of cards. Additionally, they may also target businesses who are looking to have custom stationary cards made for corporate events or meetings. Similarly, the card business could pitch its products to churches, schools and other organizations that use greeting cards as a part of their daily operations.

Building a greeting card brand involves crafting a unique aesthetic and emotional appeal that resonates with consumers looking to express their sentiments. Your brand should reflect creativity, warmth, and personal connection. Essential branding steps include:

• Brand Theme: Decide on a consistent theme or style for your cards, whether it's humorous, heartfelt, or artisanal.
• Design Identity: Create distinctive designs and visuals that set your cards apart and appeal to your target market.
• Brand Voice: Develop a brand voice that matches your card style, whether it's witty, sincere, or inspirational.
• Marketing Approach: Use social media, online marketplaces, and local shops to showcase your cards and connect with customers.

How to come up with a name for your greeting card business?

Naming a greeting card business can be a daunting task. However, there are a few steps you can take to make it easier. First, consider what kind of cards your business will make: funny, heartfelt, celebratory? Depending on your style, you could draw inspiration from the type of cards you’ll create. Second, pick a name that fits the tone of your cards. If you’ll be catering to a specific demographic like college graduates or new parents, choose something that reflects the audience. Third, incorporate keywords that succinctly describe your business. Consider adjectives like creative, innovative and joyful to add an extra layer of meaning to the name. Lastly, do some research to make sure that no other businesses are using the same name or something similar. With this plan in mind, you'll be able to find the perfect name for your greeting card business!

Once you've developed your greeting card business plan and have a clear idea of your brand, the next crucial step is to legally register your business. This will protect your personal assets, provide tax benefits, and help you establish credibility with customers. Here's how to formalize your business registration:

• Decide on your business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation) based on your needs and consult with a legal expert if necessary.
• Register your business name with the appropriate state authority, ensuring it's unique and not already in use.
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes, particularly if you plan to have employees.
• Register for state and local taxes, as required, to ensure you're in compliance with sales tax and state income tax laws.
• Secure any necessary permits or licenses that may be required for your greeting card business, which can vary by location and business type.
• Consider the need for copyright or trademark protection for your unique designs or company branding.

Resources to help get you started:

Explore the must-have resources for greeting card entrepreneurs to gain insights on market trends, operational efficiencies, and business growth strategies:

• Greeting Card Association (GCA) : Offers industry data, networking opportunities, and advocacy for members. Visit www.greetingcard.org .
• Mintel - Greeting Cards Reports : Provides market research reports with consumer trends and competitive analysis. Check out www.mintel.com for the latest updates.
• Stationery Trends Magazine : Focuses on the latest designs and business strategies in the stationery sector, including greeting cards. Access at stationerytrends.com .
• Paper Chronicles Newsletter : Delivers curated news, interviews, and insights directly from the greeting card industry. Sign up via thepaperchronicles.com .
• Etsy - Seller Handbook : Offers guidance for small scale entrepreneurs on how to effectively sell handmade and unique items, including greeting cards. Available at www.etsy.com/seller-handbook .
• How to Write for Greeting Cards by Greeting Card Expert: A book filled with advice on crafting compelling content for cards, perfect for anyone looking to understand the creative side of the business. Check online bookstores.

To ensure that your greeting card business operates legally, you must acquire all necessary licenses and permits, which can vary based on your location and the specifics of your business. Here's a guide to help you through this crucial step:

• Research local business licensing requirements by contacting your city or county clerk's office or visiting their website.
• If selling online, check if you need a home business license or permits for home-based businesses.
• Apply for a sales tax permit through your state's department of revenue if your state requires sales tax to be collected on physical goods.
• Consider whether you need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes, especially if you plan to hire employees.
• Look into any special permits that might be required for operating your business in certain zones or areas, especially if you have a physical storefront.
• Check with your local government about any other specific permits you might need, such as a sign permit if you plan to advertise at a physical location.
• Keep all licenses and permits up to date, and be aware of any renewals or inspections that may be required on a regular basis.

What licenses and permits are needed to run a greeting card business?

To run a greeting card business, you may need a variety of licenses and permits depending on your location. Generally speaking, you will need both a business license from your local government and a seller's permit from the state. You may also need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and any necessary zoning permits. Depending on the nature of your business, you may also need to register with state and local sales tax agencies and acquire any necessary health permits.

Securing your financial foundation is a pivotal step in establishing a successful greeting card business. Opening a business bank account keeps your finances organized and professional, while securing funding ensures you have the capital to grow and sustain your venture. Follow these steps to navigate the financial setup:

• Choose the Right Bank: Research banks to find one that offers favorable terms for small businesses, such as low fees and good customer service.
• Prepare Necessary Documents: Gather required documentation, which may include your business license, EIN, and articles of incorporation, to open your account.
• Understand Your Funding Needs: Calculate startup costs and ongoing expenses to determine how much funding you need to launch and operate your greeting card business.
• Explore Funding Options: Consider small business loans, credit lines, investor capital, or crowdfunding platforms as potential sources of funding.
• Develop a Solid Business Plan: A well-prepared business plan is crucial for securing funding, as it shows potential lenders or investors how you intend to make your greeting card business profitable.
• Maintain Good Credit: Ensure your personal and business credit scores are in good standing to improve your chances of obtaining favorable funding terms.

When establishing pricing for your greeting card services, it's crucial to balance affordability for customers with a profitable margin that supports the growth of your business. Consider the following points to create a competitive and fair pricing strategy:

• Cost Analysis: Calculate the total cost of production, including materials, labor, and overhead expenses. This will help you determine the minimum price to cover costs and ensure profitability.
• Market Research: Investigate the pricing of competitors to gauge where your services stand in the market. Offering competitive rates while providing unique value will attract customers.
• Value-Based Pricing: If your cards offer unique features, such as personalized designs or eco-friendly materials, consider value-based pricing to reflect their added worth.
• Volume Discounts: Encourage larger orders by offering discounts on bulk purchases, which can increase sales while optimizing production efficiency.
• Tiered Pricing: Create different price tiers based on card quality, customization levels, and order quantities to cater to a diverse customer base.
• Shipping and Handling: Determine if shipping costs will be included in the price or charged separately, ensuring customers are aware of the total cost upfront.

What does it cost to start a greeting card business?

Initiating a greeting card business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $6500 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your greeting card business.

Starting a greeting card business requires the right tools and materials to produce high-quality products that resonate with your customers. Here's a list of essential equipment and supplies you'll need to begin crafting your unique greeting cards:

• Printing Equipment: Invest in a high-quality printer that can handle card stock and produce vibrant colors. Consider the volume of cards you plan to print to choose between inkjet or laser printers.
• Paper and Card Stock: Select various weights and finishes of card stock to offer a range of options. Include eco-friendly and recycled paper options to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
• Cutting Tools: Acquire a precision paper cutter for clean edges and a die-cut machine if you plan to create custom shapes.
• Design Software: Use professional design software like Adobe Illustrator or InDesign to create your card layouts and graphics.
• Art Supplies: Stock up on drawing materials, paints, or specialty pens if you're adding handcrafted elements to your cards.
• Embellishments: Consider purchasing ribbons, stickers, stamps, and other decorative items to give your cards a unique touch.
• Packaging Supplies: Protect your cards with clear cellophane sleeves and have sturdy shipping materials on hand for orders.

List of software, tools and supplies needed to start a greeting card business:

• Computer ($500-$1500)
• Printer ($50-$300)
• Greeting Card Paper and Envelopes ($10-$50)
• Label Maker ($20-$50)
• Graphics Design Software ($50-600)
• Labeling Software ($20-$100)
• Printing Software ($50-$200)
• Greeting Card Design Software ($25-$150)
• Shipping Supplies (Varies - $0 and up)
• Website Hosting Service ($100-350/year)

Protecting your greeting card business is crucial to safeguard against potential risks and liabilities. Business insurance can provide financial security and peace of mind as you grow your creative enterprise. Here are some key steps to obtain the appropriate insurance:

• Assess your business risks: Consider the types of risks your greeting card business may face, such as property damage, theft, or liability for customer injuries.
• Research insurance providers: Look for reputable insurance companies that offer policies tailored to small businesses. Compare quotes and coverage options.
• Choose the right type of insurance: Common options include general liability insurance, product liability insurance, and business property insurance. You may also consider a business owner's policy (BOP), which bundles various insurance types.
• Consult with an insurance agent: A professional can help you understand the specific needs of your business and recommend the best coverage options.
• Review and understand your policy: Before finalizing, make sure you understand what is covered, policy limits, deductibles, and any exclusions.
• Stay proactive: As your business evolves, periodically review and update your insurance coverage to ensure it remains adequate for your needs.

Embarking on the journey of marketing your greeting card services is crucial for reaching your audience and establishing your brand. Develop a strategy that showcases the uniqueness of your cards and taps into the needs and desires of potential customers. Here are some key steps to kickstart your marketing efforts:

• Create a visually appealing website that highlights your card designs and includes an online store for easy purchasing.
• Utilize social media platforms to share images of your cards, customer testimonials, and special promotions.
• Build an email list to send out newsletters, discounts, and updates on new collections to keep your customers engaged.
• Attend craft fairs, local markets, and industry trade shows to network and sell your cards in person.
• Partner with local businesses such as gift shops or bookstores to sell your cards and expand your reach.
• Invest in online advertising through platforms like Google Ads or social media to target specific demographics.
• Reach out to influencers or bloggers in the lifestyle or gift-giving niche to review or feature your cards.
• Offer a referral program to encourage current customers to spread the word about your greeting card services.

Once your greeting card business takes off, it's time to scale up and reach new heights. Expanding your operations can open up a multitude of opportunities to grow your brand and increase sales. Here are some strategic steps to consider:

• Introduce new designs and categories to cater to a wider audience and seasonal demands.
• Partner with local stores and gift shops to sell your cards, increasing your market presence.
• Invest in online marketing, utilizing social media and search engine optimization to drive traffic to your website.
• Explore wholesale opportunities or collaborations with larger retailers for bulk orders.
• Attend trade shows and craft fairs to network with industry professionals and gain exposure.
• Expand your product line to include related items such as gift wrap, tags, and stationery.
• Offer personalized and custom card services for special events to attract a niche market.
• Implement a customer loyalty program to encourage repeat business and referrals.
• Consider international shipping to tap into global markets and diversify your customer base.
• Use customer feedback to refine your product offerings and improve customer satisfaction.

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How to Start a Greeting Card Business in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

Updated:   February 6, 2024

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The greeting card industry continues to climb slowly. As of 2022, the global market reached $19.25 billion in earnings with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.9% from 2023 to 2030. For those interested in opening their own greeting card business, now is the time.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to start a greeting card business. Whether you want to start a greeting card empire or just design cards as a side hustle, this article has the information and advice you need to turn your passion into a profitable business. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started!

1. Conduct Greeting Card Market Research

Market research is essential to starting a handmade greeting card business. Selling greeting cards means knowing about other companies selling greeting cards, who your target market is, how many cards are selling for, and trends in products and services.

Some things you’ll learn through market research include:

• The largest segment of the greeting card market is seasonal cards for holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day.
• While competition is fierce for major holidays, there are opportunities for more niche occasions like graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays.
• Focusing on a particular demographic or occasion can help new greeting card businesses differentiate themselves.
• In terms of distribution channels, around 62% of greeting cards are purchased in retail stores like grocery stores, department stores, and specialty card shops.
• Building an online greeting card business can help reach customers beyond a geographic area.
• Social trends also favor the greeting card industry. Consumers today are very focused on relationships and expressing themselves.
• Greeting cards are a way to do this creatively and thoughtfully.
• With the popularity of crafting, many consumers enjoy selecting and personalizing the perfect card for loved ones. This is an advantage smaller greeting card companies have over mass retailers.
• Greeting cards remain popular for their ability to convey sincerity, thoughtfulness, and personal connection. They are often saved and displayed as keepsakes.

To be successful in the greeting card market, new entrants should focus on:

• Standing out with truly original and artistic designs
• Targeting a niche demographic or occasion
• Offering customization options
• Building a robust online presence and distribution
• Using print-on-demand technology to contain costs
• Partnering with complementary businesses like gift shops, florists, and stationers

With careful positioning and execution, aspiring greeting card entrepreneurs can find plenty of opportunities left in this multibillion-dollar industry. Creativity and passion are often greater competitive advantages than size.

2. Analyze the Competition

To succeed in the greeting card business, you need to carefully analyze your competition, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Competitive analysis offers ideas on where to find small business funding, how to price products, and which greeting card company is the biggest competition.

• For physical stores, identify greeting card shops and other retailers selling cards within a 25-mile radius.
• Visit the stores as a customer and take notes on product selection, pricing, displays, store ambiance, and customer service.
• Look at how they merchandise cards and what niches or occasions they focus on. This will help you identify unmet needs in your local market.
• Research top greeting card brands like Hallmark and American Greetings online.
• Study their websites and social media presence. What are their brand personalities and how do they resonate with customers?
• Subscribe to their email lists to analyze promotions and new product launches. Look for gaps where a new brand could capture share.
• Search online marketplaces like Etsy to find independent card designers. Assess what makes their designs unique and appealing to customers.
• Look for common themes and trends in successful independent brands that inspire customer loyalty.
• Use Google Trends, Google Keyword Planner, and social media analytics to assess consumer demand around key greeting card topics and themes.
• Identify rising trends and untapped audiences. The tools can also show monthly/seasonal search volume patterns.

By thoroughly analyzing both local and national competitors across key dimensions, greeting card entrepreneurs gain invaluable insights into how to differentiate, set competitive pricing, design impactful merchandising, and identify their target audience. Competition research is crucial to strategy.

3. Costs to Start a Greeting Card Business

Starting a greeting card business involves both initial investments and ongoing expenses. Carefully estimating these costs is crucial when assessing the viability of a greeting card venture.

Start-Up Costs

• Business formation legal fees – $800-$1,000. Costs to formally establish your business as an LLC or corporation.
• Business license & permits – $50-$500 depending on location. Required to legally operate.
• Website design & development – $3,000-$5,000 for a custom-branded site with e-commerce capabilities.
• Inventory – $2,000-$5,000 for the initial run of card designs and packaging. The cost will depend on the quantities ordered.
• Equipment – $1,000-$5,000 for computer, design software (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite $600 annually), card printing equipment, and office supplies.
• Marketing collateral – $500-$1,500 for business cards, branded packaging, and promotional materials.
• Accounting software – $10-$50 per month for bookkeeping software like QuickBooks.
• Initial marketing & advertising – $500-$2,000 to promote a new business launch and offerings.
• Retail store space & build-out – $2,000-$10,000 for first and last month’s rent plus security deposit. Another $5,000-$25,000 for furniture, displays, counters, register, and decor.
• Staffing – $2,500+ per employee for the first-month payroll until sales commence.

Total initial start-up costs for a lean online-only operation could be under $10,000. For those wanting retail space or manufacturing capabilities, start-up costs can easily exceed $50,000.

Ongoing Costs

• Cost of goods – Expect 50% or more of sales revenue to go toward replenishing card inventory and packaging.
• Website hosting – $100-$300 annually for site maintenance.
• Staffing – Employee payroll including base pay, taxes, and benefits will likely be one of the largest ongoing costs. Plan $25,000+ annually for a single full-time employee.
• Software subscriptions – $50-$100 monthly for critical programs like email services, security, and design programs.
• Marketing – 10-20% of revenue should be reinvested into marketing, advertising, and search engine optimization.
• Merchant processing fees – 1-5% of transaction amounts for credit card processing.
• Shipping & fulfillment – Expect to spend 20-40% of online sales on packaging materials and shipping costs.
• Office rent & utilities – Typically $1,000-$4,000 monthly depending on location and space needs.
• Business insurance – $500-$2,000 annually. Recommended for liability and property coverage.
• Accounting services – $100-$500 monthly if outsourcing to a bookkeeping firm.

Ongoing costs commonly amount to thousands per month for small operations and tens of thousands for larger companies with employees and retail space.

4. Form a Legal Business Entity

When starting a successful greeting card business, one of the first legal decisions is choosing a business structure. The four main options each have advantages and disadvantages to weigh.

Sole Proprietorship

This is the simplest and most common structure for new small businesses. You and the business are legally considered one entity.

• Pros: Easy and inexpensive to set up. You retain complete control and get all profits. Minimal legal requirements.
• Cons: No liability protection – you are personally responsible for all debts and liabilities. Difficult to raise investment capital. Limited growth potential.

Partnership

Two or more co-owners share control and profits. Common arrangements include general partnerships where partners manage together and limited partnerships with silent partners providing capital.

• Pros: Easy to establish with part of the ownership agreement. Shared financial burden among partners. Can combine complementary skills.
• Cons: Joint and several liability – each partner is personally responsible for liabilities of the entire business. Partnership dynamics introduce the potential for conflict. Requires shared decision-making.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

LLCs mix the limited liability of a corporation with the tax structure of a partnership or sole proprietorship.

• Pros: Personal assets protected from business debts and liabilities. Flexible management options. Easy to add new members/investors. No double taxation.
• Cons: More complex to establish with articles of organization and operating agreement. Requires consistent record keeping and member/manager duties.

Corporation

Corporations are distinct legal entities from their owners. Ownership is through stock shares.

• Pros: Limited liability for shareholders. Additional credibility with customers. Easier to raise investment capital. Perpetual existence.
• Cons: Most complex and expensive to set up and maintain. Double taxation on profits. Extensive record-keeping keeping required.

5. Register Your Business For Taxes

One key legal task when forming a business entity like an LLC or corporation is obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.

An EIN is essentially the Social Security Number for your business. It uniquely identifies your company and is required to open business bank accounts, apply for licenses, hire employees, and file taxes.

Unlike a Social Security Number, an EIN can be obtained quickly and easily online. The IRS even provides a convenient EIN Assistant to guide you through the process.

To obtain an EIN, you’ll need identifying information about your business such as name, address, and ownership structure. The online application only takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. At the end, you’ll be provided your official EIN immediately.

In addition to a federal EIN, most states require sales tax registration if selling taxable goods. Sales tax rates and rules vary widely across states.

Common requirements include:

• Obtaining a state seller’s permit
• Collecting and remitting sales tax on taxable transactions
• Filing regular sales and use tax returns (often monthly or quarterly)

Use resources like SBA.gov and your state government’s website to look up specific sales tax obligations in the states where you plan to sell greeting cards. Factor these costs and administrative needs into your business plan.

6. Setup Your Accounting

Proper accounting is crucial for any business, especially a new greeting card venture. Setting up robust systems from the start will ensure you stay compliant, understand your finances, and optimize taxes.

Accounting Software

Investing in small business accounting software like QuickBooks is highly recommended. QuickBooks seamlessly integrates with your business bank accounts and credit cards, automatically importing and categorizing transactions to streamline bookkeeping.

It generates financial statements, sales reports, profit/loss summaries, and the tax-ready reports you need for fiscal year filings. QuickBooks plans start at $20/month and can be deducted as a business expense.

Professional Accountant

While software provides the essential infrastructure, most businesses benefit from an accountant’s expertise in reviewing their books monthly or quarterly. This provides an independent perspective to identify potential issues early.

A CPA can advise on maximizing tax deductions and credits available to your business. Come tax time, your accountant will already be familiar with your finances to handle required filings and tax payments on your behalf. Expect to invest $200-$500 monthly for these professional services.

Open a Business Bank Account

Never co-mingle personal and business finances. Open dedicated checking/savings accounts and credit cards solely for your company. This makes bookkeeping and reporting much simpler. Business income and expenses should never run through personal accounts.

