Greeting card business plan
Plans ss plans - volume de greeting card company business de greeting card by: gordana city, mo ongs is a start up company that will begin operations in 2005. All cards sold, and for this reason we will sell heartsongs to ues, specialty stores, florists, and gift shop owners. Awaiting the first preview of our following business plan provides information regarding our ption, management and growth strategies, and financial plan is intended to provide you with information ongs so that you might offer us your expertise as we seek our plan and business goals/ was once a creative hobby for two sisters and a central part in s to stay in touch has turned into a passion, as the two hours designing, stamping, cutting, and assembling, g each other's mailbox with cards and envelopes. This cards has spread to other individuals as well, as these sisters skillfully creating cards that are handcrafted, personalized, so that the others might benefit from and enjoy such a itten cards are a means of communication that touch lives, as ctly identify thoughts, words, and activities; they comfort,Inspire, celebrate, and stir a vast range of emotions. Greeting cards are one of our culture'st tools of communications, and the greeting card industry has nt and continual need for art and alternative ongs is a newly founded organization incorporated as a ity company located in kansas city, missouri. The company' product is a collection of hand made greeting cards consisting different product lines. Heartsongs is committed to creating hand made greeting cards available; each card being designed led with great care by individuals who have an eye for detail. Ive is to create hand made greeting cards, for every occasion, hed quality, originality, and uniqueness. We want our customers to make ent when they use our greeting cards, expressing our tagline,"let your heart sing". We have a strong work ethic that the core of our commitment to the values of respect, integrity,Fairness, and create hand made greeting cards, for every occasion, of y, originality, and ongs is committed to creating the finest hand made greeting ble. Each card being designed, embossed, stamped, cut, and great care by individuals who have an eye for ng hand made cards which create a memory, stir emotion, and title (pending). Is incorporated as an ongs' management team currently consists of a ceo, a business & organizational development, and a director of . Research, business and product development, and is/feasibility have been completed by both the ceo and the business & organizational development; all additional help primarily from the advisory board, legal advisors, and ritter, president & thomas, director of business & organizational s black, director of product president & ceo, martha ritter, has been a wife for 27 mother of two children ages 21 and 17. She has always had a desire to be creative; enjoying stenciling,Sewing, scrap–booking, wreath–making, and home the past five years, she has created hand made cards for her family s to enjoy, all the while having people tell her that she a card business. She feels that now is the time to get started looking forward to the next adventure in her director of business & organizational development, , is a student at saint louis university, graduating, with honors,In may 2005. Caryn possesses excellent writing and critical–, as well as, a commitment to the challenge of management, ons, international business, and marketing activities.
Her off days are filled with as she, like her sister, makes hand made cards and is a tor; she also serves as a mentor and a design coordinator for within the ann arbor community. She sees her creative the ambitions of her sister as a means of achieving her goal g towards and participating in a small ment—business gh there are three members of heartsongs management team, each own title, the ownership of the business is not evenly hout the team. Ownership of the business as she will be responsible for funding g the business over its first 3 years in existence. Martha out the day–to–day activities of the business,Complete a large majority of the inventory, be responsible for butors within the kansas city metro area, and manage a large the finances and operations of the business. Director of , frances black will maintain 5% of the business as her bution towards heartsongs startup initiatives and initial involve only creative product design inputs. Director of business & organizational development, , will require and claim absolutely no ownership of the business only role is developing the business plan and growing the business infancy. She contributes little by way of creative input, labor, ions of the business long– individuals have been added as members of the advisory board as a complementary management team. These individuals sionals who have expertise and/or knowledge of business planning,Finance, business development, marketing, and design. Advisory members pryce—pryce's construction materials, enced product manager and business h & bonnie plaint—bonnie plaint's enced boutique owners/onal advisors will be those who have experience within boutiques,As they possess both industry and product e management & /accountant—greer & in the books and financial end and advise on finances and y validity of financial ate attorney—interviews are underway