The greeting card business is a billion dollar industry today. No wonder many people are thinking of going into the greeting card business. Here are a few steps how to get you started in this business venture.
1. Study the greeting card industry
Begin your greeting card business by knowing the trends. Study the market strengths and weakness. Which cards cater to which market? What age group would you want to focus on? What sex? Visit the Greeting Card Association (GCA) website. It will give you a feel for what’s happening right now. You may discover information that maybe relevant to your start up company as well as the who’s who of the industry. Decide to interact with publishers and other freelancers through that association. Develop friends and contacts. Also get your hands on additional references like how to books, other email sites as well as journals about card designing.
2. Collect greeting cards
Study the greeting cards you have collected. Notice the details. Keep up on new developments by also studying the cards of potential competitors. Identify the inspirations these makers have used and note them down on a pad. Examine several samples of cards so you understand several styles.
3. Set up a business plan, a budget and a calendar
Write down a business plan. Begin by writing down the mission and vision of your card company. What does your company believe in? Write down your objectives and goals. Next determine your specific market. Study them and identify their needs, wants and characteristics. Develop several plans to service them. Then, prepare a budget to cover your business’s expenses. Set a time to meet with an accountant to identify a working budget your company can use to start operation. Finally, set these plans on calendar. Everything begins by setting out specific dates and deadlines.
4. Find an inspiration
Read on books about quotations and inspiration. Keep refreshing yourself with useful material you can use. Develop a passion in writing your cards. Get excited, be energized and dig deep.
- Use your own unique ideas: Think of making your cards count. Think of making a difference and creating significance in people’s lives. Explore and share your own personal creativity and introduce your own style.
- Use verses: Use proverbs and other Biblical text as a source of truth and inspiration.
- Use humor: Add light but witty humor in your card text. Laughter has been discovered to relieve stress and promote good circulation.
- Use the seasons: Mix and match your thoughts with special yearly occasions as well as with the season celebrated.
5. Assembling the card
What gets noticed first in a card? It’s the artwork! It’s either that or you have a distinct message that attracts buyers. Why not have both of these in all of the cards you produce. Begin by choosing a card that will interest your market. You card has to have eye catching quality which will differentiate you from other competitors. Gather the materials you will need for your cards. If you know the design but don’t want to make the card yourself hire someone who can. Be creative in your card medium. Get out of the box and experiment.
6. Your company’s logo
After you have worked out the papers to operate your company legally, make sure you have a trademark name and a company logo. Personalize all of your cards with your logo. By doing this, you are creating awareness for your company and beginning to build your company’s identity in the greeting card industry.
7. Marketing your cards
Make a deal with a few stores to display your card products in their stores for a small profit. Another idea would be is to hire a few representatives who can make sales presentation to promote your product to companies. Lastly, have an online presence where you can display your product line.
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My late brother-in-law had a greeting card business. I introduced him to Glyphius for those catchy phrases that he sometimes had trouble with. I know he was doing very well with it until his untimely death.
Comment by ldonovan — August 17, 2008 @ 9:50 am