Card companys

[Deleted User]

sunrise27 wrote: »

we make handmade cards but we don't charge high prices , I was thinking of adding a budget range do you think that would be a good idea

Handmade cards have traditionally been at the top end of the market,selling them too cheaply can be a mistake as it devalues them,if you dont charge high prices now what use would a budget range be?the market is flooded with budget ranges

sunrise27_2

we don't sell our cards too cheaply just at a price that we think is reasonable
if we price them too high we don't sell any , at the moment we are getting a lot of return customers as they know they're getting value for money
I can afford to make a cheaper range of cards and if more people buy them then I would be making more money than I would before which has obviously got to be a good thing hasn't it ??

neverdespairgirl

1echidna wrote: »

People are likely to skimp on other expenditure first before greeting cards for loved ones and close friends.

Really?

I don't buy cards at all.

MrDT

woodbine wrote: »

whilst people will cut back on or cut out gifts they will still buy a card,and usually a better one to compensate being so tight on the gift.

Personally, I'd rather give the gift I want to give and no card. I'd still give a card when a baby was born, or being christened, or if it's a kid's birthday. Otherwise it'd be a giftwrapped doohickey with a label on it.

I only really buy gifts for family, so there'd be no 'downgrading' from 'gift and card' to 'card only' for acquaintances. No matter how strapped I was I wouldn't opt out of buying gifts for family.

mizzbiz

The problem with card shops is that they are way over priced. You can now get a decent card in Asda or a factory card outlet for often a third of the price in card retailers. You can also send e-cards now.

I have often wondered how the likes of Clinton managed to stay in business. I fin dthat the quality and price of the card is very unimportant as it's the thought that counts.

Regarding the safety of these shops, I have no idea, but if I worked in one, I would be thinking about the above and saving vigorously.

SingleSue

I agree, the cards are way overpriced in the main card outlets....£3 or £4 for a card is ridiculous.

I either buy mine from the cheap card shops (49p etc) or make one, I would never choose giving a card over a present but quite a few times, the card would work out more expensive than the present so I look for cheapos or not have one at all.

buddywitch

sunrise27 wrote: »

we make handmade cards but we don't charge high prices , I was thinking of adding a budget range do you think that would be a good idea

Yeah, that would if you are selling them on. Good luck

buddywitch

peterbfd wrote: »

Hi,

I am currently working for Hallmark Cards Plc and can confirm that they have released to the press, 65 redundancies to take place this month.

Myself and my wife are at risk.

Oh my god, so sorry as this comes as a double blow for you.

buddywitch

woodbine wrote: »

Whilst im retired now due to ill health i worked in the greeting card supply business during the recessions of the 1980s and 90s and never had a whiff of redundnacy,and i think its true to say that whilst people will cut back on or cut out gifts they will still buy a card,and usually a better one to compensate being so tight on the gift.
However were i still working in the industry today my concern would be that the multiples asda tesco m&s clintons,and card factory have taken over the industry,in the town where i live 5 of the 6 independant card retailers have closed in the last 2 years.
So my advice would be to look where the company you work for is positioned in the market then decide if they will last,theres still no harm looking round for another job,but theres not too many of them around atm
out of interest can you tell us who you work for?

I work for UK Greetings.

[Deleted User]

mizzbiz wrote: »

The problem with card shops is that they are way over priced. You can now get a decent card in Asda or a factory card outlet for often a third of the price in card retailers. You can also send e-cards now.

I have often wondered how the likes of Clinton managed to stay in business. I fin dthat the quality and price of the card is very unimportant as it's the thought that counts.

Regarding the safety of these shops, I have no idea, but if I worked in one, I would be thinking about the above and saving vigorously.

clintons etc stay in business due to the very high margins in the card business 100% then on top of that the major retailers get 20-30% discount off invoice,so they probably make £1-30 profit on every £2 card