In this blog post we look at how to sell handmade cards in 2023. However, this isn’t a blog post to skim over, we’ve posed some very important questions for you to answer to make sure that you are on the right track. It’s easy to dream about creating a handmade card business, it’s less easy to make this a reality without some serious and focussed planning. And that’s the purpose of this post, to ensure you have the information YOU need to create a plan and start your handmade card business.
The Business of Greeting Cards
If you enjoy making cards and want to turn your hobby into a business, then it’s time to start planning! Making and selling handmade greeting cards can be a great way to earn some extra money or even build a significant income. Handmade cards are still very popular, and many people prefer to give them as gifts for birthdays and special occasions. In fact, the greeting cards market is a massive $7.5 billion industry each year!
More about making and selling handmade cards
If you’re serious about starting your own card making business, we’ve got some tips to help you get started. You’ll need to put together an initial business plan, which will help you define your goals and figure out the steps you need to take to get there. From there, you can start building your inventory, setting up your workspace, and marketing your cards to potential customers.
Remember, running a business takes hard work, dedication, and patience, but if you’re passionate about card making and willing to put in the effort, it can be a very rewarding and fulfilling venture. So, let’s get started on turning your love for card making into a thriving business!
Learn How to Start a Handmade Card Business
Starting a handmade card business can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re new to entrepreneurship. But don’t worry, there are many places to turn for help and support!
Online groups are a great place to start. There are plenty of communities of makers who are willing to share their experiences and offer advice. You can also connect with other card makers on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
If you’re planning to sell your cards on Etsy, you’re in luck. The site offers many tutorials and resources to help you get started, from creating your shop to optimizing your listings. Additionally, there are many books available on running a successful handmade business. Just make sure to find up-to-date resources, as the market for selling handmade cards is constantly evolving.
Online training and workshops are another great option. You can find courses that cover everything from branding and marketing to product photography and pricing. Some popular platforms for online courses include Skillshare, CreativeLive, and Udemy.
Plan Your Handmade Card Business
Starting a handmade card business is an exciting venture, but before you start selling, it’s important to take some time to plan. A business plan can help you stay on track, meet your goals, and avoid any potential pitfalls. Here are some questions you should be asking yourself and the information you need to know in more detail:
- What is your vision for your business?
- Define your long-term goals and objectives for your handmade card business.
- Who is your target audience?
- Determine who your ideal customer is and what their needs and preferences are.
- What makes your cards unique?
- Identify your unique selling point (USP) and what sets your cards apart from competitors.
- How will you sell your cards?
- Consider the various sales channels available to you, such as online marketplaces, in-person markets, or wholesale partnerships.
- How will you price your cards?
- Determine the cost of materials, labor (your time – don’t forget 🙂 , and overheads, and factor in a profit margin that’s in line with the market.
- How will you market your cards?
- Develop a marketing plan that outlines how you will reach your target audience, such as through social media, email marketing, or advertising.
Your Handmade Card Business Plan
Once you have answered these questions and have a clear understanding of your business, it’s time to put together your business plan. Don’t skip this – even if you are not going to share it with anyone other than yourself – doing the research for your business plan will help to ensure you have the foundations for a successful business.
A business plan should include:
- Executive summary: An overview of your handmade card business, including your mission, vision, and objectives.
- Market analysis: An analysis of the market you will be competing in, including the industry size, trends, and competitors. A simple search of platforms like Etsy will give you a great insight into competition and the number of cards available (but don’t let that put you off, find your niche will be key to your success)
- Products and services: A detailed description of the handmade cards you will be selling, including your USP (as with your niche, this is key. A business selling funny handmade cards for poodle owners is more likely to find a loyal following than a business which sells general cards with no particular style).
- Sales and marketing: A description of your sales strategy and marketing plan.
- Financial projections: A detailed financial forecast that outlines your revenue, expenses, and profit margins (and remember to cost in YOUR time!).
- Operations: A description of how your business will be managed and run on a day-to-day basis – if it is only you making cards, what will happen when you are on vacation or need some downtime. Will you bulk create cards and hold stock?
Remember, a business plan is a living document that should be revisited and revised regularly as your business grows and evolves.
Decide Where to Sell Your Cards
Selling handmade cards can be a profitable business, but it’s important to choose the right platform to showcase your products. Here’s a breakdown of the different options available:
- Online handmade marketplaces
- Online craft marketplaces such as Etsy, Amazon’s Handmade, and Artfire have become increasingly popular platforms for selling handmade cards. These sites allow you to set up your own online store without the need for technical skills. However, you will need to take high-quality photos of your cards, write compelling product descriptions, and learn about search engine optimization to get your store noticed. The Etsy seller’s handbook is a valuable resource that can guide you through the process of setting up your store and optimizing your listings.
- Local businesses and craft fairs
- Another option is to sell your handmade cards through local businesses or at craft fairs. This can be a great way to get your products in front of potential customers and build relationships within your local community. Keep in mind that you will need to have a consistent supply of cards, be willing to engage with customers in person, and potentially pay a fee to participate in these events.
- Your own online store
- If you have some technical skills, you can set up your own online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. These platforms provide a more customizable option than online marketplaces and give you more control over your branding and marketing. However, you will need to invest more time and effort into building and maintaining your website.
Having your own online presence is important regardless of the platform you choose. Consider taking low-cost courses or tutorials to help you get started with your first website. With the right platform and a bit of effort, you can build a successful handmade card business and share your beautiful creations with the world!