Apply for Business Credit Cards

Applying for business credit cards helps establish your business credit profile which will benefit you when seeking loans or additional credit lines. Issuers evaluate business creditworthiness based on time in business, income, credit score, and personal guarantee by owners.

7. Obtain Licenses and Permits

Before selling your first greeting card, it is crucial to ensure your business has obtained all required federal, state, and local licenses and permits. Operating without proper registrations can lead to steep fines or even force you to shut down.

• Business License: Nearly all municipalities require a general business license to operate there, even home-based businesses. Fees are usually under $100 annually.
• Seller’s Permit: If selling products in person, online, or wholesale, your state will require a seller’s permit or retail sales license. This authorizes collecting and remitting sales tax on purchases.
• Fictitious Name Filing: If using a business name different than your legal name, register it with your county clerk. Known as a fictitious business name, DBA (doing business as), or trade name.
• Trademark Registration: Registering your business name, logo, and other brand elements with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides legal protection from infringement.
• Sales Tax Exemption Certificate: If planning to sell wholesale to retailers, obtain a resale certificate from your state tax authority. This allows you to sell products tax-free to resellers who will collect sales tax on their retail sales.
• Health Permits: If producing food products like greeting cards with baked goods, health department permits for your commercial kitchen are required, even for home-based preparation.

Always check federal, state, county, and city requirements to ensure your greeting card business complies with all licenses and permits. Seeing these registrations through prevents unnecessary legal risks and penalties down the road.

8. Get Business Insurance

Business insurance protects your company’s financial health in the event of unforeseen losses. While not legally required, it can mean the difference between survival and bankruptcy after an incident.

Consider these scenarios:

• A fire destroys your retail store or warehouse inventory. Without property insurance, you’d personally incur the full replacement costs.
• A customer trips and falls in your store, sustaining injuries requiring hospitalization. Lacking liability insurance, you’d pay their medical bills and any lawsuit damages.
• Your van delivering greeting cards is totaled in an accident. Commercial auto insurance could replace the vehicle. Otherwise, you take the loss.

Safeguard against catastrophic scenarios like these with business insurance tailored to your risks. Commonly recommended policies include:

• General liability – covers injury and property damage claims
• Property – insures business locations and inventory
• Commercial auto – protects company vehicles
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) – packages property/liability
• Workers’ comp – covers employee injuries

The process to get insured involves:

• Inventory your risks and assets to determine needed coverage.
• Researching reputable providers like Progressive and getting quotes.
• Selecting a policy with ideal coverage and premium cost.
• Completing the insurer’s application and providing requested details on your business.
• Paying premiums monthly or annually to maintain active policies.

Don’t let a single incident bankrupt your greeting card venture. Business insurance provides essential risk management.

9. Create an Office Space

An office provides a professional workspace for critical business tasks like designing cards, managing inventory, shipping orders, and holding meetings. The right space facilitates efficiency and credibility with clients.

Home Office

Many solopreneurs launch card businesses from a spare bedroom or basement turned office. This allows for maximizing profits by avoiding rent overhead. You can deduct a portion of household expenses like utilities, internet, etc. Home offices work for bootstrapped entrepreneurs or small operations. Lacking separate creative space can be challenging.

Coworking Space

Joining an affordable coworking space like WeWork provides amenities like conference rooms, printing , community events, and networking. The creative energy and flexibility to scale up or down are ideal for a dynamic venture. However, distractions can impede deep creative work. Expect to invest $200-$500 monthly for a dedicated desk.

Retail Shop

For higher customer traffic and selling cards in person, leasing a small store or kiosk may be advantageous. Having a physical presence where people can discover products often increases sales. However, the overhead of commercial space and staffing retail operations is significant.

Commercial Office

When your team grows large enough, moving into dedicated commercial office space brings privacy plus room for inventory storage, shipping operations, photography studios, etc. While most expensive, the right office becomes a productive hub. Expect $1,000-$4,000 monthly for a few hundred square feet.

Analyze your workflow, budget, and priorities to select optimal office space. Combine options like a home design studio plus a commercial fulfillment office to find the right balance for your greeting card business.

10. Source Your Equipment

Greeting card ventures require cardstock, printing equipment, packaging materials, office supplies, and more. Smart entrepreneurs utilize a mix of new purchases, used deals, and rental equipment to secure necessary supplies on a startup budget.

Shop basic printers, laminators, paper cutters, envelopes, stamps, and office items new from big box chains like Staples or Office Depot . Take advantage of coupons and rewards programs to save. Order specialty cardstock, foil, and design elements from paper suppliers like Neenah Paper.

Buying Used

Search eBay , Craigslist , Facebook Marketplace , and Nextdoor for steeply discounted used equipment like commercial printers, scanners, and electronics. Read seller reviews and test items upon pickup. Expect 50-75% savings versus new.

Rent higher-budget equipment like wide-format printers, die-cutting machines, and photography lighting from specialty rental houses to limit upfront investments. Payment plans are often available for longer rentals. Useful for large seasonal orders.

Multi-year leases through equipment companies get entrepreneurs premium equipment while spreading costs over time. Especially useful for costly machinery like foil stamping presses. Provides routine maintenance too.

Combining channels allows greeting card startups to secure essential tools while minimizing initial outlays. Buy used goods for the long term, rent for temporary needs, and lease expensive equipment.

11. Establish Your Brand Assets

Developing a strong brand identity is crucial for greeting card companies to stand out in a crowded market. Strategically creating core brand assets establishes recognition and trust with customers.

Getting a Business Phone Number

A professional business phone number lends legitimacy, allowing customers to easily contact you. Use a reliable virtual phone service like RingCentral to get a local or toll-free number with call routing, voicemail, conferencing, and texting features starting at just $20/month.

Creating a Logo and Brand Assets

A polished logo encapsulates your brand personality and helps customers remember you. Given greeting cards are visual products, your logo should be an artistic representation of your style. Services like Looka make professional logos easy, with options like abstract marks, lettermarks, and more starting at just $20.

Pair your logo with complementary brand assets like patterns, fonts, colors, and graphic elements to cement brand recognition. Apply these to your website, packaging, promotions, and cards.

Business Cards and Signage

Business cards put your brand in customers’ hands and get your name circulating. At networking events, trade shows, and sales meetings, cards enable easy sharing of your contact info and website. Services like Vistaprint offer affordable custom cards showcasing your logo and stylish design.

Store signage and window graphics also provide valuable brand exposure. Vistaprint’s fast turnaround and bulk order discounts make professional signs and banners cost-effective.

Purchasing a Domain Name

Your domain name is part of your identity. Pick a name that’s memorable, short, easy to spell, and includes your best keywords. Use .com if available or alternatives like .cards or .store. Check name availability at registrars like Namecheap , where domains start at around $15 annually.

Building a Website

An engaging website on your custom domain allows customers to learn about your brand story and shop 24/7. While DIY site builders like Wix make website creation accessible, hiring web designers on freelance marketplaces like Fiverr means handing creative freedom to experts.

12. Join Associations and Groups

Joining industry groups and associations accelerates success for greeting card entrepreneurs by providing invaluable connections and insights. Surround yourself with like-minded peers.

Local Associations

Look for local chapters of associations like the Greeting Card Association and the National Stationery Show . Attend their networking events to connect with other card designers, manufacturers, and retailers in your region.

Memberships starting around $100-$500 annually also provide access to industry blogs, webinars, discounts on supplies, and more. Trade shows let you showcase your cards and get product feedback.

Local Meetups

Attend small business meetups in your city through sites like Meetup . Groups focused on design, retail, marketing, and e-commerce provide targeted networking and growth opportunities.

Connect in person regularly to exchange business strategies and connections with fellow entrepreneurs. Meetups directly related to the greeting card niche are most valuable long-term.

Facebook Groups

Join Facebook groups like Card Making Only and Handmade Card Making Ideas/discussion to crowd-source advice 24/7 from thousands of card designers globally. Share your work and get feedback. Learn proven strategies that scale.

Surrounding yourself with industry peers helps greeting card businesses continuously sharpen skills, expand connections, and accelerate growth. Seek out local associations, meetups, and online groups.

13. How to Market a Greeting Card Business

Marketing is crucial for any business to acquire new customers and increase sales. Greeting card companies have many digital and traditional marketing channels to choose from when promoting their brand.

Start with Your Network

Leverage your existing contacts and past customers to spread the word. Satisfied buyers who had a great experience are often happy to provide referrals to friends and on social media. Consider thank you cards with referral codes or discounts to incentivize shares. Word-of-mouth is still powerful.

Digital Marketing Ideas

• Google Ads – Drive traffic to your site through targeted search and display ads. Focus on keywords related to greeting cards and gifts.
• Facebook/Instagram Ads – Run ads promoting your designs and driving to your online shop. Target by demographics and interests like holidays, stationery, and events.
• Email Marketing – Collect emails to build an audience to promote new designs and sales to. Services like MailChimp help automate drip campaigns.
• Social Media – Share your cards on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest using relevant hashtags and tagging greeting card accounts.
• SEO – Optimize website content for search engines through keywords, meta descriptions, alt text, and backlinks to surface higher in results.
• YouTube – Upload processes tutorials, product reveals, and business vlogs to establish expertise and personality.

Traditional Marketing Ideas

• Direct Mail – Send postcards and catalogs showcasing card designs to prospects purchased from mailing list providers. Include promo codes.
• Flyers – Distribute flyers highlighting seasonal designs and promotions at local shops, fairs, cafes, libraries, and community boards.
• Newspaper Ads – Local newspaper ads can promote an online shop or physical store, especially leading up to big holidays for gifts.
• Radio Ads – Short radio spots on local stations share your brand story and current card offers. Time around holidays for gifting.
• Billboards – Attention-grabbing outdoor billboards along busy roads showcase seasonal or everyday cards to commuters.

A strategic mix of digital and traditional tactics tailors marketing to greeting cards. Focus on affordable options with measurable results.

14. Focus on the Customer

Providing exceptional customer service is crucial for greeting card companies to nurture loyalty, gain referrals, and grow their reputation. How you treat customers directly impacts your success.

Some ways to increase focus as you create greeting cards include:

• Respond quickly to inquiries with thoughtful guidance to answer questions. Offer handwritten thank-you notes when customers provide feedback or share your cards on social media.
• Ship orders the same day whenever possible, and include small gifts like stickers, tea samples, or discount codes. Follow up after purchases to ensure satisfaction.
• When mistakes happen, sincerely apologize and make it right immediately. Send a free replacement card overnight or refund their money. Turn problems into opportunities to impress.
• Share new card releases and promotions with subscribers to show you value long-term relationships, not just sales. Seek genuine feedback on designs and use suggestions to improve.
• Experiences like these demonstrate you care and gain happy, loyal evangelists. Satisfied customers enthusiastically recommend you to all their friends seeking cards for birthdays, holidays, and life events.
• Exceptional service earns 5-star online reviews driving organic traffic and sales. Referrals from past customers become your most powerful marketing channel.

Greeting card shoppers have many options, so you must provide stellar experiences. Thoughtful customer service wins lifelong brand advocates who fuel growth.

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Beginner’s Guide to Starting Your Greeting Card Business

Main Sections In This Post Steps To Starting A Greeting Card Business Points to Consider Resources Knowledge Is Power Featured Video

We’re thrilled to present you with an enchanting glimpse into the realm of owning a greeting card business. This post graciously provides you with a captivating overview, complemented by a meticulously crafted, step-by-step outline.

Furthermore, we have curated a treasure trove of invaluable resources to assist you in your remarkable journey, both during the exhilarating startup phase and when your greeting card enterprise is open and bustling with creativity.

Prepare to be immersed in a wealth of information that will leave you inspired and equipped for success.

Feel free to mark this page as a cherished keepsake for future reference. And if this post captures your heart, we kindly encourage you to share it with others, spreading the joy far and wide!

Let’s get started with the steps.

Steps to Starting a Greeting Card Business

1. gaining an overview of what you’re getting into.

Here, we offer valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.

It is crucial that you take the time to carefully consider key points before venturing into the exciting journey of starting your own greeting card business.

Your thoughtful contemplation will greatly contribute to a successful startup phase.

a.) Is Starting a Greeting Card Business the Right Step for You?

In the realm of business, there is a key factor that stands above all others—YOU!

Understanding your personal sentiments towards owning and managing a business holds great significance.

Passion is a crucial element for success in your own business. It is the driving force you need. When you’re passionate about your business and problems arise, you look for solutions. On the other hand, without it, you’ll look for a way out.

So, how passionate are you about owning your own business?

Now, let’s consider an interesting perspective:

Imagine a life where you can do anything you want without restrictions and have enough money to last you for the rest of your life. In this situation, money has nothing to do with how you will spend the rest of your life.

Now, here’s an important question:

In this scenario, would you start a greeting card business?

If your answer is yes, it shows that you are passionate about owning and operating a greeting card business and are heading in the right direction.

However, if your answer is no, it prompts another question:

What would you prefer to do instead? Perhaps, you should pursue that path instead.

In summary, it is essential to be passionate about the business you are starting. Your passion will be the driving force behind your success.

For More, See How Passion Affects Your Business . Also, see,  Considerations Before You Start Your Business to identify key points for a new business owner.

2. An Overview of Owning a Greeting Card Business

Next, let’s spend some time on key issues to give you an overview of what to expect from owning and running your business.

a.) A Quick Overview of Owning a Greeting Card Business

Operating a greeting card business offers a unique experience. It involves creating and selling heartfelt messages that resonate with customers.

Success in this endeavor requires attention to certain key points, including understanding customer expectations and being prepared for the challenges that arise in this industry.

b.) Pros and Cons of Owning a Greeting Card Business

Creativity and self-expression, connecting with customers on an emotional level, the potential for recurring sales, and flexibility in product offerings.

Competitive market, fluctuating demand, need for continuous innovation, potential financial risks, and the requirement for effective marketing and customer engagement strategies.

c.) Greeting Card Business Models

Types of greeting card business setups and their business models can vary depending on the specific approach and market niche. Here are a few examples:

• Independent Greeting Card Designers/Artists: Individuals who create unique greeting card designs and sell them directly to customers through various channels, such as online platforms, local markets, or boutique stores.
• Wholesale Greeting Card Manufacturers: Companies that produce greeting cards in bulk and sell them to retailers at wholesale prices. These manufacturers often offer a wide range of card designs and cater to different occasions and themes.
• Custom Greeting Card Services: Businesses that provide personalized greeting cards, allowing customers to customize the design and message, and even add personal photos or artwork. These services may operate online or through specialized outlets.
• Subscription-Based Greeting Card Companies: Companies that offer subscription services, where customers receive a curated selection of greeting cards on a regular basis, either for personal use or to send to others. These businesses often emphasize convenience and surprise factors.
• Specialty/Niche Greeting Card Retailers: Retail stores that focus on specific themes or target specific markets, such as eco-friendly cards, handmade cards, or culturally specific cards.

Each of these setups has its unique business model, which can involve factors like pricing strategies, distribution channels, target customers, and marketing approaches.

d.) Making Your Greeting Card Business Stand Out

To differentiate your greeting card business, consider the following ideas:

• Unique Designs and Personalization: Create distinctive and eye-catching card designs that reflect your brand. Offer customization options for customers to add personal touches.
• Quality Materials: Use high-quality paper, envelopes, and printing techniques to enhance the overall look and feel of your cards.
• Innovative Card Formats: Experiment with non-traditional card formats, such as pop-up cards, interactive elements, or augmented reality features.
• Specialty Themes and Occasions: Focus on niche markets or specific occasions, such as eco-friendly cards, LGBTQ+ celebrations, or multicultural festivals.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Collaborate with local artists, writers, or illustrators to create limited edition cards or exclusive collections that captivate customers.

e.) Add-On Ideas for a Greeting Card Business

Consider these add-ons to enhance your greeting card business:

• Gift Items: Offer accompanying gift items like small trinkets, candles, or chocolates that complement the sentiment of the card.
• Custom Stationery: Expand your product range to include personalized stationery sets, notepads, or journals.
• Gift Wrapping Services: Provide professional gift wrapping options to save customers time and create a complete gifting experience.
• Event Planning Services: Offer event planning services for special occasions, such as weddings or corporate events, where customized cards play a significant role.
• Workshops and Classes: Organize card-making workshops or offer online tutorials to engage customers and foster creativity.
• Subscription Boxes: Curate-themed subscription boxes that include a selection of greeting cards, small gifts, and surprises delivered regularly to subscribers.

By implementing these add-ons, you can provide additional value to your customers and establish your greeting card business as a go-to destination for thoughtful and personalized gifting experiences.

f.) Questions You Need to Consider for Your  Greeting Card Business

Before embarking on your greeting card business venture, carefully consider the following questions:

• What type of greeting card business model are you considering? Determine whether you aim to create and sell your own designs, manufacture cards for wholesale distribution, provide custom card services, or focus on a specialty niche.
• Will you personally handle all the work, or will you hire employees? Decide whether you will manage the business independently or if you need to recruit a team to assist with various aspects, such as design, production, marketing, or customer service.
• Do you intend to manage your greeting card business, or are you considering hiring a manager? Assess whether you plan to take on the role of managing the business yourself or if you prefer to hire a capable manager to oversee daily operations.
• Are you interested in seeking partners or investors? Explore whether partnering with someone or seeking investment capital could bring added value, resources, or expertise to your greeting card business.
• Do you plan to start a home-based greeting card business, or are you planning on operating from a commercial location? Determine whether a home-based setup aligns with your goals or if establishing a physical storefront or office space is more suitable.
• Are you considering a physical brick-and-mortar setup or planning to operate online? Consider whether you want to have a physical store for customers to visit or if an online presence, through a website or e-commerce platform, will be your primary mode of operation.

Taking the time to answer these questions will provide valuable insights and guide you through the necessary steps to establish and grow your greeting card business.

3. Research

Greeting Card Business Research:

Conducting thorough research is an essential first step before diving into your greeting card business. Obtaining quality information is key to understanding the industry and avoiding unexpected surprises.

One valuable source of knowledge is experienced individuals who have run successful greeting card businesses. They possess valuable insights and firsthand expertise that you can rely on.

Investing time with these seasoned professionals can be invaluable. It provides an opportunity to tap into their wealth of knowledge and years of experience.

To assist you in finding the right people to connect with, I have compiled an article offering ideas on approaching them in a respectful and non-threatening manner.

The steps outlined in the article go beyond the scope of this post, so I strongly recommend reading it by following the link below.

This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what lies ahead in your greeting card business journey.

See An Inside Look Into the Business You Want To Start  for all the details.

Target Audience

Understanding your target audience holds significant benefits for your greeting card business.

When you have a clear understanding of your target market, you can tailor your offers to appeal to customers, providing products and services that genuinely interest them.

By knowing your target audience, you can:

• Develop greeting card designs and messages that resonate with their preferences and emotions.
• Offer personalized and customized options to cater to their unique needs.
• Create marketing campaigns and promotions that specifically target their demographics and interests.
• Build stronger connections and customer loyalty by delivering cards that align with their values and occasions.

Potential individuals interested in what a greeting card business offers:

• Individuals seeking heartfelt and meaningful ways to express their emotions.
• Gift shoppers searching for thoughtful and sentimental presents.
• Event planners and coordinators organizing special occasions and celebrations.
• Small business owners looking for corporate greeting cards and customized branding options.

Understanding your target audience allows you to align your business offerings with their desires, enhancing customer satisfaction and driving business growth.

For more, see How To Understand Your Target Market.

4. Looking at Financials:

Greeting Card Business Overview: Startup Costs, Revenues, and Profits

In this section, we provide you with an overview of essential aspects of a successful greeting card business, including startup costs, monthly expenses, revenues, and profits.