to determine e and file necessary legal trademark—name, tagline, & team—as ritter & frances black will initially be the sole contributors of the design ng & duals subcontracted or hired as necessary, based upon the growth company and/or the unexpected need for additional inventory. Frances black are currently the only staff determined ary to fulfill and maintain demand within the first 3 years inspiration of turning a hand made greeting card hobby into sful business was conceived in august of 2004 between the ceo,Martha ritter, and director of business & pment, caryn thomas, after reading of the opportunities female entrepreneurship. All the women who were able t and/or successfully run their own business dared to strive ing they were passionate about, letting the learned abilities with the trial and error of pursuing their own small business . Martha realized what she was passionate about was her own artistic ability; more specifically, creating stamping and crafting of hand made greeting cards had actually a hobby between martha and her sister, frances black, who used ty as a central part of their efforts to stay in touch. The ally designed and assembled their own cards that became a given to family and friends. This leisurely now become an obsession, and the thrill of becoming an with the challenge of making their business a success is the behind heartsongs ongs is a start up company that will begin operations by the end of. Each card ed, embossed, stamped, cut, and assembled with great care duals with an eye for detail. Heartsongs … let your ongs is a company which meticulously creates hand made cards pes by individuals with an eye for detail; allowing its customers nothing less than the extraordinary.
Each card –embossed or hand–stamped on only the finest papers stock available; designed, embossed, stamped, cut, and assembled care, making them an original gift, much to the enjoyment of ent. Heartsongs creates a product which is just as distinctive,Personalized, and unique as the greeting written —our greeting cards are more than simply cards or ted stationery, rather each and every greeting card is seen as made work–of–art. The message is seen at be an emotional piece of one–self and that is why to provide the best representation of thoughtfulness and each and every hand made y—martha ritter and frances black are creative ely talented artists who construct all greeting cards hand. There are no machines involved in the process of making made greeting cards; rather, each card is hand cut, hand stamped,And hand wrapped before being delivered to the manship—while manufactured greeting cards are ed by artists or computer– generated before being mass quantities in factories oversees, all of heartsongs'. Stamped design team, and delivered in a timely ization/personalization—heartsongs is happy to discuss of personalization or customization of a batch of cards, as team is adept in creating those cards which meet the desires of each individual customer, boutique owner, and/–profit e heartsongs creates a product which is both unique and –consuming all of the items within the line possess and charm. The differences between elaborate boxed sets vary and are determined by the supplies labor involved in creating the dual cards—designed for those individuals who lves on finding just the "right" card for on. Individual cards have multiple variations under the ries: holiday (christmas, father's day, mother', 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 selected as they are the most demanded themes and cover the y of topics; such categories will also allow heartsongs to card lines as demand increases. The individual card line commands more progressive variety in both simplistic and elaborate cards,Priced $5. Personal touch of elegance and a card which will suit his/her will make a much desired statement. Price for such card sets will vary and ined on the basis of the supplies necessary and the labor order to complete the ng cards are already in existence within the marketplace ng card companies are pursuing our same clientele as they too can in our target boutiques. Such cards vary from computerized,Mass–produced, and hand made cards which range in price from. An greetings companies; also, in addition to paper cards, ies have adapted to internet demand and make available many lines intended for electronic ative greeting card companies, such as ourselves, design and ng cards for all occasions and in many varieties, targeting toward a specific niche; there is however, quite a bit of terms of price, quality, and locations of such companies. Nevertheless,In instances of both industry giants and alternative companies, and many of the lines produced by these card companies are mass sale, leaving hand–crafted cards and –of–a–kind crafted cards intended for , on a much smaller scale both competitively and in terms of . Greeting card association) ers on numerous topics related to their business, from which ry has been selling best to what their top–selling ted of. When r retailers had seen an increase or decrease in certain ries in the last 12 months, by far the category that ned most as seeing an increase in is greeting cards; greeting boxed cards were also most mentioned as the product category ers plan to add to their store in the next 12 ongs has identified five major competitors within the st.
