One can start a greeting card business, which can surely be an exciting thing to do, in case you have a liking for words, design and creativity. If you can express your feelings in a loving way, this business is most appropriate for you. Some people may not know, but this industry has a staggering $7 billion worth turnover. Nowadays, sending wishing cards through Internet is the latest trend. But despite the online way of sending greeting cards, people have always preferred to send or receive a greeting card through a mail. Greeting cards sent through mails, definitely touch the heart in a loving and an affectionate way.
Steps to Start a Greeting Card Business
The first thing you need to do is to study and conduct a thorough research on the different greeting card industries. This will enable you to determine the industry's strengths and weaknesses. It will also give you a rough idea of how many and which all companies are currently competing in the industry. You may even get an understanding about what type of greeting cards would cater to which age group and gender.
Make use of some online associations like the Greeting Card Association (GCA) to be in touch with publishers and freelancers who are in this business. Read books and articles on card designing. Collect various greeting cards of different companies, and learn how the designers would've made them. You also need to study the styles and ideas of those greeting cards.
Make a short-term business plan or strategy, and create a mission for your card company. Note down all the aims and objectives of your company. Choose a specific market, and conduct research on its demands and target consumers. Prepare a budget plan to determine the cost of the equipment and materials needed. It is suggested that you take help from an accountant, to determine the exact amount of money needed for your business to start operating.
Create you own expressive ideas and styles which would make your cards unique. Using humorous and inspirational quotes and sentences is a must, when it comes to attractive greeting cards. Moreover, you need to ensure that different ideas and expressions are to be used for different occasions and seasons. Collect materials and equipment for making cards and start off with your creativity. You may even employ a creative designer to design the cards.
Create a trademark name and a logo for your company, complete all the legal formalities, and register your company formally. The company logo should be present on all the cards that are produced by your company. Approach few reputed greeting card stores, and make a deal regarding your greeting cards being displayed for sale in their stores. Initial marketing can also be done by employing some marketers who would make public presentations of your company and the greeting cards. Carry on with your business and incorporate efficient marketing strategies for it to reach the top.
If you want to start your own greeting card business, and need to be successful in it, you certainly need to be truly dedicated in working harder and smarter towards your goal. Moreover, sufficient finances and proper management is also required for this purpose.
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