Startup Costs:

Accurately estimating startup costs is vital to ensure a smooth launch and progress from planning to opening. Underestimating may lead to financial shortfalls, delaying your business opening. On the other hand, overestimating can make your venture appear risky.

Factors influencing costs include the scale of your operation, chosen location, employee hiring, equipment purchase (new or used), and leasing options.

Create a comprehensive list of requirements and research prices, being open to unexpected expenses that may arise during the process.

For more detailed information, refer to my article on  Estimating Startup Costs.

Sales and Profit:

Sales depend on factors like the appeal of your products and services, customer demand, and effective marketing strategies that reach the right audience.

Profitability entails considering various expenses such as rent, payroll, and overhead costs. It is crucial to generate sufficient sales to cover monthly expenses and secure a reasonable income for sustained success in the industry.

For More, See Estimating Profitability and Revenue

Sample Financial Lists As a Starting Point

• SAMPLE List of Estimated Costs to Start a New Greeting Card Business :
• Business Licensing and Permits: $500
• Professional Fees (Legal, Accounting): $2,000
• Insurance: $1,000
• Office Space (if not home-based): $5,000
• Office Supplies & Equipment: $1,000
• Computer & Software: $2,000
• Website Development: $3,000
• Branding and Marketing Material: $2,500
• Initial Inventory of Greeting Cards: $5,000
• Equipment for Card Making (printer, cutter, etc.): $5,000

Total Estimated Start-Up Costs: $27,000

• SAMPLE List of Estimated Monthly Expenses for a Greeting Card Business :
• Rent/Utilities: $1,000
• Insurance: $100
• Office Supplies: $200
• Internet/Phone: $100
• Website Maintenance: $100
• Advertising and Marketing: $500
• Raw Materials for Cards: $500
• Shipping/Delivery Costs: $300
• Salary (self or employees): $2,000

Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $4,800

• Moderately Profitable Example of Profit and Sales for a Greeting Card Business in the USA :

Let’s assume the average selling price of a greeting card is $2.5 If you sell 2,000 cards per month, the total monthly revenue would be $5,000. Subtracting the estimated monthly expenses of $4,800, you would have a monthly profit of $200 before taxes.

Annually, this would translate to a revenue of $60,000 and a profit of $2,400 before taxes. However, remember that this is a simplistic scenario and does not take into account factors such as seasonal fluctuations in sales, tax implications, and potential changes in costs.

You can use the above samples for ideas and as a starting point. Every situation is different, and many factors come into play.

Remember, these are just examples. Your figures will be different. Starting a business involves careful planning and consideration.

Consider getting professional advice when calculating your business’s startup costs, expenses, and potential revenues and profits. Accurate financial planning is essential to the success of your business.

5. Choosing The Right Business Location

Operating in a region where there is no demand for your offerings can lead to failure even before your business launches.

Similarly, opening in an area saturated with competitors can make it challenging to establish your market share.

For some business models, operating from home is a viable option, especially for online-based or limited customer interaction businesses.

Starting from home allows flexibility, and as your business expands, you can consider transitioning to a commercial location.

Choosing the right location plays a pivotal role in your business’s success. Conduct thorough research to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.

For more about business locations, see Choosing The Best Location for Your Business.

6. Choose a Business Name

Choosing a Memorable Greeting Card Business Name:

When selecting a name for your greeting card business, aim for a catchy and fitting option. Your chosen name should be easy to pronounce and leave a lasting impression.

Remember, business names tend to remain unchanged throughout your ownership, so it’s crucial to select one that will endure.

Additionally, securing a corresponding domain name for your online presence is essential. Ensure that the name you desire is not already registered by another business.

To ignite your creativity and help you craft an original business name, here are 30 ideas:

• Heartfelt Expressions
• Joyful Moments
• Sentiments and More
• Crafted Wishes
• The Card Boutique
• Artful Greetings
• Thoughtful Treasures
• Celebrate with Cards
• Captivating Cards
• Blissful Greetings
• Whimsical Words
• Serene Sentiments
• The Card Gallery
• Unique Impressions
• Sparkling Sentences
• Delightful Designs
• Signature Cards
• Endearing Expressions
• Cherished Moments
• Expressive Elegance
• Imaginative Ink
• The Card Crafters
• Timeless Tidings
• Dreamy Greetings
• Crafted with Care
• Joyful Jottings
• Wordsmith Creations
• The Paper Emporium
• Treasured Sentences
• Artisanal Cards

Let these ideas ignite your creativity as you embark on finding an original and captivating name for your greeting card business.

For more, see the following articles:

• How To Register a Business Name
• Registering a Domain Name For Your Business

7. Register Your Company

Ensuring Your Greeting Card Business is Legally Compliant

When starting a greeting card business, it is essential to prioritize legal compliance to operate smoothly and avoid any legal issues down the line.

Consulting with a professional, such as an attorney or accountant, can provide valuable guidance to ensure your business is set up properly and enjoys tax benefits while managing liability.

Consider the following common types of registrations for a greeting card business:

• Business Structure: Determine the appropriate legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Each structure has different implications for taxes, liability, and operations.
• Business Name Registration: Register your business name with the appropriate state or local agency to secure your brand identity and comply with regulations.
• Tax Registrations: Obtain the necessary tax registrations, such as an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, and register for state and local sales tax if applicable.

Permits and licenses are also crucial considerations for your greeting card business. Here are some permits and licenses to be aware of:

• Business License: Check with your local government to determine if a general business license or specific permits are required to operate your greeting card business.
• Home Occupation Permit: If you plan to run your business from home, inquire about obtaining a home occupation permit, if necessary, to comply with zoning and residential regulations.
• Resale Permit: If you plan to sell greeting cards wholesale or to retailers, obtain a resale permit or sales tax permit to collect and remit sales tax on those transactions.
• Copyrights and Trademarks: Safeguard your designs and brand identity by considering copyright and trademark registrations to protect your intellectual property.

Remember to consult with local authorities, professional advisors, and relevant government agencies to ensure you meet all legal requirements for your greeting card business.

Registration:

• How to Register Your Business
• How To Register a DBA
• How to Register a Trademark
• How to Get a Business License

Business Structures:

• How to Choose a Business Structure
• Pros & Cons of a Sole Proprietorship
• How To Form an LLC
• How To Register a Business Partnership
• How To Form a Corporation
• How To Choose a Business Registration Service

8. Create Your Corporate Identity

Establishing a Strong Corporate Identity for Your Greeting Card Business

A Corporate Identity (Corporate ID) serves as a visual representation of your greeting card business. It encompasses key components, including your logo , business cards , website , stationary, business sign , promotional items, and more.

Crafting a consistent and professional design is essential to make a lasting impression on both new and existing customers. A strong Corporate ID enhances brand recognition and fosters a sense of trust and credibility.

Consider the following when developing your Corporate Identity:

• Logo Design: Create a distinctive and memorable logo that reflects the essence of your greeting card business. Ensure it aligns with your brand values and resonates with your target audience.
• Business Cards: Design professional and well-crafted business cards that feature your logo, contact details, and a brief overview of your services. These cards serve as a tangible representation of your business and make it easy for customers to reach out to you.
• Website: Build an engaging and user-friendly website that showcases your greeting card offerings, provides information about your business, and allows customers to make purchases online. Ensure the design and layout are visually appealing and aligned with your Corporate ID.
• Stationery: Create coordinated stationery items such as letterheads, envelopes, and thank-you cards that feature your logo and maintain consistency across all communication materials.
• Business Sign: If you have a physical store or office space, design an eye-catching business sign that prominently displays your logo and business name. This helps attract attention and reinforces your brand presence.

Remember, a well-crafted Corporate ID not only helps create a professional image for your greeting card business but also strengthens brand recognition and fosters trust among customers.

See A Complete Introduction to Corporate Identity Packages for more.

9. Writing a Business Plan

Crafting an Effective Business Plan for Your Greeting Card Business

A business plan is a vital document for your greeting card business as it serves multiple purposes:

• Securing Funding and Attracting Investors: A well-crafted business plan helps you demonstrate the viability of your venture and attract potential investors or secure funding for your greeting card business.
• Guiding Tool for Success: Your business plan acts as a roadmap, keeping you on track during the startup phase and ensuring smooth operations as your business grows.

Writing a comprehensive business plan requires careful planning and thoughtful consideration:

• Create a compelling vision for your greeting card business, outlining your goals and strategies for success.
• Invest time and effort into the planning process, as a well-crafted business plan provides a clear understanding of the necessary steps to start and operate your business effectively.

Consider these options when creating your business plan:

• From Scratch: Develop a customized plan tailored to your greeting card business by gathering relevant market research and financial projections.
• Professional Assistance: Engage experts such as business consultants or advisors to help you refine your ideas and create a polished business plan.
• Templates or Software: Utilize pre-designed templates or business plan software to streamline the process while ensuring a comprehensive and professional document.

Active participation is crucial, even if you hire a professional, to ensure your business plan effectively communicates your business’s nature and management approach.

Remember, your business plan is dynamic and can evolve:

• Regularly review and make necessary adjustments as you gain experience and adapt to changing circumstances.

By crafting an effective business plan, you set a solid foundation for your greeting card business’s success.

A Fictitious Sample Business Plan for a Greeting Card Business.

I. Executive Summary

Name of the Business: Creative Connections Greeting Cards

Creative Connections Greeting Cards aims to provide customers with high-quality, uniquely designed greeting cards that enable meaningful connections between people. The company will focus on offering a diverse range of cards suitable for various occasions and audiences.

II. Company Description

Creative Connections Greeting Cards will be a home-based business located in Anytown, USA, initially focusing on the local market with plans to expand online. The business is owned and operated by [Owner’s Name], who has a passion for art and helping people express their emotions.

III. Market Analysis

Market segmentation shows a broad potential customer base for greeting cards.

Our primary target market includes individuals aged 18-65+, with a secondary market in businesses looking for custom greeting cards.

According to market research, the demand for unique, personalized greeting cards is increasing as consumers seek more meaningful ways to communicate in a digital world.

We believe our unique designs and focus on quality will position us well within this market.

IV. Organization and Management

The business will initially be solely managed by the owner, [Owner’s Name], handling operations, marketing, and customer service.

As the business expands, additional part-time or full-time employees may be hired.

V. Services

Creative Connections Greeting Cards will offer a variety of greeting cards for occasions such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, graduations, and sympathies. We will also offer a custom card service for customers wanting a personalized touch.

VI. Marketing and Sales Strategy

Our marketing strategy includes building a strong online presence via a business website and social media platforms, attending local trade shows and markets, and establishing relationships with local retailers for distribution.

Sales will occur through our online store, local events, and in retail locations that carry our cards.

VII. Funding Request

Creative Connections Greeting Cards is seeking $30,000 in funding to cover start-up costs, which will be put towards business licensing and permits, professional fees, initial inventory, equipment, website development, and initial marketing efforts.

VIII. Financial Projections

With an average selling price of $2.5 per card and an initial target of selling 2,000 cards per month, we project a total monthly revenue of $5,000. After deducting the estimated monthly expenses of $4,800, we would have a monthly profit of $200 before taxes.

Annually, this would translate to a revenue of $60,000 and a profit of $2,400 before taxes.

IX. Exit Strategy

In the event the business needs to close, the owner will liquidate inventory, sell off equipment, and use those funds to satisfy any outstanding business debts.

X. Conclusion

Creative Connections Greeting Cards seeks to provide a unique, high-quality product that encourages and enhances human connections. With careful planning, a focus on quality, and a passion for helping people express their feelings, we believe this business has the potential to be successful and profitable.

Please note that this is a fictitious business plan and should be used for reference only. When starting a business, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and consider getting professional advice to make sure you’re making well-informed decisions.

For information on creating your business plan, see,  How to Write a Business Plan.

10. Banking Considerations

Selecting a Suitable Bank for Your Greeting Card Business

When choosing a bank for your greeting card business, consider opting for a nearby financial institution that specializes in catering to business owners.

Benefits of a separate business account:

• Simplifies expense tracking and bookkeeping.
• Enables clear separation of business and personal expenses.
• Provides documentation for tax audits.

Building a professional relationship with your banker:

• Seek their advice and financial services.
• Streamline application processes.
• Gain insights and assistance tailored to your business needs.

Accepting credit and debit cards:

• Apply for a merchant account or use platforms like Square, PayPal, etc.
• Enhance customer convenience and flexibility.

By carefully selecting a bank and establishing these financial arrangements, you lay a strong foundation for efficient financial management and seamless payment processing within your greeting card business.

For more, see, How to Open a Business Bank Account. You may also want to look at, What Is a Merchant Account and How to Get One.

11. Getting the Funds for Your Operation

Securing Funding for Your Greeting Card Business

If you need a loan to start your greeting card business, consider the following tips:

• Getting the Funds: Ensure you have a clear understanding of the funding required to launch and operate your greeting card business successfully.
• Funding Options: Explore various avenues for funding, such as traditional lenders, private loans, investors, selling assets, using collateral, or crowdfunding platforms.
• Meeting with a Loan Officer: When meeting with a loan officer, it’s important to be prepared and professional. Consider the following considerations:
• Clearly communicate your business plan and financial projections.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the greeting card market and potential profitability.
• Highlight your relevant experience and skills in the industry.
• Documents Needed for a Business Loan: When applying for a business loan for your new greeting card business, you may typically be required to provide the following documents:
• Business plan and financial projections.
• Personal and business financial statements.
• Tax returns and bank statements.
• Legal and licensing documents.
• Collateral documentation, if applicable.

By carefully considering your funding needs, exploring various options, and being well-prepared when meeting with loan officers, you can increase your chances of obtaining the necessary funds to launch and operate your greeting card business successfully.

See, Getting a Small Business Loan for more.

12. Software Setup

Software Considerations for Your Greeting Card Business

When it comes to software for your greeting card business, there are a few essential considerations to keep in mind:

• Researching Software: Take the time to thoroughly research available software options. It is easier to implement a program from scratch than to switch to a new system after your data is already stored in another program.
• Exploring Demos and Reviews: Look for software providers that offer demos or trial versions. This allows you to test the software and evaluate its suitability for your business. Additionally, read reviews and participate in online forums to gather insights from other users’ experiences.
• Expense Tracking and Financial Documents: Consider software solutions that can help you track expenses and prepare financial documents for tax filing. Consulting with your bookkeeper or accountant can provide valuable guidance in choosing the right accounting software for your specific needs.

Software commonly used in a Greeting Card Business:

• Design and Editing: Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, CorelDRAW
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM
• E-commerce Platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce
• Inventory Management: TradeGecko, QuickBooks, Cin7
• Accounting and Bookkeeping: QuickBooks, Xero, Wave
• Project Management: Trello, Asana, Monday.com

Selecting the appropriate software for your greeting card business can greatly streamline operations and enhance productivity. Evaluate your specific requirements and choose software that aligns with your business goals.

Check out Google’s latest search results for software packages for a greeting card business.

13. Get The Right Business Insurance

Ensuring Adequate Insurance Coverage for Your Greeting Card Business

Before any activity takes place at your greeting card business, it is crucial to have the appropriate insurance coverage in place.

Consider the following concerns when seeking insurance:

Comprehensive Coverage:

Look for insurance policies that provide coverage for various aspects, including protection for customers, employees, yourself, individuals on the premises, and your property. Comprehensive coverage safeguards against potential liabilities and unforeseen incidents.

Professional Liability Insurance:

Consider obtaining professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance. This coverage can protect you in the event of lawsuits arising from professional negligence or errors in your services or products.

Operating from Home:

If you plan to operate or manage your greeting card business from your home, inform your home insurance agent. Operating a business from home may have implications for your existing home insurance policy, and it’s important to address any necessary adjustments or additional coverage.

Consulting an Insurance Broker:

Seek the assistance of a competent insurance broker who specializes in business insurance. An experienced broker can guide you through the process, assess your specific needs, and ensure you have sufficient coverage tailored to your greeting card business.

By addressing these concerns and working closely with an insurance broker, you can protect your greeting card business against potential risks and secure the necessary coverage to operate with peace of mind.

For more, see What to Know About Business Insurance . You can also browse the latest Google search results for greeting card business insurance .

14. Select Suppliers

Establishing strong ties with your suppliers is paramount for your greeting card business. Securing reliable and trustworthy vendors is a pivotal element in your triumph.

They can offer competitive prices, enabling you to pass on savings to your customers and bolster your profit margin. Additionally, they can ensure a consistent inventory to smoothly operate your business.

Respecting your suppliers and ensuring mutual financial benefits is crucial, as this will foster a fruitful working relationship with them.

For More See,  How To Choose a Supplier.

15. Physical Setup

Create a welcoming and functional physical layout for your greeting card business.

Ensure ample space for browsing and comfortable customer flow. Arrange display racks strategically to showcase your cards effectively.

Incorporate a checkout counter that allows for efficient transactions and maintains a pleasant shopping experience.

In addition to installing your primary business sign, consider placing signage in key areas such as parking lots, exits, and designated sections.

Thoughtfully designed signs serve as helpful guides, directing customers and portraying a professional image for your establishment.

Office Setup:

Efficiently manage your business by establishing a well-organized office space.

Optimize productivity by equipping your office with all the essential tools and resources needed for effective management.

Ensure your workspace is properly furnished, allowing you to handle administrative tasks smoothly and attend to business operations efficiently.

See, Here are Considerations for The Setup of Your Office, for tips and ideas to make your office work for you. Also, have a look at our article About Company Signs.

16. Creating a Website

Website Benefits for a Greeting Card Business

A website offers numerous advantages for your greeting card business. It serves as a virtual storefront, enabling you to reach a wider audience and expand your customer base.

It provides a convenient platform for customers to explore and purchase cards at any time.

Additionally, a website enhances your brand visibility, and credibility, and allows for effective communication with customers.

For more, see How to Build a Website for Your Business .

17. Create an External Support Team

Supportive External Professionals for Your Greeting Card Business

Building a network of dependable professionals is crucial for your greeting card business. These individuals provide valuable advice and services, despite not being part of your payroll.

Ideally, you can engage their services on a per-project, contractual, or hourly basis. As you cultivate professional relationships, recognizing their significance and expanding your team becomes essential.

While it takes time to establish reliable connections, it’s an ongoing effort.

A robust team comprising an accountant, lawyer, financial advisor, marketing specialist, technical advisors, and consultants can be instrumental in assisting you whenever the need arises.

For more, see, Building a Team of Professional Advisors for Your Business.

18. Hiring Employees

Running Your Greeting Card Business: Initial Operations and Future Expansion

During the initial stages, operating your greeting card business independently without hiring employees can be a viable option. It helps control expenses, especially during the startup phase.

However, as your business expands, managing and operating alone may become overwhelming. Hiring the right employees can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency.

Here’s a list of potential job positions or outsourced services to consider as your greeting card business grows and achieves success:

• Store Manager
• Sales Representatives
• Graphic Designer
• Marketing Specialist
• Customer Service Representative
• Inventory Manager
• E-commerce Manager
• Shipping and Logistics Coordinator
• Accountant or Bookkeeper
• Social Media Manager
• Web Developer/Designer
• Copywriter or Content Creator
• Event Coordinator (for card displays and promotions)
• Print Supplier or Outsourced Printing Services

Remember, this list is meant to provide guidance as your business flourishes and requires additional support to sustain its growth.

For more, see, How and When to Hire a New Employee.