Area, all of which create hand made cards and are buting their product in local boutiques. The four identified and most itors of heartsongs are open please cards, ribbons and bows, ts, and peter's cards. Heartsongs is currently updating so that it might be a distinctive hand made card company a product that is far different, by design, than its itive separates heartsongs from everyone else is our commitment to design,Quality, customization, and impractical replication. Heartsongs also provides a unique pricing t structure so that we can sell our cards in a manner that ible with the market and does not upset our boutiques/ongs understands that the success of individual boutiques depends specialty store's own uniqueness of product; as t offerings allow each boutique the ability to differentiate another. The design team at heartsongs is unlike the many other card makers as they possess the creative ability ility in order to match the product niche of a specific boutique;. By understanding the product, objective, and niche individual boutique, heartsongs hopes to become a dominant card boutiques in the kansas city metro area. Heartsongs is stay one step ahead of the other hand made card makers by trends and concentration of consumers and retailers. It is heartsongs loyalty to its specialty butors and its creative ability to small market scope that ongs to gain the competitive from heartsongs adaptability to specific boutique niche, gained an advantage over other hand made card distributors ing non–profit organizations and local charities. Heartsongs seeks to meet the need charities by offering its services for mailing distributions,Adapting to the uniqueness of each charity and theme of /fundraiser in order to create a card/mailing which will gain understand the importance of valuing the relationships of both ers and boutique owners, priding ourselves on customer service y assurance; therefore, if our cards do not live up to rds, we give our customers our guarantee that we will do our ability to rectify the problem and satisfy those most important ongs is dedicated to its vision and the maintenance of quality,Originality, and uniqueness in all of it products; therefore, card which is produced will be designed and crafted by hand. We heartsongs is an exceptional company because it prides itself in made and hand crafted ability; therefore, we would never wish mise its ongs productions are currently operating under the sole preparedness of the two individuals of the design team, and they the only producers of cards through the first few years of existence;. However, as the company develops production,And ultimately business ownership, will balance between the two members design team. We realize this is costly and as a ses our profit margins, however, it is necessary as our sales have not yet been fully utilized or determined; nonetheless, as p, we seek to make a majority of our supply purchases from alers and card stock suppliers. Specific wholesalers that subsequent tables/spreadsheets, within the financial statements, the production cost that heartsongs will incur as well as margin for each individual card and/or boxed set sold; tion cost assumes that all supplies are purchased directly researching and analyzing the market, the founders of determined that our hand made cards can compete in the greeting , especially when positioned in high–end boutiques lty stores which are known for commanding a higher price for y items. Heartsongs desires to have a name that is for quality, originality, and uniqueness; delivering a product far different than those cards which are computerized, mass produced,And/or hand made. Our cards will be sold in boutiques and , as such stores sell only those unique and specialty goods; will allow us to gain name recognition so that we will be much izably known as a source of our greeting cards and an ongs falls into a category with a variety of other businesses in ng card industry; sic code 2771 and naics code 511191. In 1997, bureau compiled the following table with regards to greeting ng card industry ch done by the greeting card association has pointed to the greeting cards industry; such facts are as follows:The greeting card industry generates more than $7.
