How to Start a Home Greeting Card Business
Working from home provides a lot of opportunities that are not available in the traditional workplace. Home businesses can be rewarding and fulfill a definite need in the community. Greeting cards, for example, are a great way for industrious people to do something creative while making a profit in the comfort of their homes. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine a greeting card niche. The greeting card industry is wide open with topics to write on. Consumers purchase cards for graduations and birthdays. They also purchase more obscure cards like the loss of a pet or a rare cultural holiday. Deciding on a niche for the greeting card business will go a long way in forming the direction of operations and what kinds of writers are needed.
-
2
Assemble writers. This can be done in a number of ways. With the advent of the internet, it is not necessary to have writers based locally to the business. Develop a roster of writers from all over the world via sites like craigslist and journalismjobs.com. Describe the exact type of writer needed. It is best to start out with freelance writers to avoid the challenges of employees. Contact the Small Business Association for contracts and guidance for dealing with contract workers. The business owner may also want to find some graphic artists to develop some basic designs for greeting cards as well.
-
-
3
Set up a web page. The web page will serve two purposes. First, customers can review cards online as well as purchase cards for delivery. Second, writers will need to access the site and submit cards for edit and approval. This will require some kind of web 2.0 technology for reviewing and submitting data.
-
4
Find clients who purchase greeting cards. Bookstores and grocery store chains are the first organizations to approach. Seek out less traditional clients like home health agencies and hospitals. These are two organizations where greeting cards are used to console family and friends.
-
5
Market to potential customers. Advertising dollars may be thin for a business just starting out, so find free opportunities like online message boards or cheaper Greensheet ads. Community papers are also a good place to start finding an audience for new greeting cards.
-
1
