Online Greeting Card Sales Increased 17%


The IBIS marketing research company reported a 17% growth in online card sales in 2012.  The original report has several interesting facts about the changes in the card industry:


• The prediction is a 12% annual growth of online card sales through 2017. This is attributed to the growth in social media and technology.

• There are no companies who dominate the online greeting card market, and established companies like Hallmark and American Greetings face mounting competition from new companies. 

 
• Personalized cards have increased in popularity. 


• Customers are paying more for cards and want higher quality materials.
 


Many of these trends also coincide with the independent retail stores I interviewed recently. What I conclude from this information is that the industry is changing rapidly.  It appears customers want high quality cards, the convenience of having someone else mail them, and a unique personalized style.

Where to Sell Cards Online: Check out my list of online venues for selling cards such as crowdsourcing, apps and print on demand.






What is your experience?

Answer the pole and see all results.


In the last 30 days, how many of these did you experience?
  
 
~

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I have a repeat customer for my cards who told me that, because she works for a museum, she feels that she should give handmade, unique cards that you can't find in a Hallmark or CVS or Walmart, and she's decided that my cards fit that bill. I think there are a lot of people out there who are tired of the same old same old cards

Kate Harper said...

Yes Lin, and I think a lot of upstart companies are reaching their customers online offering specialized and personalized cards. It's exciting to know there is an expanding way to sell cards and reach customers like the museums.

Kate Harper said...

Thanks Kenny, I will add you to my Online Venue article list for cards: http://kateharperblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/venues-for-selling-greeting-cards-online.html

Kenny Ynoa said...

Thank you Kate! You're excellent. I'd like to invite you and your circle to connect with me via the Social eCards App. It would be fun to exchange digital cards amongst ourselves and communicate so that you may use the technology first hand.

I'd love to know your thoughts on it.

All the best,
--
Kenny