Points To Consider

A List of Equipment You May Need for a Greeting Card Business:

• Computer : A good quality computer is essential for designing and managing your business.
• Graphic Design Software : Programs like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator are often used for designing greeting cards.
• High-Quality Printer : To ensure the final product is of high quality, a professional-grade printer is necessary. Consider whether you’ll need an inkjet or laser printer based on your design needs.
• Paper Cutter : A paper cutter is necessary for cutting cardstock into the desired size.
• Cardstock : This is the material on which you’ll print your greeting cards.
• Printing Ink : Ensure you have high-quality ink for your printer, capable of creating vivid, lasting colors.
• Scoring Tool : This tool helps you create a clean fold in your greeting cards.
• Photography Equipment : If you plan to use original photographs in your designs, a good camera, and lighting equipment are necessary.
• Envelopes : You will need envelopes to fit your greeting cards.
• Packaging Supplies : Materials to package your cards for sale, such as clear plastic sleeves or boxes.
• Shipping Supplies : If you plan to ship cards to customers, you’ll need mailing envelopes or boxes, labels, and possibly a postage scale and printer.
• Work Space Furniture : This may include a drafting table, chair, storage cabinets for supplies, etc.

Remember, the specific equipment you need can vary greatly depending on the type and scale of your greeting card business.

It’s important to carefully consider your business model and do your own research before purchasing equipment.

Marketing Considerations

Attracting Customers to Your Greeting Card Business

Customers are the lifeblood of any greeting card business. To ensure success, it’s crucial to attract customers, especially during the initial stages when your operation is new and unfamiliar to people.

As you establish a solid reputation, the task becomes easier over time. Experience gained through marketing efforts further aids in this process.

Marketing your greeting card business is an ongoing endeavor. The more you invest in effective marketing techniques, the greater the potential for revenue generation.

You don’t always require a marketing agency or expert to promote your business. If needed, you can seek their assistance.

Simplify your marketing approach by focusing on raising awareness of your business whenever an opportunity presents itself.

See our article How To Get Customers Through the Door and our marketing section for articles that will provide ideas to bring awareness to your greeting card business.

Importance of Skill Evaluation for Running a Greeting Card Business

It is crucial to assess your skill set and determine if you possess the necessary abilities to operate a successful greeting card business.

Recognizing the importance of this self-evaluation ensures you focus on areas where you excel and identify any gaps that need to be addressed.

Remember, if you lack a vital skill, you have the option to acquire knowledge or hire individuals with expertise in those areas.

Essential Skills for a Greeting Card Business Owner:

• Creativity and Design: Ability to craft appealing and unique card designs.
• Communication: Effective verbal and written communication to connect with customers and suppliers.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of financial management, budgeting, and overall business operations.
• Marketing and Promotion: Knowledge of marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.
• Organization and Time Management: Efficient planning and task prioritization for smooth operations.
• Customer Service: Skills to provide exceptional service and address customer needs.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to market trends and changing customer preferences.
• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying and resolving challenges that may arise.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with relevant software, online platforms, and e-commerce.
• Passion for the Industry: Genuine enthusiasm for greeting cards and a strong commitment to the business’s success.

Expert Tips

Enhancing Skills through Expert Tips

Expert tips are valuable resources for both experienced individuals and beginners. Experts can discover more efficient methods and gain fresh perspectives.

Novices benefit greatly, by acquiring numerous tips to enhance their skills and knowledge, leading to continuous improvement in their craft.

See the latest search results for expert greeting card tips to gain tips and insights.

Valuable Resources for Your Greeting Card Business

In this section, you will find a collection of resources that provide up-to-date and popular information relevant to the greeting card industry.

These resources can be utilized both during the startup phase and when your business is fully operational.

By exploring these resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of the industry and access valuable tips to enhance your business practices.

Industry Trends and Statistics

Advantages of Monitoring Industry Trends and Statistics for a Greeting Card Business

Keeping an eye on industry trends and statistics offers numerous benefits for a greeting card business.

It provides insights into consumer preferences, market demands, and emerging patterns, enabling informed decision-making, strategic planning, and staying ahead of the competition.

See the latest search results for trends and statistics related to the greeting card industry.

Greeting Card Associations

Benefits of Trade Associations for Your Greeting Card Business

Trade associations offer several advantages, such as staying updated on industry news and gaining access to valuable networking opportunities.

These benefits become particularly evident when associations organize events, providing opportunities for knowledge sharing and expanding professional connections within the greeting card industry.

See the search results related to greeting card associations.

Top Greeting Card Business

Gaining Insights from Established Greeting Card Businesses

Examining established greeting card businesses can spark ideas for identifying gaps in the industry that you can address in your own business.

It also helps you uncover any overlooked aspects within your own business, fostering innovation and improvement in your operations.

See the latest search results for the top greeting card businesses.

The Future of the Greeting Card Industry

Advantages of Researching the Future of the Greeting Card Industry

For aspiring entrepreneurs venturing into the greeting card business, researching the industry’s future offers significant benefits.

It provides valuable insights into emerging trends, consumer demands, and technological advancements, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning for long-term success.

See the search results for the future of the greeting card industry.

Advantages of Researching Industry Prices for Starting a Greeting Card Business

Conducting research on industry prices provides key benefits for those entering the greeting card business.

It helps in understanding market standards, setting competitive pricing, optimizing profit margins, and making informed decisions regarding product pricing and positioning in the market.

See the latest greeting card prices.

Greeting Card Businesses for Sale

Considering the Acquisition of an Established Greeting Card Business

Exploring the option to buy an existing greeting card business that’s already in operation presents both advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of acquiring an established business include:

• Immediate Revenue Generation: You start earning income from the day you take over.
• Skipping the Startup Phase: By acquiring an existing business, you avoid the challenges and uncertainties of starting from scratch.
• Proven Business Model: The fact that the business is already operating successfully indicates that its operations are effective.
• Knowledge of Financials: You have insights into the revenue, profit, and expenses of the business.
• Existing Customer Base: You inherit a pre-established customer base, saving time and effort in building a clientele.
• Established Reputation: The business has already built a reputation, potentially providing a head start.

However, there are disadvantages to consider as well:

• Higher Cost: The purchase price is usually higher due to the goodwill associated with the existing customer base.
• Potential Customer Loss: If you intend to make changes to the business’s operations, there is a risk of losing customers, which can pose challenges.
• Inherited Reputation: When acquiring a business, you also inherit both the positive and negative aspects of its reputation.

Careful consideration of these factors is essential when deciding whether to purchase an existing greeting card business.

See the latest search results related to greeting card – businesses for sale to browse the latest listings.

Greeting Card Franchise Opportunities

Considering a Greeting Card Franchise: Pros and Cons

Exploring the option of buying a greeting card franchise offers advantages and disadvantages worth considering before starting a business from scratch. Additionally, exploring these opportunities may bring to light aspects related to greeting cards that you hadn’t previously considered.

• Proven Business Model: You can follow the established plan provided by the franchise’s corporate office.
• Leveraging Reputation and Marketing: Benefit from the existing reputation and marketing efforts of the franchise.
• Comprehensive Business Knowledge: Gain insights into all aspects of the business before making a commitment.
• Corporate Support: Receive support and guidance from the franchise’s corporate office.
• Cost Considerations: Acquiring a franchise can involve significant expenses.
• Limited Autonomy: Major changes require approval from the corporate office.
• Product and Service Restrictions: Operating within the approved product and service offerings is mandatory.
• Adherence to Franchise Agreement: The business must operate strictly in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
• Ongoing Franchise Fees: Franchisees are required to pay ongoing fees as part of the franchise agreement.

Evaluating the pros and cons of a greeting card franchise will help you make an informed decision about whether it aligns with your business goals and aspirations.

See the latest search results related to greeting card franchise opportunities to browse the latest listings.

Knowledge Is Power if You Use It!

Harnessing the Power of Knowledge for Your Greeting Card Business

Knowledge is a powerful tool when applied effectively! The internet offers a wealth of information specific to the greeting card industry.

By following the provided links in the following sections, you can access valuable resources to aid your research, guide you during the startup phase, and support your business’s full-fledged operation.

Stay informed and utilize the available information to drive your success.

A Day in the Life

Insights into the Day-to-Day Life of a Greeting Card Business Owner

Get valuable tips and insights from industry professionals, providing an overview of what to expect as a greeting card business owner.

Discover firsthand experiences and guidance to better understand the demands and responsibilities involved in running such a business.

See the search results related to a day in the life of greeting card business owners.

Engaging in Greeting Card Forums: Building Relationships and Understanding Perspectives

Participating in greeting card forums opens the door to engaging in hot-topic discussions and building relationships with industry peers.

It also provides valuable insights into customer perspectives, offering invaluable information for business owners.

See the latest search results related to greeting card forums.

Benefits of Greeting Card Business Courses for Skill Enhancement and Industry Knowledge

Enrolling in courses related to the greeting card business offers an excellent opportunity to learn, improve your skillset, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.

These courses provide valuable insights and help you enhance your abilities in this creative field.

See the latest courses related to running a greeting card business.

Greeting Card Blogs

Harnessing the Power of Greeting Card Blogs for Inspiration and Industry Updates

Subscribing to greeting card blogs is an effective way to gather ideas and stay informed about the industry.

Subscribing to multiple blogs and curating your collection based on value and regular updates, you can create a valuable resource providing a continuous stream of information to fuel your business.

Look at the latest search results for greeting card blogs  to follow.

Staying Informed through News Updates for the Greeting Card Industry

Utilizing news sources is an excellent method to stay updated on the latest happenings in the greeting card industry.

Setting up alerts ensures receiving timely notifications whenever new developments are covered by the media.

See what’s in the news related to a greeting card business?

Valuable Insights from Greeting Card Industry Videos

Watching videos about the greeting card industry provides tips, insights, and a wealth of knowledge.

Additionally, exploring related videos suggested by YouTube can lead to unexpected topics and perspectives that may not have been previously considered.

See the links to YouTube Videos Below.

• Videos related to starting a greeting card business can be found here.

Privacy Overview

Start a Greeting Card Business

Emotions for Sale: Crafting Cards that Touch Hearts

GREETING CARD BUSINESS

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How to Start a Greeting Card Business

A greeting card business sells greeting cards to customers. These greeting cards can be for a number of occasions, including birthdays, holidays, reunions and even funerals. Cards can either be sold directly to customers or to retail dealers. If they’re sold to a retail dealer, the dealer then sells the cards to customers. Some greeting card businesses operate online, selling cards to shoppers and shipping them.

Learn how to start your own Greeting Card Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a greeting card business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Greeting Card Business
• Form your Greeting Card Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Greeting Card Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Greeting Card Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Greeting Card Business
• Get Greeting Card Business Insurance
• Define your Greeting Card Business Brand
• Create your Greeting Card Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your greeting card business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Greeting Card Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your greeting card business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a greeting card business.

Startup costs are low, sitting at between $2,000 and $10,000. A greeting card business can be operated part-time, and it can  also  be operated online.

Startup costs include business insurance, product sourcing, talent sourcing, initial rent costs and advertisement. You’ll need a computer, a scanner, a high-quality color printer and desktop publishing software. You may also need database software to maintain mailing lists. You’ll also need a resale license to buy cards at wholesale prices.

What are the ongoing expenses for a greeting card business?

Ongoing prices include raw paper materials, which amount to roughly $0.25 per card. You will, however, need to source artist prints. Depending on a card’s artistic complexity, a print commission can cost between $5 and $200. Designs, diversified as they are, widely vary in price.

Who is the target market?

Your target market will be expansive. Because greeting cards can be sold to many people, your main target markets will be shopkeepers, hair stylists, insurance agents, dentists, doctors, apartment managers, car salespeople and event operators. You can sell cards for individual occasions—like birthdays—but you’ll sell more if you’re targeting professional groups. Often, these groups buy greeting cards in bulk.

How does a greeting card business make money?

A greeting card business makes money by selling greeting cards. Cards can be sold via a shop, in mall kiosks, online or through partnered retailers. Often, greeting card businesses sell specialized envelopes. Some may sell pens, ink and similar writing accessories.

A lot of greeting card businesses make money by selling cards in bulk to different retail centers. Some, however, decide to provide high-quality artwork cards. These cards, due to either being hand-painted or written, are normally sold in fewer numbers.

Greeting cards can be sold at about $2.50 each. You can sell a pack of six cards for about $7.50, so as to be cost effective and offer competitive bulk prices.

How much profit can a greeting card business make?

A small greeting card business can make about $45,000 per year. Larger companies, like Hallmark, make as much as $19.7 billion on Valentine’s Day alone.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Your designs matter. Make sure your card designs are of high quality. Also, make sure you’re well-connected with specialist printing companies. These companies should offer more than simple printing services. Ideally, they should be a one-stop-shop for card finishing materials—like glitter and foiling. They should also offer cello wrap and envelopes.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your greeting card business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a greeting card business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Greeting Card Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Greeting Card Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a greeting card business

Promote yourself through different retail outlets. The country has over 1,800 small greeting card companies, and most market through different retail chains. Keep an eye on local events, and offer custom services to businesses which need large-scale projects.

How to keep customers coming back

You’ll attract customers by offering unique, funny or memorable cards. You’ll  retain  them, however, by having a solid network of buyers. Again, connect with businesses. Use good time-management skills, organizational skills and marketing skills to profit on retail design businesses. Take advantage of Mother’s Day, Halloween, Christmas and similar holidays.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

The greeting card business is great for those with a taste for design, poetry, celebratory occasions and creative expression. It’s also a fantastic business choice for those who want to become printing specialists.

Ideally, a greeting card business owner will be good at marketing different cards. From “everyday” cards to special occasion cards, each will need to be trendy, relevant and memorable. For this reason, a greeting card business owner needs to be culturally aware, have a knack for humor and be a decent marketer.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a greeting card business?

Every day, a greeting card business sells various cards. This means it caters either directly to customers or to retail outlets. During the selling period, a greeting card business will stock, restock and sell products.

During its “off” hours, retail-wise, a greeting card business works on finding out what sells. A greeting card business’s line is an ever-expanding thing, and it needs a lot of consistent work. A greeting card business focuses on hiring production artists, visiting trade shows, researching trends and sourcing new art. While these processes  aren ’t necessarily daily processes, they’re important enough to be considered constantly.

Other daily tasks include financing, marketing, promotion, management, store cleaning, general maintenance and customer assistance.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful greeting card business?

Advertisement skills help a lot. Join Progressive Greetings Worldwide—which is today’s leading greeting card trade magazine. Also, go to trade shows. Connect with specialist greeting companies, and become incredibly knowledgeable about barcodes, identifying goods and handling products across distributors.

Market research is similarly important. A successful greeting card business operator will immerse themselves in the industry, find good suppliers and market their products effectively.

What is the growth potential for a greeting card business?

A greeting card business has a lot of growth potential. It can operate as a kiosk, as a small shop, as part of a larger shop or as a national distributor.

If a greeting card business is incredibly profitable, like Hallmark, it may extend its product line to cover other novelty items. In these cases, having an online selling outlet is advised. While incremental product costs are low—paper, ink, art sourcing—shipping costs are  also  low. For this reason, greeting cards mesh well with the ecommerce world.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a greeting card business?

Connect with distributors as soon as possible. Even if you’re creating your own cards, you should have a healthy supply network. Then, focus on advertisement. Keep overhead costs low, and use online seller portals to save on initial costs.

How and when to build a team

It’s possible to run a greeting card business alone. You can, however, hire two or three additional hands immediately to boost your output. Your team, as a greeting card business operator, will be more nebulous than most professional teams. Focus on building a loose network of artists, designers and print specialists.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• Greeting Card Association

Real World Examples

• Hallmark Greeting Cards
• American Greetings
• Masala Cards

Further Reading

• Things You Should Know Before Entering the Greeting Card Business
• Helpful Information from the Greeting Card Association

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Start a Greeting Card Business

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 Approved

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 94% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 136,044 times.

If you are into design and graphics, and love to make your own greeting cards, starting your own greeting card company could be a great way to supplement your income or start a full time business. There are a couple of ways to get started. One is to make cards directly for companies who hire freelance graphic designers. Another is to start your own greeting card company and sell products to companies or directly to customers. Some designers choose to do a combination of the two while they build their business.

Starting As a Freelance Designer

• Make sure your submissions include your name and contact information. For artwork, be sure to include a copyright on your work as well. If you would like to have your work returned, include an appropriately sized, pre-addressed, stamped envelope for the editor to use.
• Some companies, especially those with a certain mission, are looking for specific types of card designs. These can be themes that the company promotes, or certain popular events that people like to purchase cards for. Stay on message.
• When designing, look at the type of cards they produce, and how those materials will affect the medium you are working with.
• When submitting, think about the type of company you are submitting to. Larger companies will have diverse demands, but you will face stiff competition. Smaller companies can have a tighter focus on what they want, but will be more likely to gain acceptance as long as you fit their niche. Some designers like to start with smaller companies to get some work accepted and create a reputation, building to the biggest buyers. [2] X Research source

• If you are submitting text, the company will likely purchase your work outright for a flat fee (usually somewhere between $25 and $150). In general, jokes and other "punchline" work will command a higher price than poetry or verse.
• If you are submitting artwork, you will be able to license your work. This gives the company to reproduce your work for a limited period, and potentially in a limited market (depending on how you negotiate). You retain ownership of the work, and can license it to other companies as long as they don't conflict with your existing contracts. Flat fees for licensing can range from $275 to $500.

Starting Your Own Card Line

• Find your niche. Think about how you will differentiate yourself from other cards out there. Your niche is part of your larger brand. If you specialize in a certain type of message (funny, cute, crude), you may find it difficult to branch out as your name becomes associated with that style. [5] X Research source
• Decide what kind of cards you want to produce. You can either create pre-produced cards that people buy as is, or you can design custom-made cards for specific clients. This latter kind can produce more guaranteed money (given you already have a customer locked in instead of hoping someone will buy your work), but you also lose some creative control, as you must produce what the client wants.

• This research can help you define your niche. You will notice the groups that companies usually market to (which means they are most likely to buy cards), and may even notice underserved markets that you could break into.

• You can use additional materials like ribbons or buttons to create more elaborate cards, but this is only a good idea for custom-made cards. If you plan on mass producing, stick to card designs that can be printed, and don't require additional materials.
• Don't forget to include envelopes with your cards. You can buy them at most card stores, or make your own.. Most important is to make sure that your card will fit in the envelope. Depending on the theme or style or your cards, envelopes are another opportunity for creative design, so don't be afraid to add an extra design. [7] X Research source
• Learn some basic graphic design programs. Even if your artistic talents are not digital, being able to manipulate your work in a program like Photoshop can give you more design flexibility. Since you will be mass-producing your work, you will need also digital files in addition to the original pieces.
• If you intend to mass-produce, you will want a higher quality printer. Some designers will license their designs to a manufacturer in order to get higher quality prints, or use a shop such as Kinkos or Staples.