Billion in from consumer purchases of more than 7 billion the total greeting cards purchased annually, roughly half al, and the remaining half is for everyday card–mas is the most popular card–sending holiday; sales mas cards account for over 60% of all seasonal card of valentine's day cards (the next most popular on) account for 25% of seasonal card ay cards account for 60% of the sales volume of everyday ses, with anniversary cards following at a distant 8%. American households purchase 35 greeting cards each average american receives 20 cards, of which one third are purchase more than 80% of all greeting are over 2,000 greeting card publishers in america, ranging family businesses to major corporations, many of which s from freelance only does heartsongs fall within the greeting card industry, sic naics 511191, but it is also within a category for independent services, sic 8999. Music; painting; sculpturing; and in similar –related ishments primarily providing services not elsewhere classified,Such as lecturers, radio commentators, editors, and inventors working ishments primarily engaged in environmental consulting on ct or fee er profile & ongs is looking to provide a product which is distinguishable greeting cards available within the market. In doing so, express a desire for uniqueness for those who enjoy the finer life and are committed to inspire, celebrate, and communicate a emotions through greeting cards. Primarily to the profile and demographics of those within , since that is the focus of business within the first 3 are 5,505,963 people within missouri, 2,658,831 are male and. E that creating and protecting our brand image is of ance as it is an image that is committed to creating the finest greeting cards available. We understand that we must first prove t in the boutique arena in order to build our brand; therefore, focus on exceptional design, assembly, care, quality, e, delivery, and new product development within our retail a strong customer base has been developed and strengthened we to focus our attention to a wider variety of hand made cards nary and/or on–line clientele which will be a ongs is taking an approach which is more than strictly sales, customer exists for the business, rather our mindset and k states that the business exists for the customer. The t is a management plan that views all marketing components as a total system that requires effective planning, organization,Leadership and control. Market research has been compiled to help our business for our customer's interests, not our own. We have identified the type er boutiques where we wish our greeting card line to be such stores will be targeted through direct mail, phone conversations,And personal appointments. The boutiques and specialty good we are currently looking into are as follows:Red flower—three locations within the kansas city metro leaf—one location within the kansas city metro libby—one location within the kansas city metro and petals—one location within the kansas city metro and paper—two current locations & one location way within the kansas city metro on ourselves—one location within the kansas city metro s and bushels—one location with 8 other ues under different names, but the same sweet house—one location within the kansas city metro pea—one location within the kansas city metro & jack—one location within the kansas city salad—one location within the kansas city metro children's boutique—one location within the stingly, only red flower, cloverleaf, and sweet pea carry a line made cards & it is also important to note that a majority specialty stores do not carry a line of cards and our goal is them to consider making an addition to their product selection the uniqueness of the heartsongs product line and how it ties in individual are also a number of charities within the kansas city metro area annual fundraisers and events to support their own specific following is a list of some of the major charities within the area that heartsongs will be specifically targeting:Multiple sclerosis fibrosis an cancer availability of heartsongs at small craft fairs and artisan events helpful in building brand image. This organization which interests heartsongs as it has featured hand made card artisans, such as open please cards, and presented their work al exhibitions, educational programming, and support services t artists and the r decision which we will ultimately have to make is whether we market ourselves or work with an agent. Such ads will communicate to a widened heartsongs is a company which creates a product which can be customized for the consumer to meet their needs and unique a mass distribution of cards. Therefore, if heartsongs can build a clientele base boutiques and charitable foundations, then such individuals will to not only pass the heartsongs name along to those they know cards made for a specific event, but all those who receive a specific events will be touched by the unique designs and ence of heartsongs product onally, today's free–distribution papers are paid–circulation newspapers. Isements within local magazines and ing & e target boutiques with cards to solicit cards to family, friends, co–workers, & retail build recognition of the ch national boutiques in order to create distribution on a under one retail breaks and a percentage discount offered based on the quantity se and bulk marketing has been completed at st. It was obvious that our cards had considerably more detail,Revealing the higher level of care that was taken in our on.