Who Is Your Target Market and Ideal Customer?
Understanding your target market is probably the most important thing you need to consider when starting your handmade card business.
Identifying your target market is an essential step in building a successful handmade card business. Your target market is the group of people who are most likely to buy your cards. Here are some tips for finding your target market:
- Determine the style and occasion of your cards
- Knowing what types of cards you want to create will help you determine the demographic most likely to buy them. For example, if you specialize in creating humorous cards, your target market may be people who enjoy witty and irreverent humor.
- Research the competition
- Look at what other handmade card businesses are offering and who they are targeting. This can help you identify gaps in the market and differentiate your products from others.
- Consider the age range of your target market
- Cards for different age groups have different design styles, sentiments, and price points. Identify the age range of the people you are targeting to help you create cards that appeal to them.
- Use social media to your advantage
- Social media platforms like Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram can be powerful tools for reaching your target market. Join Facebook sales groups, find relevant Etsy groups, and post images of your cards on Instagram to showcase your work and reach new customers.
- Monitor your sales data
- Keep track of your sales data to help you identify patterns in your customers’ demographics, interests, and preferences. This will help you tailor your products and marketing efforts to better reach your target market.
Remember, understanding your target market is key to defining your prices, creating effective marketing campaigns, and ultimately, growing your business. If you don’t know who your ideal customer is, you won’t know where to find them or what cards to create that they will love.
Your Handmade Card Niche
To succeed in the competitive world of handmade card businesses, it’s important to find a way to set yourself apart from the crowd. Having a niche and being known as ‘the’ card maker in that niche will help you build a loyal following. Here are some tips for identifying a niche that can help you stand out:
- Look for gaps in the market: Consider what types of cards are already available and think about how you can differentiate your products. Can you offer something that no one else is offering?
- Focus on a niche: Many successful handmade card sellers focus on a tightly defined niche. This can help you to stand out in a crowded market and create a unique selling proposition.
- Draw on your passions: When thinking about a niche, consider the things that inspire you or make you happy. This could be anything from a love of animals to a passion for the environment.
- Think about what makes you unique: Consider your own personal style and how you can incorporate this into your card designs. This can help you to create a signature look that sets your products apart.
Find 30 niche ideas for handmade cards businesses.
Remember, to be successful in the handmade card business, you need to offer something different from what is already available. By identifying a niche and focusing on what makes your products unique, you can create a compelling brand that appeals to customers and sets your business apart.
Your Handmade Card Brand
When starting a handmade card business, it’s important to think carefully about the product itself. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Branding: Develop a strong brand identity for your business, including a name, logo, and color scheme. Your brand should reflect the unique selling point of your cards and help differentiate them from competitors.
- Product development plan: Put together a plan that outlines the different types of cards you will create and how you will expand your product line over time. This will help you take the guesswork out of making products that sell and allow you to plan ahead for seasonal cards.
- Packaging: The presentation of your cards is crucial to the success of your business. Cards that are neatly packaged in cellophane envelopes or gift boxes look more professional and can command a higher price. Consider adding a label with your contact information to encourage repeat business.
- Production calendar: Greeting cards are seasonal, so it’s important to plan ahead for holidays and special occasions. Start creating seasonal cards in advance to give yourself time for marketing and to ensure you have enough inventory to meet demand.
Developing a strong product and packaging strategy is crucial to the success of your handmade card business. A product development plan will help you expand your product line, while thoughtful packaging can make your cards more attractive to customers. Remember to factor in shipping and packaging costs when pricing your cards, and to stay on top of seasonal trends to ensure your business stays relevant.
Check Graphics and Illustrations Terms of Use
When creating handmade cards, it’s important to ensure that you have the legal right to use any graphics or designs that you incorporate into your products. Some artists and graphics stores may have specific terms and conditions regarding the use of their artwork, such as limitations on commercial use or restrictions on the sale of products made with their designs.
Rubber stamps can also be subject to restrictions on their use, so it’s important to check the terms and conditions carefully before making any purchases. It’s essential to ensure that you have the proper rights to use any graphics or designs you incorporate into your handmade cards to avoid potential legal issues down the line.
When selecting graphics or designs for your handmade cards, be sure to read the terms and conditions of the artist or graphics store carefully before making a purchase. This will help you to avoid any potential issues and ensure that you have the proper rights to use the artwork in your products.
If you’re looking for graphics that you can use for commercial purposes, be sure to check out all our graphics here at Makebreaks.com, where ALL graphics can be used to make and sell handmade cards. By using graphics that you have the proper rights to, you can create beautiful and unique handmade cards that are both legal and ethically sound.
How to Price Your Handmade Cards
Pricing your handmade cards is tricky. It gets extra complicated if you plan to sell wholesale or through third parties. There are many formulas you can use, however the most important thing to remember when calculating your pricing is to include your own time. To learn how to price your handmade cards see HERE – How To Price Your Handmade Cards
In conclusion, starting a handmade card business can be a fulfilling and profitable venture, but it requires careful planning and dedication. By taking the time to develop a business plan, identifying your target market, finding a niche, and creating a strong product and packaging strategy, you can set your business up for success. Remember to consider the time commitment involved in running a small business, and to allow for the various tasks required to keep your business running smoothly. With the right strategies in place, you can build a thriving handmade card business that brings joy to your customers and fulfillment to your life.