• Create a website to sell your cards online. Offer samples or prototypes to customers so that they can see the cards up close before committing to larger orders.
• Using an online store like Etsy or eBay, which can also help arrange for payment. Make sure you are familiar with the kind of users that populate these sites, and whether or not they fit into your target audience.
• Advertising using social media can be a good, cheap way to get some early advertising through friends and other acquaintances.
• Go directly to card stores. Get your cards into pre-existing stores by selling directly to the stores. You can help your prospects here by offering additional sweeteners, such as providing a display fixture, free shipping, or even buying out their "dead stock" (which can open up space for your cards to go on display). [8] X Research source

• Local government, including states, counties, and towns, have additional licensing requirements for new businesses. Make sure you contact local governments to learn those requirements, and to make sure you have all proper forms.
• Make sure you are paying the proper taxes. Apply to the IRS for a tax identification number, which you will use on the many tax-filing forms your new business will need.
• Purchase financial software. The hardest part of your new business will be keeping track of your financial information. A program like Quickbooks or Peachtree can be more effective than using pen and paper to track expenses and cash flow. [9] X Research source

Community Q&A

• Another way to work independently for a greeting card company is as a reseller or route representative. You wouldn't design cards, but will work as a vendor or stock card stores and other stores. It can be a good way to learn more about the market while running your own business. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
• Be prepared to accept returns. Sometimes people or businesses just don't care for what they buy. You don't need to give a full refund, but perhaps allow customers to exchange one card for another. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.powerhomebiz.com/question-and-answer/starting-greeting-card-business.htm
• ↑ http://www.artsyshark.com/2010/03/21/greeting-card-biz-insider-secrets-part-3/
• ↑ http://www.artsyshark.com/2010/03/13/greeting-card-biz-insider-secrets-part-1-3/
• ↑ http://www.entrepreneur.com/businessideas/niche-greeting-cards
• ↑ http://www.making-greeting-cards.com/card-making-paper.html
• ↑ http://www.making-greeting-cards.com/envelopes.html
• ↑ http://www.artsyshark.com/2010/05/15/8-techniques-to-get-your-greeting-card-line-into-a-store/
• ↑ http://www.wahm.com/articles/4-tips-for-starting-a-greeting-card-company.html

About this article

If you want to start a greeting card business, produce a number of cards within a certain niche or style, such as funny cards, upscale designs, or cards for a specific holiday. Print your cards on materials like thick cardstock or delicate rice paper. Once you have several designs, market your work on social media, online stores, and your own website. You can also sell your cards directly to a card shop, especially if you have one near you that sells local designs. For tips on selling your cards as a freelancer, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Start Greeting Card Business: 11 Steps and Strategy

Whether it’s for a special occasion or just to send some good regards, one can always show someone how much he or she cares with a fully customizable greeting card!

The world of business can open new avenues of interest around your art or craft passion. For the hobbyist, card-making is fun!

Have you been making cards for your own use, and are you now wondering if you should expand and sell your creations? Greeting cards are big business. People need them for countless occasions.

In This Article

Start Greeting Card Making Business

Not only do they send them to mark births, deaths, graduations, and anniversaries, but they also send them just to add cheer to a loved one’s day. Many people won’t even think about giving a gift unless a greeting card is attached.

If you have a unique idea for a line of greeting cards, artistic flair, or even talent with the written word, you can start a home-based greeting card business.

Be Creative

Working at home sounds easy, but it’ll be hard to earn a profit if you go overboard with your spending . If you’ve been making cards for a while, the start-up cost can be minimal, and the only upfront costs would be fees to show your work to your target shoppers.

If you see yourself enjoying the card-making process long-term , selling cards to sustain your passion can be a great way to go.

Visit several greeting card stores and gift shops to browse through their selection of greeting cards. As you browse, try to determine what is missing or how you can produce better cards. Search online for even more greeting card ideas.

Sell Online

Remember that many online cardmakers may have great ideas but don’t necessarily sell very well if they don’t know how to market.

If you can find a need in the greeting card business that hasn’t been completely dominated by another artist or card company, you can experience business success by filling it better than someone else is. Purchase the materials you will need for your greeting card business.

If you make handmade cards, you will need a range of special papers, pens, colored pencils, and embellishments.

If you design cards on your computer, you will need a desktop publishing program, scanner, printer, and card stock or photo paper. A paper cutter may prove helpful as well.

Build Home Base Office

Set up a home-based office in which you can create your greeting cards, market your business , and handle administrative and marketing tasks. If you don’t have room for an office, consider setting aside space in a finished basement, dining room, or even a guest room.

Stock your home-based office or space with basic office supplies and equipment as well as card-making supplies.

Set up your computer, fax machine, and phone in the same area. You can use this space for designing your cards and communicating with potential customers and suppliers.

Satisfaction is important

One thing to think about is your artistic style. The market is saturated, and competition is fierce, so a niche market or a unique look will help sell your cards. Do you have a drawing, painting, or collage style that makes your work pop and draws attention?

Some ideas you can try are:

• paper pricking,
• stitching on paper,
• pop-up cards,
• and paper quilling.

Explore your potential for a distinctive look in greeting cards. Make your style your own, and you’ll discover people drawn to your unique creations!

When you have selected what cards you will be making and selling, you will need to gather several accessories for your greeting card-making business. For digitally printed cards, you will need to have computers, scanners, designing software, and high-quality printers.

You can also outsource the printing arrangement. For other types of cards, you need to source beads, colors, blank card paper, and different craft-making items. You will find these materials from the local wholesale shop, or you can go for an online purchase.

how you can make your Business cards unique

Mimic a pattern.

Find inspiration from bold patterns, such as we did with a woven pillow. Mimic this pattern on a card by cutting a rectangle of card stock. Then tape down the horizontal ribbon and thread the vertical ribbon through. Use different widths and patterns to create a unique look.

Use Real Flowers

Add a touch of realism to a card with pressed flowers. Make sure your flowers have lost all their moisture before using them in a project, or they may turn brown. To attach the flowers, use dry adhesive dots.

Use Botanical Prints

Create an elegant look by punching botanical stems in the center of a mod card. Use warm colors to emphasize this botanical look.

Create an encouraging card with phrase stickers placed in a grid. Top it off with a simple flower detail.

Use Other Objects

Fashion a cute flower shape out of safety pins. Add beads to the pins for an extra touch. To hide the glue holding the pins together, adhere a button to the center of the design.

Personalize a thank-you card by hand-stitching ribbon in the shape of a flower. Complete the look with machine-stitched lines.

Use fabric to add texture to your card design. We covered a card with fabric pieces and then embellished it by machine-stitching other fabric pieces onto the card. For an extra special touch, create a flower out of sewn-together pouches.

The last element to consider for a small business is a website. Many online platforms offer tools for building a website on your own. Try a few sites out before giving up because they are not all made alike. Your own knowledge of computers will make one platform easier to use than another.

As your greeting card-making business grows, you can apply for a Patent and Copyright License. You will need to submit the designs and your company name with a specific application format and fees.

Similar Posts:

• 51+ Flower Business Ideas: Blooming Profits in a Petal Paradise
• Ultimate Guide to Crafting Professional Voicemail Greetings
• 59+ Valentine’s Day Business Ideas: Heartfelt Ventures for Entrepreneurs
• 65+ Crafty Business Ideas 101: Creative Ventures for Success
• A Smart Guide On Using Credit Card To Finance Your Small Business

Business, marketing, and blogging – these three words describe me the best. I am the founder of Burban Branding and Media, and a self-taught marketer with 10 years of experience. My passion lies in helping startups enhance their business through marketing, HR, leadership, and finance. I am on a mission to assist businesses in achieving their goals.

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How to Start a Greeting Card Business in 2023?

Sanjoli jain, table of content, decide your target audience, which one should you choose: readymade cards or personalized cards, what will the greeting card industry look like in 2023, step 1: visibility through your website and ecommerce store, step 2: design phase: adapt a product design tool, step 3: the printing phase, step 4: define marketing strategies, cost vs. benefit: maximize the profit, step 5: delivery and logistics management, start a greeting card business: work with experts.

It’s your birthday, and amidst the hundreds of wishes you receive through WhatsApp, Instagram stories, and DMs, one wish catches your heart.

It’s a personalized card from your mother featuring a special moment and a heartfelt message.

Cards surely have a unique power to connect us emotionally.

Even in this digital age, they remain a popular choice, with nine out of every ten households buying greeting cards each year.

In the US alone, around 7 billion greeting Cards are purchased annually, making it a thriving $7.5 billion industry.

So, if you want to start your greeting card business, make an announcement already, or just simply say thanks. Because we’ve got you covered. We have put together this detailed guide that will answer all your questions from “How to start a Greeting Card Business?” to “How to frame the perfect greeting card business plan?”.

Create a full-proof, well-planned, legally compliant, customer-friendly greeting card business plan. Let’s start.

Deciding the target audience or the target market is the essential step zero. You cannot probably sell without knowing who you’re trying to sell to. Decide what audience you want to target. Deciding this at an early stage is essential so that you can create designs that appeal to those audiences. You must go through a series of steps to decide your target audience. Let’s look at them one by one.

1. Find your Niche

You need to think of a strategy that would mark your identity and would differentiate you from the pool of competitors. Defining a unique niche is a part of your larger brand strategy . A lot of things will depend on the niche of your business, like the name, specialization, marketing strategies and so on.

Once you specialize in a certain type of message, you may find it difficult to branch out because the name you chose for your business may or may not align with your new specialization. So, it is better to know it all before you begin.

2. Greeting Card Type

Decide what kind of cards you are going to design. Categorization could be based on size, material and so on. Ask yourself all sorts of questions and brainstorm. All these questions will help you decide your inventory and supplies and will eventually help you estimate the cost of your plan.

• Size Decide the size of your cards. What kind of size are you going to offer? Are you going to offer multiple fixed sizes options? Are you going to offer custom sizes?
• Material Choose the material that you’re going to offer. There can be a wide range of materials to choose from like paper, cardboard, reusable material and so on.

Top Greeting Card Companies: Learning Popular Card Types, and Trends from Them

Below are the 4 popular greeting card companies and what they are good at.

1. LovePop Cards

LovePop is more than just a greeting card that unfolds like a miniature surprise. The company creates 3D paper sculptures for every occasion designed by naval engineers on cutting-edge software and then hand-crafted in the Asian art form.

3D elements have been a popular choice on greeting cards. Embracing such latest technologies will make you stand apart.

2. One-per-Week

It is a monthly subscription that sells high-quality cards. Each box comes with 4-5 greeting cards plus color pens, vintage stamps, and more. Cards are centered around themes like birds, food, and puns.

(OPW’s Weekly Card Subscription)

Currently, this type of business model is growing at an exceptional rate. The subscription-based business model is a good option to give your business the sustainability it requires.

3. EcoFriendlyCards

Sustainability is at the core of this company. Their cards are made of flower seeds and are 100% recycled. Card designs are handmade from cut and torn mulberry paper, glitter, and paint. The real magic happens after shoppers buy cards. After planting a card in a pot, it will grow into a beautiful flower.

(Cards that Grow Into Flowers)

Shoppers today have become too environmentally conscious. And hence, brands like this one are winning over shoppers. Launching a greeting card business in this niche can be a profitable business idea.

4. CardsDirect

CardsDirect is a Texas-based company selling cards for all occasions. What sets them apart from others is their card designer tool . Using the tool, shoppers can customize their cards by adding logos, images, signatures, etc.

Want to learn more? Discover the distinct functionalities of our intuitive tool by clicking the link below.

This allows them to provide an extensive range of cards for every occasion, as their customers can customize the cards and add any message they wish to add.

You too can provide a diverse selection of greeting cards by implementing a Product Designer Tool.

This powerful tool enables your customers to add their personal touch online, designing cards for any occasion and expressing themselves through unique elements and text.

You can also easily offer such a range of greeting cards and cater to every unique need of your customers. Implementing Web to Print Software will empower your customers to add their personal touch to their cards online.

So, they can design greeting cards for any occasion, and personalize them with unique elements and text they want to express.

Check out the link below to see all the distinct functionalities of our intuitive tool and deliver your visitors exactly what they desire.

Either offer readymade cards or personalized cards or offer both of them. Although custom-made cards produce more guaranteed money. You may lose some creative control, as you must produce what the client wants. Therefore, offering both types of cards can be a plus point too. You can also showcase your creativity through readymade cards. By offering personalization, you can let your customers design the cards as they want.

(Personalized Greeting Card)

Personalized Cards: A Major Growth Driver for Your Startup

You must be wondering why there is a big difference between personalized cards and readymade ones. Well, the answer is simple. Customers love things made specially just for them. A great way to make customers happier and keep them engaged.

Deloitte found that 1 out of every 5 customers is willing to pay 20% more for a personalized exclusive product that is designed just for them. Another study on creating customer loyalty through customization states that:

“customization increases perceived service quality, customer satisfaction, customer trust, and ultimately customer loyalty toward a service provider.”

Your customers can upload photos, write messages, add designs of their choice, and send ready files for printing. Customer experience finds value through exclusivity in the form of customized products. It gives them the feeling of something unique and something specific that works in just the way they want.

We can help you enable offering custom greeting cards in your store. Built by industry experts, our fully-functional product designer tool is easily integrable with all eCommerce platforms. To know how, get in touch with our industry experts.

Keep track of new greeting card business by reviewing submission guidelines, requirement statistics, by visiting card stores, fairs etc. It is a good way to find out what is trending, what is not and what sorts of cards are people looking for.

These stats can also play a role in defining your niche. Let’s have a look at some of the latest trends in the industry. You can also get a good idea about the conventional market, which could help you try breaking the conventions to offer something unique.

Customized greeting cards are becoming more common. This trend is bolstered by the companies’ emergence, allowing their customers to create cards as and when they want quickly.

Millennials and younger consumers are on the lookout for cards with relatable content containing cheeky or informal messages. These cards cater to the need for a more comedic, informal way of communicating. Many smaller businesses are creating these cards, and industry experts expect that they will continue to grow.

Social media seems to be the number one choice for card companies for branding, promoting their products, and creating a loyal fan base. Brands like Hallmark are doing a great job on social media. If you were to check their Instagram profile , they hardly post promotional content. They have gathered a massive following of more than 200K by sharing inspirational messages, behind the scene videos, tips, giveaways, and more.

Also Read: A Step-by-Step Guide on Selling Invitations Online

So, you’re ready with your step Zero and you’ve thought it all through. You know your niche, type of cards, type of products and so on. We bring you a 5-step implementation plan, to start with the successful execution of your Business Idea.

The first and foremost step in your greeting card business plan is to build your online presence and improve your visibility.

You can also go with a traditional offline store; you and I both know that the world is going digital.

With the global e-commerce market likely to reach more than $8 trillion by 2026 , having an eCommerce store is definitely a better option.

You will need an eCommerce store to sell your products and showcase your offerings. You can easily build your online presence if you go through the following steps.

You will need to register a domain name and build a website. You can create your own website and customize it to mark a benchmark of your brand. You can either build an eCommerce website directly or can build a separate website and then integrate your eCommerce store into it.

ii) E-commerce Platform

Selecting the right e-commerce platform is a crucial step. There’s a pool of options to choose from. Since we are looking for a specific use-case that is building it for our greeting card print shop or website. You can categorize your selection on the basis of licensing, cost of development, customization, support services and so on.

Magento, Shopify and WooCommerce are three popular ecommerce platforms with active communities for developers for support. Magento is the popular choice for larger enterprises and for someone who needs flexible customization. Shopify and WooCommerce on the other hand are hassle-free to start with. You can easily integrate the store into your website and get up and running within days. Each platform has its own pros and cons. To know more about these platforms, you can visit this detailed guide .

iii) Business App

You can also create and launch your own app. Having your own app can also work towards building brand recognition.

At PrintXpand, we provide comprehensive solutions to help you effortlessly start your own greeting card business.

We offer personalized eCommerce platforms tailored to your specific business requirements.

Additionally, we can assist you in developing a native Mobile2Print application for wider customer engagement. Our experts will guide you through the setup process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

iv) Social Media

You can build a social media page to publish your content and improve your reach. With most millennials and young generation active on social media these days and with your unique product offering, you are surely going to get good business.

You’ve set up your website, app, e-commerce store, and social media account. Now, all you need to do is come up with eye-catching designs that lure customers to your store. The more unique your designs the more likely customers are to click on your website. As we noticed earlier, product personalization is trending these days. And to let your customers implement this on their own, you will need a Product Customization tool.

A product personalization tool is a Web-to-Print software with diverse features for your customers to create customized designs. All you need to do after that is print those designs. An Intuitive W2P product design tool consists of everything that you would expect from an online product design tool, from diverse customization features to print-ready designs.

Ideally, most tools provide a huge library of images, texts, clipart and ready templates. A fully-responsive designer tool is also perfect to create personalized designs on every printable material. It can have element-based pricing, design-based pricing and so on. Pick a tool that gives you full control over its offerings and flexibility.

After your customers design their products, the next step would be to print those designs. Planning the printing phase involves planning everything from the printing methods, supplies, to the printing infrastructure. Let’s have a detailed look at all these aspects.

A. Printing Methods

There are multiple types of printing methods . Choose your printing methods first so that you can make sure of your supplies and the infrastructure. It is necessary to select a printing method that gives the desired result.

While choosing the printing method, think about the factors like quality of the output, required resolution, compatibility of the printing method with your product design tool, and so on.

Some of the popular printing methods are engraving, thermography, foil stamping, embossing, digital printing, etc.

Digital Printing is one of the most common methods that uses four colors of ink to create intricate designs and lettering, applied in small dots. Plus, digital painting requires an image resolution of 300 dpi. It ensures better image quality and output.

B. Manage your Supplies

Note down all the supplies that you’ll need and look out for similar suppliers. You will need necessary supplies like cards, paper, ink and so on. Find wholesale suppliers through industry contacts, trade journals, internet and so on.

You can go according to your budget and choose the one that best suits your budget. But I would suggest not to go for low quality products solely because of the budget. It is about customer satisfaction in the end. To manage these supplies, you can opt for various Inventory management software too.

C. Infrastructure

Set up the infrastructure pertaining to the printing method you choose. Setup a professional workspace with required instruments. The printing instruments that you buy will depend on the printing methods that you choose. You can hire professionals to help you with everything. You can sign a third-party contract and give the printing consignments to well-equipped print professionals.

Your customer probably won’t discover your charming cards without you marketing them. Your greeting card business plan needs effective marketing strategies. The best marketing technique for new businesses is word-of-mouth. As you grow you can work out on a more formal approach to your marketing strategies. Marketing strategies must include social media marketing, email marketing. You can also create and launch ads and have your business review printed in the local newspapers.

Promote yourself through various retail outlets. Showcase some sample designs on your ecommerce stores and social media. Advertising through social media is a good, cheap way to get early business.

Choose the right kind of content to catch the attention of your potential customers. Offer samples and prototypes to customers so that they can see the card up close before committing to larger orders. You can also sell these cards directly to pre-existing popular stores. This can build brand recognition too. Providing additional sweeteners, such as free shipping, or discount can also prove to be helpful. The possibilities are limitless.

As a beginner every business owner is worried about the cost vs benefit ratio. But they forget to notice that the benefit ratio is not solely based on just the market but also their own business strategies. Here’s a brief on how to increase the benefit ratio using smart business tactics. Include these points in your greeting card business plan and you’re good to go.

Most card shops – online as well as offline – sell specialized envelopes, pens, gifting accessories and so on. You can implement this too. Provide gifting options at the time of checkout. Ask your customers if they want envelopes and even suggest some based on the type of card they’ve chosen. This will bring you additional revenue.

(Product Recommendations to Drive Higher Conversions and Increase Average Order Value)

You can sell these cards in bulk at various retail shops too. This can help improve your brand recognition. Design unique and new ideas to get more attention.

Decide on a pricing system of your own. Especially for personalized products, you can include element-based pricing, size-based pricing, color-based pricing, and so on. You can charge your customers for uploading custom photos too. You can charge them for every word they write or you can implement sentence-based pricing.

You can also display live pricing based on the level of customization your users are opting for with our card designer tool . This will make pricing more transparent, leading to a positive impact on customer experience.

Plan seasonal offers and provide lucrative discounts to your customers. Generally, the prices of greeting cards are about $2.50 each. However, you can sell a pack of six cards for approximately $7.50. This way customers will find it cost-effective and are more likely to make the purchase.

(A Well Executed Discount/Offer Strategy Will Bring You a Bunch Of New Customers)

Small greeting card businesses can make about $45,000 a year. Larger companies, like Hallmark, make as much as $19.7 billion on particular days alone like Valentine’s Day.