These factors brought the customer to our booth and caused select and purchase our hand made cards. On the basis of such ing efforts, we feel that we will have congruent results when ts are sold within specialty stores and against some of our only are individuals purchasing our cards at various craft fairs, cards are being distributed and are in circulation, as they have as gifts and used in various forms of ongs competitive edge will remain in the ability of our as we seek to stay ahead of our competitors. To put it differently,It is heartsongs objective to approach the boutiques and charities, tly do not supply a line of hand made cards, first. Particular store; and, for specialty good stores, which pride diversity and uniqueness of product, they will not wish to le varieties of hand made cards. Heartsongs has approached inquired about their interest in hand made cards, and those who currently have a selection of hand made cards seemed interested to see some samples and/or a portfolio of heartsongs product prices of heartsongs products are based upon what the market commands,What our customers are willing to spend, what is listed by our itors, and the labor which is involved in the creation of . Three price points d for our products based upon the three different lines; however ials are based solely on the price points of boxed sets dual cards as the prices for customized cards and special orders t to change based upon the size of the order, labor, and ed. Heartsongs will accept sales on such customized cards onal revenue, but because of the variation of pricing istency of the orders we feel that there is not enough stability it a valid category within the financial statements. These were developed based upon the type of card, cost of materials, itive pricing; we feel that these price points provide options customers. It is important to note that within the price points the three product lines there are two additional categories g—simple & elaborate—based upon the complexity,Craftsmanship, and decorative nature of the card ch in the retail industry shows that specialty items sell y double the price of cost. Customer and retailer feedback will also be le source in order to determine our pricing strategy as compared value of our cards. Adjustments for pricing will be reviewed much ntly within the first three years of production in order to greatest profit margins for the company and best marketability of is important to note that heartsongs competition tends to price $1–$3 higher than our products, and we feel that ding a lower price point we can once again be set apart, not e of affordability, but also because of the quality and ness of card as it relates to the price. Heartsongs cannot run a business for free, therefore the for charitable groups will be lower than boutiques and much cost ($2 per card). Additionally, cards which are sold –for–profit groups will require a 100 simplistic m, and prices are based upon the simplicity of card, $200 are a number of pricing strategies heartsongs can use to achieve goals. If approach were taken, boutiques would essentially be taking 50 lining—by offering three different product types with ent pricing points, based on the complexity of the card,Heartsongs feels that this technique of stocking merchandise in ent price ranges will allow our customers to buy our product ent uses in mind and with different expectations for itive advantage—by using competitive advantage to we have followed the prices set by our competition, and based image, set our prices equal or a little below those of nment—some of the boutiques that we have contacted ed concerns over inventory build–up, especially with ts featured within the store; the solution that many had come er lies in consignment sales. Market with several competitors, but be believe that our hand ng cards can successfully compete. We have reviewed our risks planned accordingly, preserving a low risk status through ment of market risk, as we stay ahead of the market and on top trends within the ation of our products or an increased availability of hand within the sed use of internet cards, rather than hand– much inventory or overstock of a particular card.
Demand sed penetration of specialty stores, by our competitors, of price is seen as lower unforeseeable event targeting one of the members of the uction of new products to boutiques, charities, and marketing within kansas city before moving into the ann ; this providing us with the information about our product,Consumer response, pricing strategy, and distribution gency contracts during the initial start up phase to and provide us with an additional hedge of l sales of hand made cards by local boutiques and opportunity of internet sales, long– exit strategy includes two options, private label or licensing for a fee to larger companies. The advantage of a ed agreement is that we would have the money up front, and we longer be dependent on our cards selling successfully before we additional income of them. A career as a freelance artist ially be another side business for our management team if we felt no longer capable of running our own business. Lot of time and effort to find a greeting card company that wants h artists' work. Having our own line of cards along with business will establish credibility, which is important in nce work if heartsongs ever decides to exit the are based upon expenses occurred to date and include, but are d to, projected future charges are determined by a per hour charge and are subject based upon our choice of legal es are based on the retail rate and are subject to change when we identify a t inventory takes into account a increase in sales per and inventory will grow based upon heartsongs' ation of boutiques and charities (monthly). Of the card covers retail shops will earn a commission on card ongs is assuming very few personalized/custom card ongs will use a capital investment of $3000. Initially heartsongs will be debt free and all be regarded as assets of the ongs is assuming very few personalized/custom card orders brand image has been established; therefore, additional from these sales is not taken into ongs seeks to add one boutique every month, in addition to we begin with, and work for one non–profit two months. Profit from non-profit organizations will come estimated in batches of 500 cards per ongs is a low risk company with little capital rs invested onal paid in shareholder liabilities & shareholders in working capital change in current operating cash ing cash ing expenses (overhead). Sales/marketing s are based upon retail and charitable will be no need for additional ss will be run out of the of cards includes any additional t about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic:Show my email comment: (50-4000 characters). Greeting card company business plan ng a handmade card business is an exciting prospect, however if you are going to successfully sell handmade cards then there are a number of things you need to do before you open your business doors (real or virtual) to customers. While starting a handmade card business may seem like an attractive prospect and one that is relatively easy to do, starting a... Whether you are planning this as a part time job, a way of making a bit of extra income or whether this represents a new career path, read on to find out what you should be doing before you start selling your ch, reasearch, research! Look at handmade cards that sell in 'bricks and mortar' outlets, online outlets and everywhere in between, to see what sells well, what doesn't sell so well and what types of cards are currently under represented. Look at the price points that the cards sell at (remember that card maker will have sold cards into third parties at a wholesale price, therefore the price the customer pays isn't the total that the... The craft entrepreneur website has a lot of free information to help you get started including interesting tips for researching a new craft business. In addition to looking at the design aspect of starting a new business, you also need to research the legalities, for instance, finding out whether you need a business g good quality feedback on your work is essential.
