Starting a Handcrafted Greeting-Card Business

The global recession has prompted many people to consider starting their own home-based or "cottage" business. The most recent reports from the US Department of Labor indicate that more than a half million Americans continue to file new unemployment insurance claims each week. The September 2009 unemployment rate continued to trend upward according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics before eventually reaching 9.8 percent [2]. Those who are searching for work are finding the job market dismal while many who still have jobs are concerned with their job security in the face of the economic crisis.

This recession could be a good time to launch a new home-based business. Those who enjoy making greeting cards or scrapbooking as a hobby may find the handcrafted greeting card business a perfect cottage industry despite tough economic times. Handcrafted greeting card businesses can span the full spectrum from people who make a few dollars to pay for their hobby up to people who earn a significant income from selling their cards [3].

Like any business venture, starting a successful home-based, handcrafted greeting card business requires treating the venture as a business right from the beginning. This can be a tough adjustment for those who are accustomed to thinking of their work purely as an art (whether scrapbookers, card makers, painters, writers or any other artist). It may be advantageous to solicit help from a trusted friend or family member who is good with business if you find yourself struggling with the business end of your greeting card business.

I helped my wife start a home-based, handcrafted greeting card business last year. My wife comes up with original card designs and makes the cards while I manage the business affairs like sourcing, pricing, and bookkeeping. This arrangement has worked well for us because we are able to partner together with each person utilizing their individual strengths.

Card blanks can be purchased pre-cut, folded, and with envelopes if you want to keep this step easy. Card stock can also be purchased in bulk and then cut and folded to size. This option does require finding suitable envelopes, of course. Whichever option you choose be certain that you will have a steady supply of materials.

Cards can be decorated with stamps, stickers, ribbon, stenciled letters, or anything that you think will look good. Keep in mind though that some stamps and stickers may be copyrighted and their use on commercial projects (like cards that you are selling) may be restricted. You should always investigate any copyright problems in advance. Of course, creating your own original artwork avoids the copyright concerns.

You will also need to develop a plan for marketing your handcrafted greeting cards. Family and friends will often be your first customers and can also serve as valuable referrals to additional customers. I always like to send along a few free cards to any friend or family member who refers new customers as a small way of expressing appreciation. Some craftspeople sell their handcrafted greeting cards at craft shows, some craftspeople sell them online at their own website or on a handcrafted goods Web site like Etsy, and some craftspeople sell only through direct marketing to friends, friends of their friends, etc. It is a good idea to include your name and phone number or website address on the back of cards so that card recipients will know who made the cards and how to place an order. This information can be hand printed or imprinted with a stamp or sticker.

Starting a home-based, handcrafted greeting card business is a great way to earn some money at home whether the goal is just to earn extra money or to replace an income. This home-based business is a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys scrapbooking or cardmaking and is creative. This is also an industry that provides a product people already purchase. This helps to insure this business against economic downturns like the 2008-2009 recession.