Your designs matter, just make sure the design offerings are of high quality. You can collaborate with print specialists too. Print specialists offer more than simple printing services.

The old saying goes: It takes money to make money. But nobody said that you have to spend all of your own money. small business funding can help you cover the expenses required to get your greeting card business plan started. You can use this funding to help you with equipment, supplies, employees, legal fees, etc. There is no one-size-fits-all type of business funding. So, consider your options mindfully.

Last but not the least is logistics management. You will need an effective logistics infrastructure, to manage your supply chain as smoothly as possible. Again, you can do this on your own, by creating logistics workflows or you can outsource it to a third-party company. Decide on a commission to pay them either monthly or based on orders.

Hopefully, this handy guide will help you create a clear plan for starting a greeting card business. Without a roadmap, things can get chaotic. There are hundreds of things to manage. But now you have the perfect plan and tools to frame the perfect business strategies for your greeting card business. However, the main decision to take is the choice of the eCommerce platform and a custom design tool.

PrintXpand is a foolproof solution to the dilemma of making the right choice for a custom design tool. Our Web-to-print developers can help get you up and running within just a few days. We design web-to-print solutions for multiple platforms like Magento, WooCommerce, Shopify, Prestashop, OpenCart, PHP and so on. We also provide multiple custom integrations like Print Inventory Management solution and Print Job Manager.

Our product comes with the top functionalities that you need to acquire, engage, and serve your potential end-customers in the best way possible. We guarantee that our team of expert developers will guide you every step and be by your side to embark on this journey ahead. If you do seek any customizations for your greeting card business idea – we would not be surprised.

All product and company names are trademarks™, registered® or copyright© trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

Sanjoli, an ENFJ is an engineer turned writer, with a non-binary approach towards the world. Along with a keen interest in writing, her goal is to make the intersection of art and technology coherent for our readers. She is passionate about Science, Reason and Rationality. When she is not writing, Sanjoli is often found travelling, exploring indie-pop music and watching experimental films on the internet.

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Growing a Business , Starting a Business

How to start a greeting card business.

I want to help you build a sustainable, profitable handmade business that makes you consistent income and sales. I only ever teach or recommend marketing, social media, pricing, production and branding tips that I’ve personally used successfully in my own 7-figure handmade businesses.

I'm Mei, from Los Angeles!

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If you’re looking to start making and selling greeting cards, read this post first. We’re going to talk about whether there’s still potential in selling them or if it’s not worth your time.

We’ll cover this as well as how to start your own handmade greeting card business in this post.

Now, you might think that with email, text messaging, and social media, that no one sends greeting cards anymore. Fortunately for you, the greeting card market is as strong as ever and is even expected to grow for at least the next five years.

6.5 billion greeting cards are sold each year in the USA. Germany sells 600 million cards a year and the UK greeting card industry is worth over 1.6 billion pounds sterling alone, which is almost 2 billion US dollars.

Keep in mind that a lot of those sales are taken up by major brands like Hallmark, Walmart, and Target, but it shows that there is still a demand for physical greeting cards and there are opportunities to collaborate with major retailers if you’re unable to find a gap in the market on your own.

To give you more of an idea about who buys greeting cards, you should first know that approximately 80% of greeting cards are purchased by women.

Greeting cards are considered an impulse purchase product with an immediate, somewhat urgent need. People are grabbing a card on the way to visit a relative or while shopping for a gift. This does not necessarily translate well into online sales, but there are still plenty of people who plan for birthdays and holidays in advance and like to customize cards to give to friends and family.

On that note, they are a very occasional item. This means that people need a reason such as a holiday or an event to buy one. You’ll probably see a spike in sales at certain times of the year; Christmas being the major one, but you’re still likely to achieve sales throughout the year if you make cards for birthdays and other celebrations.

There are two main categories of greeting cards; every day and seasonal. The best-selling everyday cards are birthday cards, followed by wedding and anniversary, get well and sympathy, then friendship and encouragement cards.

For seasonal cards, Christmas themes are the bestsellers, followed by Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Graduation cards.

How to Make Greeting Cards

When it comes to making greeting cards, there are several ways you can go about it.

First, you can create the card by hand, using all sorts of materials and decorations such as cardboard, paper, glitter, and the usual arts and craft tools and supplies.

If you’re good at drawing, you can draw your own designs on them. Many people like to emboss or engrave their cards for a more professional look, but you may have to invest in specialist equipment in order to achieve those effects.

Speaking of which, you can totally also make really cool designs with a Cricut machine.

Creating greeting cards completely by hand can be time-consuming, but some people appreciate a handcrafted card done well and are willing to pay a little extra for it provided you’re in a very clear and specific niche.

Reddit is a great place for sharing tips and design ideas, especially on the Etsy and cardmaking subreddits. thesprucecrafts.com , which I’ve mentioned before, is also a great place to learn cardmaking skills for free.

Alternatively, you could choose to print greeting cards. You make the initial design using a computer or an iPad and keep re-printing many copies of the same card design.

While they may not sell for as much individually than a made-completely-from-scratch card, you will be able to make far more in a shorter period of time. It makes much more financial sense in the long run, as you will earn more by selling in higher quantities.

That said, it’s harder to stand out from the crowd this way, and it could arguable be less fun for you to create.

Keep in mind you’ll also need to be very careful that you do not infringe on any copyright laws with any of the images you use as your designs.  

Cardmaking Supplies

Cardmaking supplies are relatively cheap to source. In order to maximize your profit margins, you’ll want to buy in bulk at wholesale costs.

You can find them through sites like Amazon and Etsy but you may want to shop around on more dedicated wholesale sites like 8seasons.com or factorydirectcrafts.com .

It can be tempting to go on a shopping spree and buy lots of cute additions for your cards, but remember that this should be reflected in the selling cost of your finished product and if it climbs too high then very few people are going to want to buy it. So there’s a balance there. 

Selling Cards Online

Selling cards online can be tough, since lots of people buy them on impulse in physical stores and are not willing to wait a couple of days to receive a card. However, there are still plenty of ways to earn a living from card making online.

You can try selling on the usual sites like Etsy, Amazon and Shopify. Most sites will take a cut of your earnings at around 15-20% and you may have to fight for buyers’ attention because there’s a lot of competition out there.

Your designs will need to stand out in order to grab attention and make sales.

You really want to invest the time and research in developing a niche for your greeting card business.

Don’t just make what everyone else is making. Pick a group of people from within the niche of greeting card buyers, and make designs specifically for them.

Get specific, find a focus and you’ll be much more successful that way.

If you have the resources for it, then you can launch your own website and advertise your products online. You’ll want to learn about SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which is how people will find you on Google or Etsy or Amazon search, and look into how to pitch your card designs to the media.

This is a fantastic and free way to get your products in front of a large audience and in my opinion, it’s much more effective than doing social media.  

Submitting Your Designs to Card Companies

Some card companies pay you for submissions if you approach them directly with your designs. Before submitting your idea to a site, analyze the style of cards they sell first so you can be sure your style matches theirs.

If they like your ideas; you can earn anywhere between $25 to $300 for one design.

Companies known to accept designs include

• Oatmeal Cards
• Blue Mountain Cards
• Warner Press

To team up with them, you first need to sign a statement to confirm that your idea is original and often that you won’t use it anywhere else. They’ll want some exclusivity with your work.

This might seem like a lot, for you to give up your intellectual property, but consider that these companies do all the work in printing, marketing, and selling the cards and you don’t have to worry about that.

How many cards do you have to sell on your own to make $300 from one design? Probably quite a few, and over a long period of time.

Unless you’re really established, this could be a good route if you’re just starting out.

Selling Wholesale

Selling wholesale is also a very big opportunity for you. A majority of physical brick and mortar stores carry greeting cards.

As we talked about before, greeting cards get bought in person a lot.

If you can, pitch your designs to physical stores and sell your work wholesale to them, keep a great, positive relationship and they’ll keep reordering from you.

That could be your entire bread and butter and you wouldn’t have to worry about selling directly to customers online.

The beauty about wholesale is even though you’re getting paid less per item, you’re getting paid more overall because you’re dealing in larger bulk quantities. You’ll be making orders in the hundreds if not thousands of dollars per order from just one store alone. So definitely keep that in mind.

You might also want to look up art licensing where you’re “renting” your art to a buyer, like a greeting card company to use your art on a product. You can do this yourself or work with an agent to this for you, and you get paid royalties, or a commission every few months.

If you’ve bought a greeting card lately, you’ll know that there is a wide range to choose from. They can generally cost anywhere from 50 cents to $10 to $12.

They usually vary in size, quality, and detail. The average price of a greeting card is around $4-$5.

The Greeting Card Association also reports that, “Cards featuring special techniques, intricate designs, and new technologies are at the top of the price scale.”

The trick to pricing your product is to leave yourself with enough profit to invest back into the business and help it grow, and a salary is always nice to have too.

A formula I like to use to price handmade products is the cost of your supplies plus labor costs plus any overheads, multiplied by 2 to work out a wholesale price, and then times that by 2 again to give you a retail price.

So it’s effectively twice what it cost you to make when selling wholesale and 4 times the production cost when selling retail.

So if a card costs you on average 50 cents to make including labor costs, you should look to sell it for around $2 at wholesale pricing and $4 direct to customers with retail pricing.

It’s worth your time to do some window shopping of your own to see how much similar cards are selling for and then price your own accordingly.

Unfortunately with greeting cards, there’s not a whole lot of wiggle room to price any more than $10-$12, because this is what people are willing to pay, and the perceived value of a greeting card just isn’t that high.

Remember that you must also factor in the cost of delivering your greeting cards to the customer.

Check out ‘ Off Kilter Crafter Ian ’ on YouTube – he gives some good advice about sending handmade cards on his channel.

If you’re in the US, you’ll probably want to use USPS for shipping your greeting cards. It’s pretty cost-effective to ship greeting cards because it’s light in weight and doesn’t take up much space. Cards are usually really flat, and that gives you special cheaper pricing with USPS. 

  Selling handmade cards can be a profitable business, especially if you’re able to be recognized by a major card company or sell in physical stores where you’re selling in high numbers.

Greeting cards are still going strong as an industry, but to benefit from it your designs will need to be different and still worth the price.

How often do you buy greeting cards and what is the most you would expect to pay for one? Let me know in the comments! 

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your intelligence an d know how has inspired me so very much! So helpful, I just wish I started earlier in my life, I have so many fans of my artwork and they save even my envelopes. Anywayyyyyyy…I am hoping to do something with my art, (to actually get paid) I have made logos and so many things and never knew how to charge, so I never do when I am sked for special favors. but, hello, I am unemployed now…thank you again!!!

Contact me what is contact info want to make joke greeting cards

lOVE THE INFORMATION WANT TO BE IN CONTACT

I found your video to be way too long and full of information I did not need. I am not a n artist nor do I want to be one. I do have a bricks and mortar business that sells shipping and I am looking for a product I can sell from both my physical store via a workstation and from my website to my customers that want to print off a quick card to send with their shipment. The idea is to have a white label solution I can brand myself and have my customers choose from a selection of cards to customize and print off in store or to just pick one from the display rack. I also like the option of providing a digital version of the card when they buy a printed one. This would be great to send by email to the recipient of the shipment.

Hello Mei! I’m a watercolor artist and all of my practice work for my larger paintings are done on 4×6 cards of watercolor stock paper. Many of my friends are recommending that I reproduce these and sell them as note cards. Is there a market out there for original art work in the note card industry? I’m not interested in doing the reproduction work or even the selling. I just want to paint. Do you suggest locating an agent, or approaching a company? How would I maximize this idea without stealing time away from my painting time? Thank you in advance for your advice!

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• Business Plans Handbook
• Business Plans - Volume 11
• Handmade Greeting Card Company Business Plan

Handmade Greeting Card Company

32 Brown Ave. Kansas City, MO 64106

Chelsea L. Aaberg

Heartsongs is a start up company that will begin operations in September of 2005. Currently, the company is developing its product lines, creative designs, inventory, and distribution base. The first Heartsongs samples/portfolio will be available by May 2005 and they will be used to target boutiques and charities within the Kansas City Metro area. Our main consumer base will be primarily women, as they purchase roughly 80% of all cards sold, and for this reason we will sell Heartsongs to small boutiques, specialty stores, florists, and gift shop owners. At this time, we are seeking several boutiques and non–profits within the Kansas City area who might be interested in carrying Heartsongs. They are awaiting the first preview of our portfolio.

The following business plan provides information regarding our product description, management and growth strategies, and financial objectives. The plan is intended to provide you with information regarding Heartsongs so that you might offer us your expertise as we seek to better our plan and business goals/objectives.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

What was once a creative hobby for two sisters and a central part in their efforts to stay in touch has turned into a passion, as the two sisters spend hours designing, stamping, cutting, and assembling, habitually filling each other's mailbox with cards and envelopes. This passion for cards has spread to other individuals as well, as these sisters are now skillfully creating cards that are handcrafted, personalized, and unique so that the others might benefit from and enjoy such a gift. Handwritten cards are a means of communication that touch lives, as they distinctly identify thoughts, words, and activities; they comfort, inspire, celebrate, and stir a vast range of emotions. Heartsongs is a business whose motivation is to craft that "special" card with tender hands, so that others might also be able to celebrate those meaningful moments, express their innermost thoughts, and communicate with those they cherish. Greeting cards are one of our culture's foremost tools of communications, and the greeting card industry has a constant and continual need for art and alternative designs.

Heartsongs is a newly founded organization incorporated as a limited liability company located in Kansas City, Missouri. The company's sole product is a collection of hand made greeting cards consisting of three different product lines. Heartsongs is committed to creating the finest hand made greeting cards available; each card being designed and assembled with great care by individuals who have an eye for detail. Our objective is to create hand made greeting cards, for every occasion, of unmatched quality, originality, and uniqueness. We are committed to creating an exceptional product, as our product is a direct reflection of our name and our philosophy. We want our customers to make a statement when they use our greeting cards, expressing our tagline, "Let Your Heart Sing". We have a strong work ethic that is at the core of our commitment to the values of respect, integrity, fairness, and responsibility.

To create hand made greeting cards, for every occasion, of unmatched quality, originality, and uniqueness.

Heartsongs is committed to creating the finest hand made greeting cards available. Each card being designed, embossed, stamped, cut, and assembled with great care by individuals who have an eye for detail.

Tagline Motto

Let Your Heart Sing

Crafting hand made cards which create a memory, stir emotion, and touch the lives of others.

Company Name

Legal title (pending).

Heartsongs, L.L.C.

Legal Business Form (pending)

Heartsongs is incorporated as an LLC.

Management Summary

Heartsongs' management team currently consists of a CEO, a Director of Business & Organizational Development, and a Director of Product Design. Research, business and product development, and financial analysis/feasibility have been completed by both the CEO and the Director of Business & Organizational Development; all additional help has come primarily from the advisory board, legal advisors, and academics.

• Martha Ritter, President & CEO
• Caryn Thomas, Director of Business & Organizational Development
• Frances Black, Director of Product Design

The President & CEO, Martha Ritter, has been a wife for 27 years and mother of two children ages 21 and 17. Currently, she lives in Kansas City, MO and is working at St. Patrick's Christian Academy as an Administrative Assistant to the Guidance Department, Special Services Department, and College Department. She is a registered nurse by education and had worked 18 years in the medical field concentrating mostly in Oncology. She has always had a desire to be creative; enjoying stenciling, sewing, scrap–booking, wreath–making, and home decorating. In the past five years, she has created hand made cards for her family and friends to enjoy, all the while having people tell her that she should start a card business. She feels that now is the time to get started and is looking forward to the next adventure in her life.

The Director of Business & Organizational Development, Caryn Thomas, is a student at Saint Louis University, graduating, with honors, in May 2005. She has selected majors in both International Business & Management, and will also be receiving a certificate in Service Leadership. Caryn possesses excellent writing and critical–thinking skills, as well as, a commitment to the challenge of Management, Public Relations, International Business, and Marketing activities. Her experience stretches domestically and abroad as she has both lived and traveled internationally, receiving a variety of cultural viewpoints concerning various ethnicities. While studying at the University, a variety of course work and campus involvement has allowed her to gain leadership, team experience, and public relations skills, and has helped to develop her organizational ability in order to maintain a sense of balance.

Extracurricular activities and work experience has led Caryn to actively volunteer at Employment NOW, where she has been given the opportunity to write annual reports, serve as an assistant to the director of operations and development, and promote strategies for sponsorship, grants, and new clientele. During the summer of 2004, she served as an intern/assistant to the Director of International Strategies at the RCA Dome, Indianapolis and was able to broaden her experience and sales/marketing knowledge through communication with local and international clientele and new member prospects, performing market research, assisting with responses to foreign business inquiries, and assimilating/summarizing international business contracts. Currently, she serves as an intern at Federal Bank's corporate office, gaining experience in both product management and the banking industry, while continuing weekly at her second job at Thai Bistro.

Director of Product Design, Frances Black, is the sister of Martha Ritter and aunt of Caryn Thomas. She has been a wife for 26 years and is a mother of two daughters. Residing in Ann Arbor, Michigan, she works two days per week as a public health nurse. Her off days are filled with creative design as she, like her sister, makes hand made cards and is a home decorator; she also serves as a mentor and a design coordinator for local events within the Ann Arbor community. She sees her creative background and the ambitions of her sister as a means of achieving her goal of working towards and participating in a small business.

Management—Business Ownership

Although there are three members of Heartsongs management team, each with their own title, the ownership of the business is not evenly distributed throughout the team. President & CEO, Martha Ritter will maintain 95% ownership of the business as she will be responsible for funding and growing the business over its first 3 years in existence. Martha will carry out the day–to–day activities of the business, complete a large majority of the inventory, be responsible for locating distributors within the Kansas City metro area, and manage a large portion of the finances and operations of the business. Director of Product Design, Frances Black will maintain 5% of the business as her main contribution towards Heartsongs startup initiatives and initial business will involve only creative product design inputs. The 95/5 ownership split between these two women will go unchanged within the first three years, and will only be altered in accordance with labor/product inputs and/or when Heartsongs shifts its focus to new locations within Ann Arbor, Michigan. Director of Business & Organizational Development, Caryn Thomas, will require and claim absolutely no ownership of the business as her only role is developing the business plan and growing the business in its infancy. She contributes little by way of creative input, labor, and operations of the business long–term.

Board of Advisors

These individuals have been added as members of the advisory board to serve as a complementary management team. These individuals are professionals who have expertise and/or knowledge of business planning, finance, business development, marketing, and design. Advisory members are as follows:

• Fred Pryce—Pryce's Construction Materials, Inc. Experienced product manager and business planner.
• Deborah & Bonnie Plaint—Bonnie Plaint's Boutique. Experienced boutique owners/managers.
• Additional Advisors will be those who have experience within boutiques, as they possess both industry and product knowledge.

Outside Management & Support

CPA/Accountant—Greer & Associates

• Maintain the books and financial records
• Recommend and advise on finances and taxes
• Certify validity of financial statements

Corporate Attorney—Interviews are underway to determine the appropriate law firm

• Prepare and file necessary legal documentation
• Secure trademark—name, tagline, & icon

Design Team—as needed

Martha Ritter & Frances Black will initially be the sole members and contributors of the design team

Staffing & Recruitment

Individuals subcontracted or hired as necessary, based upon the growth of the company and/or the unexpected need for additional inventory. Martha Ritter & Frances Black are currently the only staff determined as necessary to fulfill and maintain demand within the first 3 years of business.

