Greeting Card Advice from a Sales Rep perspective

What You Didn’t Know About Starting a Greeting Card Line is a great 3 part article by Carolyn Edlund blog that all new card businesses should read. Here are the topics covered from the perspective of a sales rep.

Click on Part 1 Part 2 or Part 3 to see explanations of topics.



PART 1: Topics

Forget about selling a line of blank cards

Greeted card lines must be in the proper proportions.

Start with “Everyday Cards”.

The 80/20 rule applies. . .

Start small and find out what sells.

Cards are usually sold wholesale in packs of six.

Part 2: Topics

How big of a line do you need?

You can have what is called a “pre-select”.

Where do you find display racks?

What size should your cards be?

What size should your cards NOT be?

Indicator Cards.

Define your market.

You are not Hallmark.

Part 3: Topics

How should you price your cards?

What about minimums?

What about returns?

Should you have sales reps selling your line?

Where do you find a sales rep?

Treat your reps well.

What about niche markets?

Should you exhibit at a trade show?

Why shouldn’t you just use CafePress or Zazzle to print your cards?

What other alternatives are there?

Read Articles 1,2 &3 What You Didn’t Know About Starting a Greeting Card Line