While family and friends may have raved about your handmade cards, the fact that they may not want to hurt your feelings by giving negative feedback should be considered. Take your cards to some local businesses and ask for feedback, join card making forums (many of which have members who will critique your designs) and ask for feedback from as many card-buying people that you can - without being too annoying! While criticism of your own handmade items can be hard to take, remember that the feedback you receive is meant in a positive way, and will help you create a better business. Your planning should include potential designs, techniques and materials that you will require, what market need these cards will fulfill, for example what occasion will the cards be targeted at? You go any further - are the supplies that you intend to use in your handmade card designs ok for commercial use? To 5 of 8 is where you start to pull together your preparation so far and start planning! Creating a detailed plan, or business plan, will help you create a clear progression path, while also helping you to identify any potential weaknesses. Your plan should include a number of key elements, including answering some important questions:your market - who your cards are aimed at? Are you offering cards that have a point of difference, for example unique designs or construction, are you fulfilling a niche? Have you costed your time - all of it, including the time you will need to promote your cards? Can you commit the time required to make your business a ng your finances should fall within the 'planning', however it is such an important part of your business planning it deserves its own section. Before you launch you business you need to be absolutely certain that your business plan is watertight. Fortunately, as a card maker looking to sell your work, you won't be facing the start up costs that some other businesses face. Absolutely certain that you can generate enough money from your business to support you at the level you require and that you have money to invest in the growth of your business. You will also need to consider you have completed your plan and identified any areas of weakness that need addressing, you can start to prepare for launch. Our next article will cover the things you need to think about during this important stage of building a handmade card you are a keen artist and looking to monetize your art, you could consider creating designs to sell as digital stamps.
There is more information here - how to sell digital to start a successful handmade business selling cards and more! Stamping feeling to your handmade projects with these free printable de card making tips: don't forget the back of cards! Learn about the card started selling handmade cards with these useful ng about opening an etsy store? Formula for pricing handmade cards and stamping ions as inspiration for your handmade the right wording to your handmade cards with these how to make handmade cards for a variety of ine's day crafts. Stamping the perfect sentiment for your mother's day cards and your small farm from the ground up. Essential tips to starting a small farm an entrepreneur - start your own laundry delivery ng a handmade card business is an exciting prospect, however if you are going to successfully sell handmade cards then there are a number of things you need to do before you open your business doors (real or virtual) to customers. Categories » finance and business » business » business by articlewikihow to start a greeting card methods:starting as a freelance designerstarting your own card linecommunity q& 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. Another is to start your own greeting card company and sell products to companies or directly to customers. The greeting card association (gca) has a listing of members that accept submissions from freelance artists. Industry journals like artists market also list opportunities for freelance graphic designers who create greeting cards. Create cards that correspond only to what they ask for as far as genre and sure your submissions include your name and contact information. 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 designing, look at the type of cards they produce, and how those materials will affect the medium you are working submitting, think about the type of company you are submitting to. If you get denied by one greeting card company, move on to the next one. Each company treats its freelance workers differently, but in most cases cards are accepted on a flat fee basis.