COMPANY HISTORY

The inspiration of turning a hand made greeting card hobby into a successful business was conceived in August of 2004 between the CEO, Martha Ritter, and Director of Business & Organizational Development, Caryn Thomas, after reading of the opportunities available for female entrepreneurship. Martha had been looking for a new and unique challenge after being unfulfilled in her current job at a local private high school. She enjoyed the luxury of staying at home when she had raised her two children, and was looking once again for the chance to return home, yet did not wish to forgo the extra income.

Martha and Caryn had found that most of the women who started their own businesses were just everyday adults, teens, or kids living normal lives, however, all sharing a similar motivation. All the women who were able to attempt and/or successfully run their own business dared to strive for something they were passionate about, letting the learned abilities come along with the trial and error of pursuing their own small business and dreams. Martha realized what she was passionate about was her own crafts and artistic ability; more specifically, creating cards.

The stamping and crafting of hand made greeting cards had actually begun as a hobby between Martha and her sister, Frances Black, who used this activity as a central part of their efforts to stay in touch. The two habitually designed and assembled their own cards that became a signature item given to family and friends. Craft rooms were soon created in each woman's home as supplies and inventory grew. This leisurely hobby has now become an obsession, and the thrill of becoming an entrepreneur along with the challenge of making their business a success is the driving force behind Heartsongs creation.

Heartsongs is a start up company that will begin operations by the end of 2005. Currently the company is creating its portfolio and initial inventory, stocking/gathering necessary and additional supplies, and securing boutique locations and philanthropic placement. The preliminary Heartsongs inventory will be complete by May 2005 and available for retailers and consumers within the months following. During the first year, the company is only targeting the Kansas City metro area, as it is the location where the management team will have the most control. We will be directing our attention towards several boutiques, craft fairs, individual salespersons, and charitable events that may have an interest in distributing Heartsongs; however, such groups are awaiting the first preview of the available line. Within the years which follow initial start up, Heartsongs may move into boutiques within Ann Arbor, Michigan because that is the second location of greatest management influence/command. However, a set of boutiques, craft fairs, and individuals remain to be fully explored with the Kansas City area, and once performance within the region is determined only then will a shift to Ann Arbor be fully considered. A definite list of retailers, contingency agreements, and contracts will be locked down in the months prior to Heartsongs finalization of its necessary start up inventory (primarily between the months of May–August). Heartsongs is committed to creating the finest hand made greeting cards available. Each card being designed, embossed, stamped, cut, and assembled with great care by individuals with an eye for detail. Heartsongs … Let Your Heart Sing.

Heartsongs is a company which meticulously creates hand made cards and envelopes by individuals with an eye for detail; allowing its customers to expect nothing less than the extraordinary. Each card is hand–embossed or hand–stamped on only the finest papers and card stock available; designed, embossed, stamped, cut, and assembled with great care, making them an original gift, much to the enjoyment of each recipient. Heartsongs creates a product which is just as distinctive, personalized, and unique as the greeting written inside.

Product Features

• Design—Our greeting cards are more than simply cards or computer generated stationery, rather each and every greeting card is seen as a hand made work–of–art. The message is seen at Heartsongs to be an emotional piece of one–self and that is why Heartsongs seeks to provide the best representation of thoughtfulness and character with each and every hand made card.
• Quality—Martha Ritter and Frances Black are creative and extremely talented artists who construct all greeting cards completely by hand. There are no machines involved in the process of making these hand made greeting cards; rather, each card is hand cut, hand stamped, and hand wrapped before being delivered to the customer.
• Craftsmanship—While manufactured greeting cards are generally designed by artists or computer– generated before being printed in mass quantities in factories oversees, all of Heartsongs' products and greeting cards are hand made within the U.S., stamped by the design team, and delivered in a timely manner.
• Customization/Personalization—Heartsongs is happy to discuss any means of personalization or customization of a batch of cards, as our design team is adept in creating those cards which meet the desires and tastes of each individual customer, boutique owner, and/or non–profit organization.

Because Heartsongs creates a product which is both unique and incredibly time–consuming all of the items within the line possess unmatched beauty and charm. Both the embossed and stamped designs offer a spectacular variety of texture, color, and appearance that cannot be generated in mass quantities. The company will initially offer three main products which are intended to appeal to a variety of individuals with very different personalities, preferences, and buying power.

• Boxed Sets—Ideal for the individual who composes a number of cards and does a significant amount of correspondence. Such an individual enjoys color, variety, and a uniqueness that expresses his/her own personal style and character. Boxed sets are sold in groups of 10, and likewise have 10 variations in both simplistic and elaborate designs; Christmas and Valentine's Day are the only holidays available in a boxed set. The designs will change and be updated quarterly. Invitations and place cards are specialty cards which will only be available in boxed sets. Boxed sets will sell at two different price points. Simplistic sets will sell for $15.00 and elaborate sets will sell for $20.00. The differences between simplistic and elaborate boxed sets vary and are determined by the supplies used and labor involved in creating the cards.
• Individual Cards—Designed for those individuals who pride themselves on finding just the "right" card for any occasion. Individual cards have multiple variations under the following categories: Holiday (Christmas, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, and Graduation), Anniversary, Baby, Congratulations, Encouragement, Get Well, Love/Marriage, Miss You, Sympathy, Thank You, and Just for Fun. These individual card categories were selected as they are the most demanded themes and cover the largest variety of topics; such categories will also allow Heartsongs to expand its card lines as demand increases. The individual card line commands a much more progressive variety in both simplistic and elaborate cards, priced $5.00 and $7.00 respectively.
• Personalized/Custom Cards—Designed for the individual that wants a personal touch of elegance and a card which will suit his/her tastes or will make a much desired statement. This individual exudes a longing for value, quality, and a look like no other. Such personalized/custom cards will be collectively designed by both the customer and the design team, and then constructed in a fashion that is timely and meets the exact and perfect requirements of the customer. Personalized/Custom Cards can only be purchased in boxed sets of three or more. It is important to note that specific boutiques may require a specific card that fits the niche and/or style of the shop; such requests will be managed by the design team and the boutique owner/manager and laid out within the contract. Price for such card sets will vary and be determined on the basis of the supplies necessary and the labor involved in order to complete the order.

COMPETITION

Greeting cards are already in existence within the marketplace and greeting card companies are pursuing our same clientele as they too can be found in our target boutiques. Such cards vary from computerized, mass–produced, and hand made cards which range in price from $.50—$8.50. Industry leaders are the familiar Hallmark, Inc. and American Greetings companies; also, in addition to paper cards, some companies have adapted to Internet demand and make available many lines of cards intended for electronic transmission.

Alternative greeting card companies, such as ourselves, design and publish greeting cards for all occasions and in many varieties, targeting our sales toward a specific niche; there is however, quite a bit of variation in terms of price, quality, and locations of such companies. Nevertheless, in instances of both industry giants and alternative companies, these cards and many of the lines produced by these card companies are published for mass sale, leaving hand–crafted cards and other one–of–a–kind crafted cards intended for individual sale, on a much smaller scale both competitively and in terms of market share. As the marketplace is becoming more diverse and small vendors/boutiques continue to seek new ways of meeting the needs of their customers and increase sales, Heartsongs and its closest competitors seek to provide the market with a new and fresh choice/alternative. A recent survey conducted for Greetings etc. (Greeting Card Association) polled retailers on numerous topics related to their business, from which product category has been selling best to what their top–selling license consisted of. Their answers provided few surprises, but did offer a snapshot of which products are doing best on their shelves. When asked whether retailers had seen an increase or decrease in certain product categories in the last 12 months, by far the category that respondents mentioned most as seeing an increase in is greeting cards; greeting cards and boxed cards were also most mentioned as the product category that retailers plan to add to their store in the next 12 months.

Heartsongs has identified five major competitors within the St. Louis metro area, all of which create hand made cards and are currently distributing their product in local boutiques. Although all of the cards being produced by our closest competitors are hand made, the creative designs and price vary greatly. The four identified and most aggressive competitors of Heartsongs are Open Please Cards, Ribbons and Bows, Pulp Products, and Peter's Cards. Heartsongs is currently updating its cards so that it might be a distinctive hand made card company which offers a product that is far different, by design, than its competition.

Competitive Advantages

What separates Heartsongs from everyone else is our commitment to design, quality, customization, and impractical replication. Our company seeks to continuously seek out the newest trends and incorporate them into our product, never compromising the use of the best products, technique, and artistic craftsmanship. Heartsongs also provides a unique pricing and product structure so that we can sell our cards in a manner that is compatible with the market and does not upset our boutiques/retailers. Heartsongs understands that the success of individual boutiques depends on the specialty store's own uniqueness of product; as distinguished product offerings allow each boutique the ability to differentiate itself from another. The creative ability of the design team allows Heartsongs to be extremely adaptable to the market and in its desired areas of distribution; this adaptability is one specific area of Heartsongs exclusivity. Heartsongs understands the objective and the related success of boutiques as each seeks to offer a specialty good and in doing so fill a specific market niche. The design team at Heartsongs is unlike the teams of many other card makers as they possess the creative ability and flexibility in order to match the product niche of a specific boutique; such adaptability allows Heartsongs to enter various boutiques and markets, all the while keeping a uniqueness of product with very few repetitive designs. By understanding the product, objective, and niche of each individual boutique, Heartsongs hopes to become a dominant card maker within boutiques in the Kansas City metro area. Heartsongs is determined to stay one step ahead of the other hand made card makers by incorporating both trends and concentration of consumers and retailers. By maintaining and deepening Heartsongs relationship with its small business distributors, Heartsongs will be recognized by boutique owners as a company that is committed to uniqueness of product, as a result, offering a product which their customers desire as it matches the theme/niche of each specific store. It is Heartsongs loyalty to its specialty store distributors and its creative ability to small market scope that allows Heartsongs to gain the competitive advantage.

Aside from Heartsongs adaptability to specific boutique niche, Heartsongs has gained an advantage over other hand made card distributors by targeting non–profit organizations and local charities. Heartsongs is targeting this market because of each charity's distinct mission and reoccurring fundraisers/events. Heartsongs seeks to meet the need of these charities by offering its services for mailing distributions, adapting to the uniqueness of each charity and theme of the event/fundraiser in order to create a card/mailing which will gain the desired result.

We understand the importance of valuing the relationships of both our customers and boutique owners, priding ourselves on customer service and quality assurance; therefore, if our cards do not live up to these standards, we give our customers our guarantee that we will do everything in our ability to rectify the problem and satisfy those most important to us.

Heartsongs is dedicated to its vision and the maintenance of quality, originality, and uniqueness in all of it products; therefore, absolutely every card which is produced will be designed and crafted by hand. We feel that Heartsongs is an exceptional company because it prides itself in its hand made and hand crafted ability; therefore, we would never wish to compromise its standards.

Heartsongs productions are currently operating under the sole discretion and preparedness of the two individuals of the design team, and they will be the only producers of cards through the first few years of existence; Martha Ritter being held responsible for roughly 95% of all production within the first three years. However, as the company develops production, and ultimately business ownership, will balance between the two members of the design team. Additionally, supplementary designers/employees may be needed to in order to maintain adequate production and growth of the company.

Once Heartsongs establishes itself and its orders are large enough, we will review our method of supply. At present, all of our supplies come directly through retail stores within the Kansas City, Missouri and Ann Arbor, Michigan metro areas. We realize this is costly and as a result decreases our profit margins, however, it is necessary as our sales and demand have not yet been fully utilized or determined; nonetheless, as we develop, we seek to make a majority of our supply purchases from various wholesalers and card stock suppliers. Specific wholesalers that Heartsongs is considering are online distributors: PaperProducts.com, JosephLittle.com , and CraftySupplies.com .

The subsequent tables/spreadsheets, within the financial statements, will reveal the production cost that Heartsongs will incur as well as the profit margin for each individual card and/or boxed set sold; this production cost assumes that all supplies are purchased directly through retail stores.

MARKET ANALYSIS

Market opportunity.

After researching and analyzing the market, the founders of Heartsongs have determined that our hand made cards can compete in the greeting card market, especially when positioned in high–end boutiques and specialty stores which are known for commanding a higher price for higher quality items. Heartsongs desires to have a name that is recognizably known for quality, originality, and uniqueness; delivering a product which is far different than those cards which are computerized, mass produced, and/or hand made. Our cards will be sold in boutiques and specialty stores, as such stores sell only those unique and specialty goods; these stores will allow us to gain name recognition so that we will be much more recognizably known as a source of our greeting cards and an alternative selection.

Industry Analysis

Heartsongs falls into a category with a variety of other businesses in the greeting card industry; SIC code 2771 and NAICS code 511191. In 1997, the Census Bureau compiled the following table with regards to greeting card publishers (http://www.census.gov/epcd/ec97sic/def/I2771.TXT).

Greeting card industry analysis

Research done by the Greeting Card Association has pointed to specifics about the greeting cards industry; such facts are as follows:

• The greeting card industry generates more than $7.5 billion in retail sales from consumer purchases of more than 7 billion cards.
• Of the total greeting cards purchased annually, roughly half are seasonal, and the remaining half is for everyday card–sending occasions.
• Christmas is the most popular card–sending holiday; sales of Christmas cards account for over 60% of all seasonal card purchases. Sales of Valentine's Day cards (the next most popular season occasion) account for 25% of seasonal card sales.
• Birthday cards account for 60% of the sales volume of everyday card purchases, with anniversary cards following at a distant 8%.
• Most American households purchase 35 greeting cards each year.
• The average American receives 20 cards, of which one third are birthday cards.
• Women purchase more than 80% of all greeting cards.
• There are over 2,000 greeting card publishers in America, ranging from small family businesses to major corporations, many of which license designs from freelance artists.

Not only does Heartsongs fall within the greeting card industry, SIC 2771 and NAICS 511191, but it is also within a category for independent artists and services, SIC 8999. In 1997, the Census Bureau compiled the following table with regards to Services, Independent Artists.

Independent artists services industry analysis

With regards to Services, Independent Artists (SIC 8999) the Census Bureau ( http://www.census.gov/epcd/ec97sic/def/I8999.TXT ) classified it as follows:

• Establishments primarily engaged in furnishing scientific or related consulting on a contract or fee basis.
• Establishments primarily engaged in writing books and articles; composing music; painting; sculpturing; and in similar creative arts–related activities.
• Establishments primarily providing services not elsewhere classified, such as lecturers, radio commentators, editors, and inventors working on their own account.
• Establishments primarily engaged in environmental consulting on a contract or fee basis.

Customer Profile & Analysis

Heartsongs is looking to provide a product which is distinguishable from other greeting cards available within the market. In doing so, Heartsongs will express a desire for uniqueness for those who enjoy the finer things in life and are committed to inspire, celebrate, and communicate a range of emotions through greeting cards. Therefore, Heartsongs is targeting a specific customer who is looking for merchandise that is unique and not mass produced. Heartsongs has compiled a list of data primarily from the Census Bureau and has correlated the information as to match demographic characteristics with specific consumer behavior patterns. Heartsongs looked primarily to the profile and demographics of those within Kansas City, since that is the focus of business within the first 3 years.

There are 5,505,963 people within Missouri, 2,658,831 are male and 2,847,132 are female; roughly 2,361,500 fall within a bracket of 25–55 year olds. Among these individuals, 1,513,836 live within family households and 205,975 falls within Heartsongs targeted household group with an income of $100,000 and over. The median household income within Missouri as a whole is $49,853 (2002 Census Bureau data). The individuals within our targeted segment enjoy a high–quality, healthy, and active lifestyle full of outdoor activities and travel; many of whom are technologically savvy, highly networked, possess a variety of hobbies and interests, donate to charitable causes, and enjoy arts, crafts, and collectibles (Lifestyle Market Analyst).

Boutique Profile & Analysis

Boutiques are defined as small stores that sell specialty goods or services, and because they carry specialty items they often sell their products at a premium. Boutiques, according to the national census, are in a category of gift, novelty, and souvenir stores which are primarily engaged in retailing new gifts, novelty merchandise, souvenirs, greeting cards, seasonal/holiday decorations, and curios (SIC 5947 & NAICS 453220). In 1997, data was taken on such specialty stores and it is outlined within the table that follows.

Specialty stores industy analysis

Of those nationally established boutiques, Missouri has 775 whose annual sales are over $292,262,000 (2.02% of national sales); this profile provides Heartsongs with a large retail base of distributors.

It is important to note that the customers we are targeting would fit the profile of those customers shopping at boutiques, as they are the individuals who live within the upscale/suburban areas where many boutiques are located; these are also the individuals who can afford such specialty goods.

MARKETING & SALES

Heartsongs overall marketing strategy is promoting quality, creativity, originality, and uniqueness in order to build a strong brand image. We believe that creating and protecting our brand image is of utmost importance as it is an image that is committed to creating the finest hand made greeting cards available. We understand that we must first prove our product in the boutique arena in order to build our brand; therefore, we will focus on exceptional design, assembly, care, quality, customer service, delivery, and new product development within our retail markets. Once a strong customer base has been developed and strengthened we will begin to focus our attention to a wider variety of hand made cards and stationary and/or on–line clientele which will be a strong secondary market.

Marketing Approach

Heartsongs is taking an approach which is more than strictly sales, where the customer exists for the business, rather our mindset and marketing outlook states that the business exists for the customer. The marketing concept is a management plan that views all marketing components as part of a total system that requires effective planning, organization, leadership and control. Market research has been compiled to help us define our business for our customer's interests, not our own. It is the process of learning what customers want or need and determining how to satisfy those wants or needs. The dilemma for Heartsongs' management is that, properly done, market research is quite expensive, takes time, and often requires professional expertise. Based on our limited budget, we are going to have to develop the skills to hear what our customers and potential customers are telling us. Some techniques we considered are as follows:

• User and focus groups
• Informal surveys
• Suggestion boxes
• Comparison shopping
• Customer analysis

Boutique/Retail Sale & Charities

Once Heartsongs becomes a more common brand name and boutiques begin to know us better and understand the unique differences of our product, then specialty stores will be able to differentiate themselves from other card carriers as they stock the Heartsongs line. We have identified the type of consumer boutiques where we wish our greeting card line to be available and such stores will be targeted through direct mail, phone conversations, and personal appointments. The boutiques and specialty good businesses that we are currently looking into are as follows:

• Red Flower—Three locations within the Kansas City metro area
• Cloverleaf—One location within the Kansas City metro area
• Lizzy Libby—One location within the Kansas City metro area
• Stems and Petals—One location within the Kansas City metro area
• Cards and Paper—Two current locations & one location on the way within the Kansas City metro area
• Stuck on Ourselves—One location within the Kansas City metro area
• Bunches and Bushels—One location with 8 other surrounding boutiques under different names, but the same ownership
• Home Sweet House—One location within the Kansas City metro area
• Sweet Pea—One location within the Kansas City metro area
• Maggie & Jack—One location within the Kansas City metro area
• Fruit Salad—One location within the Kansas City metro area
• Little Children's Boutique—One location within the Kansas City metro area

Interestingly, only Red Flower, Cloverleaf, and Sweet Pea carry a line of hand made cards & it is also important to note that a majority of these specialty stores do not carry a line of cards and our goal is to push them to consider making an addition to their product selection based on the uniqueness of the Heartsongs product line and how it ties in with each individual shop.

There are also a number of charities within the Kansas City metro area who have annual fundraisers and events to support their own specific cause. The following is a list of some of the major charities within the Kansas City area that Heartsongs will be specifically targeting:

• Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• American Cancer Society

Craft/Artisan Events

The availability of Heartsongs at small craft fairs and artisan events can be helpful in building brand image. Regionally recognized events such as the Artisans Conference and MissouriFest might also allow us to identify new clientele, boutiques/retailers which foster the most appealing environment for our product, or a number of wholesalers who could provide us with less costly supplies. The exhibit that Heartsongs is most intrigued about is the Kansas City Art Fair. Kansas City Art Fair is a not–for–profit visual arts co–op gallery, organization, and advocate exhibiting work by established and emerging artists from the Kansas City region. The mission statement of Kansas City Art Fair specifically states that the organization is a visual art organization that creates exhibition, support, and growth opportunities for emerging and established contemporary artists. This organization is one which interests Heartsongs as it has featured hand made card makers and artisans, such as Open Please Cards, and presented their work in original exhibitions, educational programming, and support services to benefit artists and the community.

Another decision which we will ultimately have to make is whether we wish to market ourselves or work with an agent. The advantage of agents is that they have contacts with creative directors at a number of companies so that our work might be seen by the right people. They could also be a help and a guide as we develop our portfolio, negotiate partnerships with companies/boutiques, locate wholesale distributors, and find potential creative employees. The disadvantage of working with an agent is that they generally take a 40%–50% commission. This agent decision, will not however, be one which is made until after year 3.

Additional Marketing

Because Heartsongs is targeting the upscale market of boutiques and charity donors, Heartsongs marketing strategy needs to be directly in line with the desired niche market. For this reason, outside of personally/directly targeting boutiques, charities, and distributors, Heartsongs also desires to place ads in upscale local magazines/papers such as the Art on the Town or Kansas City Happenings. It is not enough that name recognition is built by boutiques/charities themselves, but Heartsongs feels that to become a more distinguished and desirable line it needs to be a company which does not only seek distributors, but is also sought by consumers with specific card/invitation needs. Such ads will communicate to a widened audience that Heartsongs is a company which creates a product which can be created and customized for the consumer to meet their needs and unique reasons behind a mass distribution of cards. Word of mouth is to be Heartsongs cheapest and most effective marketing strategy within the first few years of existence. Therefore, if Heartsongs can build a clientele base outside of boutiques and charitable foundations, then such individuals will be able to not only pass the Heartsongs name along to those they know who desire cards made for a specific event, but all those who receive a card for specific events will be touched by the unique designs and creative difference of Heartsongs product lines.

Additionally, today's free–distribution papers are different from paid–circulation newspapers. Although the shopper type papers contain mostly advertising and little feature material, they remain a highly productive advertising medium. Such mediums offer the advertiser most of the advantages of paid– circulation papers, including the permanence of print, the versatility of color and graphics, and high readership of personal want ads. One advantage over paid–circulation papers is their ability to reach a very high percentage of the market area. Because they are free, they are delivered to every home. Penetration and acceptance of free newspapers are estimated at more than 90 percent. One free newspaper that we are considering is the Metropolitan Circular.

Sales Strategy

Heartsongs' sales strategy is aimed at direct sales to the boutique owners and charities; additional sales to the consumer will be fulfilled through strategic ad placement within local magazines/papers. Heart-songs seeks to have five retail accounts secured within the first months of start up while additional inventory is being secured. One additional retailer/boutique within Kansas City will be added every month and one additional not–for–profit will be added every two months based upon the success of sales and Heartsongs' ability to maintain demand within Kansas City, Missouri. Sales will be accomplished as follows:

• Direct mail, personal cold calls, and personal appointments targeting boutiques within Heartsongs' immediate surroundings.
• Test marketing will be performed in initially in Kansas City and later in Ann Arbor, MI. Such markets are chosen based upon location and the close proximity of both the design team and additional family members who are knowledgeable of the stores in these areas.
• Personal cold call selling is imperative to create a positive first impression of the brand. We will contact boutiques whose forte is in specialty goods and whose existence is to distribute very specific and identifiable goods.
• To increase awareness of the Heartsongs brand name, we are seeking to develop invitations or mailers for a charitable event(s) or school fundraiser within our target markets.

Upon initial meeting with boutiques, charities, and potential customers, we hope to leave behind samples of our product for personal use for the owner or for display. Such 'leave behinds' will be left with individuals based upon the CEO and design teams' discretion. The months between May and August 2005 have been set aside in order to adequately target boutiques and charities, make proper sales, and increase inventory. Follow up, observation, and organization of distribution will be an ongoing process in order to determine sales and how well the product is being received within the market. Surveys and questionnaires will also be directed at retailers and consumers in order to monitor the performance of the Heartsongs product lines. Heartsongs projected sales timeline is as follows:

• Month One prior to Start up—begin selling to St. Louis boutiques. The market contains over 70 boutiques according to census data.
• Month Two prior to Start up—review feedback from the St. Louis test markets and based upon Heartsongs success we will begin to sell to charities.
• Month Three prior to Start up—continue with follow-up of both charities and boutiques and organize distribution, orders, and pricing with each individual charity or boutique.
• Month Four prior to Start up—process and deliver orders. Begin advertisements within local magazines and newspapers.

Marketing & Promotions

• Provide target boutiques with cards to solicit sales
• Send cards to family, friends, co–workers, & retail owners to build recognition of the product
• Approach national boutiques in order to create distribution on a wider scale under one retail name
• Price breaks and a percentage discount offered based on the quantity of purchase and bulk orders

Test Marketing

Test marketing has been completed at St. Patrick's Christian Academy where CEO, Martha Ritter, is currently employed. This initial sales attempt was performed at the school's carnival which included a small craft fair. This craft fair was unique because it is one which features a number of hand made items (ex. jewelry, artwork, and even cards). Although Heartsongs was competing with small scaled competitors, who are not foreseen as long term threats, Heartsongs was able to stand out on the basis of price, uniqueness, quality, and creative craftsmanship. It was obvious that our cards had considerably more detail, revealing the higher level of care that was taken in our products creation. These factors brought the customer to our booth and caused them to select and purchase our hand made cards. On the basis of such test marketing efforts, we feel that we will have congruent results when our products are sold within specialty stores and against some of our major competitors.

Not only are individuals purchasing our cards at various craft fairs, but our cards are being distributed and are in circulation, as they have been given as gifts and used in various forms of correspondence.

Heartsongs competitive edge will remain in the ability of our management team as we seek to stay ahead of our competitors. To put it differently, it is Heartsongs objective to approach the boutiques and charities, who currently do not supply a line of hand made cards, FIRST. Time is of the essence and if Heartsongs is able to get into these markets and to such retailers/distributors first, than we will have a dominant command/hold on a particular store; and, for specialty good stores, which pride themselves on diversity and uniqueness of product, they will not wish to stock multiple varieties of hand made cards. Heartsongs has approached boutiques and inquired about their interest in hand made cards, and those who did not currently have a selection of hand made cards seemed interested but wished to see some samples and/or a portfolio of Heartsongs product lines.

The prices of Heartsongs products are based upon what the market commands, what our customers are willing to spend, what is listed by our closest competitors, and the labor which is involved in the creation of single card. Prices are also based on the costs associated with the product as each line is priced based on the intricacies, complexities, detail, and products necessary for construction/creation. Three price points are covered for our products based upon the three different lines; however our financials are based solely on the price points of boxed sets and individual cards as the prices for customized cards and special orders are subject to change based upon the size of the order, labor, and materials involved. Heartsongs will accept sales on such customized cards as additional revenue, but because of the variation of pricing and inconsistency of the orders we feel that there is not enough stability to make it a valid category within the financial statements. These price points were developed based upon the type of card, cost of materials, and competitive pricing; we feel that these price points provide options for our customers. It is important to note that within the price points and for the three product lines there are two additional categories for pricing—simple & elaborate—based upon the complexity, craftsmanship, and decorative nature of the card itself.

Research in the retail industry shows that specialty items sell for roughly double the price of cost. Heartsongs took this information into consideration when determining its retail target prices and worked backwards. We will, however, review our pricing structure and its effects on margins quarterly. Customer and retailer feedback will also be a valuable source in order to determine our pricing strategy as compared to the value of our cards. Adjustments for pricing will be reviewed much more frequently within the first three years of production in order to ensure the greatest profit margins for the company and best marketability of our product.

It is important to note that Heartsongs competition tends to price their cards $1–$3 higher than our products, and we feel that by commanding a lower price point we can once again be set apart, not only because of affordability, but also because of the quality and the uniqueness of card as it relates to the price. Heartsongs price points are definitely in line with the higher prices which are commanded by boutiques; however, our product remains noticeably lower than our competition.

The pricing structure for boutiques will be different from charities. Some charities will be provided with Heartsongs pro bono, in order to build name recognition and a status within the eyes of non–profit groups; however, Heartsongs cannot run a business for free, therefore the price point for charitable groups will be lower than boutiques and much closer to cost ($2 per card). Additionally, cards which are sold to not–for–profit groups will require a 100 simplistic card minimum, and prices are based upon the simplicity of card, $200 minimum respectively.

There are a number of pricing strategies Heartsongs can use to achieve our growth goals. Each has the potential of producing a profit, and most are tied to the critical relationship of price–to–sales volume and stock turnover.

Pricing Strategies

• Multiple Unit Pricing—Heartsongs is using this strategy in order to increase the size of our individual sales by offering a meaningful discount for larger purchases, especially during our start up phase. For example, if a customer/retailer were going to purchase ten individual cards they would pay anywhere for $50-$70; however, boxed sets are sold for $15 and $20.
• Keystone Pricing—This is an approach taken by a few of the boutiques that we have talked to and are considering as a distributor of our product. Keystone pricing refers to the practice of setting the retail price at double the cost figure, or a 100 percent markup. If such an approach were taken, boutiques would essentially be taking 50 percent of our profits.
• Price Lining—By offering three different product types with two different pricing points, based on the complexity of the card, Heartsongs feels that this technique of stocking merchandise in several different price ranges will allow our customers to buy our product with different uses in mind and with different expectations for quality.
• Competitive Advantage—By using competitive advantage to determine price we have followed the prices set by our competition, and based on our image, set our prices equal or a little below those of our competition.
• Consignment—Some of the boutiques that we have contacted have stressed concerns over inventory build–up, especially with new products featured within the store; the solution that many had come to discover lies in consignment sales. With consignment sales, Heartsongs would maintain its own inventory and stock the boutiques as necessary, typically once a month. Heartsongs' incentive for such risk is that boutiques would only take 40 percent of profits earned on the cards. This is the approach which is listed within the financials as well as the approach that Heartsongs would prefer in our business relationship to boutiques and specialty stores.

RISK FACTORS

Heartsongs understands that there are critical risks involved in entering a market with several competitors, but be believe that our hand made greeting cards can successfully compete. We have reviewed our risks and have planned accordingly, preserving a low risk status through frequent assessment of market risk, as we stay ahead of the market and on top of the trends within the industry.

• Duplication of our products or an increased availability of hand made cards within the market.
• Increased use of Internet cards, rather than hand–written communication.
• Too much inventory or overstock of a particular card. Our pre–start projections should eliminate this problem, along with negotiations and contracts with the boutiques.
• More demand by boutiques, not–for–profit groups, and consumers than can be supplied in a timely fashion. Demand outshines production.
• Increased penetration of specialty stores, by our competitors, of hand made cards.
• Lower price is seen as lower quality.
• An unforeseeable event targeting one of the members of the management team.

Opportunities

• Introduction of new products to boutiques, charities, and consumers.
• Test marketing within Kansas City before moving into the Ann Arbor market; this providing us with the information about our product, consumer response, pricing strategy, and distribution maintenance.
• Contingency contracts during the initial start up phase to determine demand and provide us with an additional hedge of protection.
• Minimal sales of hand made cards by local boutiques and charities.
• The opportunity of Internet sales, long–term.

EXIT STRATEGY

Our exit strategy includes two options, private label or licensing our work for a fee to larger companies. Once established, we will approach companies or private label manufacturers to determine an interest level in purchasing Heartsongs to be produced for another company. If we were to develop our own private label there would be definite expansion of product lines available within the "gifting" industry. Additionally, licensing would give another company the right to reproduce our card designs for a certain time, in a certain territory, for a predetermined fee. Heartsongs would also be open to a "work–for–hire" agreement, depending upon the agreement and terms listed within the contract. The advantage of a charged licensed agreement is that we would have the money up front, and we would no longer be dependent on our cards selling successfully before we could earn additional income of them. A career as a freelance artist would essentially be another side business for our management team if we felt we were no longer capable of running our own business. There are numerous opportunities to freelance in the greeting card industry, but it does take a lot of time and effort to find a greeting card company that wants to publish artists' work. Having our own line of cards along with our own business will establish credibility, which is important in getting freelance work if Heartsongs ever decides to exit the market.

ASSUMPTIONS

• Costs are based upon expenses occurred to date and include, but are not limited to, projected future costs.
• Legal charges are determined by a per hour charge and are subject to change based upon our choice of legal firm.
• Supplies are based on the retail rate and are subject to change when and if we identify a wholesaler.
• Project inventory takes into account a increase in sales per month. Sales and inventory will grow based upon Heartsongs' increased penetration of boutiques and charities (monthly).
• Payment for product is assumed at 100% upfront in the financials. The cost of the card covers packaging.
• Only retail shops will earn a commission on card sales.
• Heartsongs is assuming very few personalized/custom card orders.

Financial Summary

• Heartsongs will use a capital investment of $3000.00, incurred solely by the CEO, to start the business. This investment will cover the supplies and materials necessary for starting the business. This capital investment is factored into Year 1 within the financial statements.
• Payment for product is assumed at 100% upfront in the financials. Negotiations surrounding such terms will occur as Heartsongs becomes more established.
• Once Heartsongs is able to break even, no additional capital investments will be needed unless high demand forces Heartsongs to produce a greater supply and/or if there is an unexpected need for an additional employee/designer.
• Heartsongs is operating with a very simple and conservative balance sheet until demand forces us to seeking financing for product production. Initially Heartsongs will be debt free and all inventory will be regarded as assets of the company.
• Heartsongs is assuming very few personalized/custom card orders until our brand image has been established; therefore, additional revenue earned from these sales is not taken into account.
• Heartsongs seeks to add one boutique every month, in addition to the five we begin with, and work for one non–profit organization every two months. Profit from non-profit organizations will come from sales estimated in batches of 500 cards per transaction.
• Heartsongs is a low risk company with little capital investment.

Balance sheet

Annual cash flow

Annual income sheet

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How to Start a Greeting Card Business from Home

• March 23, 2023
• by Editorial Team

The greeting card business is perfect for those who enjoy creativity and want to turn their creative minds into successful ventures. A greeting card is an illustrated piece of card or high-quality paper featuring an expression of friendship or other sentiments.

Greeting cards are a billion-dollar industry now. People need it for plenty of reasons like birthdays, anniversaries, and as well as for business reasons. The greeting card business is a fun-making, feel-good business and can be initiated with comparatively low startup capital on a home-based basis.

12 Steps to Start a Home-Based Greeting Card Business

1. understand the market.

Making Greeting Cards is a dynamic business. The trends change fast. You must conduct detailed market research on the latest demand of local as well as on the online market.

In addition, if you want to find the kind of searches people are making regarding greeting cards in the online space, Google Trends is a good option.

2. Learn Types of Greeting Cards 

There are several types of techniques available to make a greeting card. Such as rubber stamping, calligraphy, origami, paper cutting, hand-printed, with sand and color, living, pop-up cards, and musical cards. Apart from these, digitally printed cards are now having an increasing demand for their decency.

Consider your skills and as well as target consumers when determining the card types. You will need to focus on two segments. One is standard pre-designed cards and the other is customized for your client’s specific requirements.

Apart from these, digitally printed cards are now in increasing demand. Consider your skills and as well as target consumers when determining the card types.

You will need to focus on two segments. One is standard pre-designed cards and the other is customized greeting cards as per the client’s specific requirements.

3. Select your Niche

It is important to select a few categories of making and selling greeting cards when you are starting as a beginner. When profit starts coming in, you can consider scaling it up.

It is advised to visit local retailers that are selling greeting cards and find their collections. Another useful way of understanding the market is to search online on marketplaces like Amazon , Etsy, or eBay.

4. Create a Business Plan

Take some time off and start writing a business plan for your greeting card business. This plan document will help you to understand your strengths and weaknesses while starting and running the business. Your business plan must address the following aspects:

• Target market
• Where you are going to sell – offline, online, or both.
• How big is the market locally
• Marketing Plan
• Financial Plan

5. Select a Legal Entity

If you are planning to run a legally-compliant enterprise, it is essential to select an appropriate business entity. Every state and country provides different options for forming a legal structure for your greeting card business.

For example, in the United States, the four most popular business structures are sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. One can form an LLC if looking to protect their financial assets protected in case of financial disputes.

6. Licenses & Permits

Another important aspect of running a hassle-free legal greeting card company is to procure the necessary licenses and permits. For example, if you are in the United States and planning to hire manpower, it is mandatory to register for an employer identification number(EIN). It is advised to talk to a business attorney and learn more about the required licenses needed to operate a greeting card business.

7. Purchase Equipment for Greeting Card Making Business

When you have selected what cards you will be making and selling, you will need to gather several accessories for your greeting card-making business. For digitally printed cards you will need to have computers, scanners, designing software, and high-quality printers.

You can also outsource the printing arrangement. For other types of cards, you need to source beads, colors, blank card paper, and different craft-making items. You will find these materials from the local wholesale shop or you can go for an online purchase.

8. Select a Business Name for Your Greeting Card Business

Choosing a catchy and unique business name goes a long way in creating a brand. The name should be relatable and customers can easily identify with your products and services. Check this guide to know more about the steps to select a proper business name.

9. Have an Inventory Plan

The number of supplies will grow as you make more and more greeting cards. Hence, it is important to have an effective inventory plan. Create smooth communication with local wholesalers so that you are never either in shortage of supplies or have them in excess.

10. Envelope for Greeting Card Making Business

Give special attention when choosing several envelopes for your greeting card-making business. Consider the standard sizes and colors. Your cards should fit into envelopes properly. The most common sizes of envelopes are A7, A6, and A2.

11. How to Sell Greeting Cards

Card writing is also an important factor in a card-making business. Go for contemporary, creative writing that reflects the thoughts and feelings people generally want to communicate with others.

Make some sample greeting cards to show your customers. You can keep your card in local bookstores, and craft stores on a consignment basis. You can contact retailers to supply your cards on a wholesale basis.

There are also huge demands incorporate and business houses for greeting cards. You can contact those businesses who need to stay firmly established in their client’s minds, such as doctors, insurance agents, high-value retail brands, and any other business houses. Send them a greeting card of your own that explains your business and creativity. And then follow up for an appointment to show your greeting card portfolio.

12. Go Online

It is almost mandatory to have an online presence to be successful in the greeting card business.  The first step is to Create a website with an online shop. Offer some discounts, tips, or news as an incentive to your customers for online purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions :

Is greeting card business profitable.

The greeting card business is expected to grow in the coming years. The present greeting card business industry is worth over $7.5 billion annually and as per industry experts, it is poised to have more growth. In the United States alone, the total approximate revenue collection was 2.93 billion U.S. dollars in the year 2021.

On average, most greeting card business owners earn $50,000 per year. It is seen, big greeting card brands like Hallmark, make a whopping $20 billion on special occasions like Valentine’s Day.

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Greeting Card Business?

You can start a greeting card business with as low as $1000 if you start on a small scale at home. However, it can rise to $10000 if you plan it on a larger scale. The costs mainly include sourcing product sourcing, design sourcing, manpower hiring, and promotional costs.

Do you need any Software to run a Greeting Card Business?

To deliver high-quality greeting cards relevant software comes in handy.  You can create, print, and send high-quality greeting cards with a few clicks of your mouse. There are thousands of ready-to-share templates. And also you can customize them. One of the most popular free greeting card software is Adobe Spark, Canva, and Movavi.

As your greeting card-making business grows, you can apply for a Patent and Copyright License. You will need to submit the designs along with your company name with a specific application format with fees.

Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.