If you are proposing a line of cards, then you may be able to negotiate royalties, or an advance against future royalties. As you design a line of cards, remember that you want designs and messages that appeal to those audiences. You can either create pre-produced cards that people buy as is, or you can design custom-made cards for specific clients. Good places to keep track of new greeting cards include card stores, craft fairs where people selling cards, and companies that sell online. Reviewing submission guidelines and requests from major publishers (like those linked from the gca) are another good way to find out what sorts of cards people are looking for and looking 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 feedback on your work. Give sample cards to family and friends to get feedback, especially if they are in your target market. If it is something different than what you hoped for or expected, you know that you will need to modify your e your cards. The materials you use to produce your cards will be variable depending on the type of cards you are creating. You can find a variety of materials for making cards in craft stores, including thick cardstock and delicate rice papers. 9] the kind of paper you needs will depend on the type and number of cards you intend to produce. Higher material costs likely mean higher prices, so keep that in mind as you study different kinds of 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 't forget to include envelopes with your cards. 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. For this kind of startup, the internet and face-to-face selling will be crucial to getting 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 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 ising using social media can be a good, cheap way to get some early advertising through friends and other directly to card 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). There are a lot of financial and legal considerations that go into a new business, and you don't want to get in trouble because you missed something government, including states, counties, and towns, have additional licensing requirements for new businesses. Apply to the irs for a tax identification number, which you will use on the many tax-filing forms your new business will se financial software. The hardest part of your new business will be keeping track of your financial information. More unanswered r 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. You don't need to give a full refund, but perhaps allow customers to exchange one card for to start a dairy to start a security to start a convenience to start a marketing business for to start a printing to open a day care to open a child care to start your own custom design furniture to start a software s and ries: business by ñol: comenzar un negocio de tarjetas de saludo, português: abrir uma empresa de cartões de fan mail to to all authors for creating a page that has been read 87,829 this article help you? Articleshow to start a dairy farmhow to start a security companyhow to start a convenience storehow to start a marketing business for text shared under a creative commons d by answer ise 500 ss opportunities iption on the next to articles to add them to your p costs: $2,000 - $10, based: can be operated from time: can be operated ises available? You love picking out and sending just the right card for every occasion, and if you're a whiz at designing that perfect card yourself, then niche greetings cards is the business for you. This is a field with room for growth, and while the big players like hallmark do tend to dominate the market, most of the country's more than 1,800 greeting card companies are small ones. You can help businesses develop and maintain a rapport with their clientele by sending customized cards for special occasions. You can also send cards announcing clients' special events and even embellish cards with your customers' signatures and logos. You'll purchase blank cards at wholesale prices and, depending on the size of each project, imprint the message on your own printer, have them imprinted commercially, or design and print each card on your own computer system. Or you can go the retail route and design cards for the regular consumer market. The advantages to this business are that you can start part time, it's fun and creative, and it's a warm, fuzzy, feel-good business--even though you don't see the recipients of your cards, you know they're enjoying them.
For this business, you'll need a sense of fun, creativity and--the flip side of the coin--good organizational and time-management skills. When you send out cards for business clients, you need to stay on top of things. But you'll need to stay far ahead of the calendar with a retail design business, too. Winter holiday cards hit the stores soon after halloween, and mother's day missives appear soon after st. Patty's day--which means that you'll have to have yours designed, printed and ready to ship even 'll need a computer, a high-quality color printer, a scanner, greeting card or desktop publishing software, and--if you'll be taking the custom corporate route--database software for maintaining mailing lists and a resale license for buying cards at wholesale tmaking en's ion/ainment & products/en's goods/-profit/are ng ial service care estate ty logy ad will close in 15 seconds...