The potential of Selling Greeting Cards on Amazon
Selling greeting cards in the U.S. offers a great opportunity due to the constant demand for cards for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, weddings, and anniversaries. The greeting card industry in the U.S. is worth billions, and people are always looking for unique designs that express their feelings. This makes it a great market for creative sellers. Revenue for online greeting card sellers is expected to climb at a CAGR of 11.5% to $1.6 billion through the end of 2024.
Selling on Amazon increases your reach even more. Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce platforms, giving you access to millions of potential buyers across the U.S. By listing your greeting cards on Amazon, you can tap into a huge audience who already trust the platform for their shopping needs.
To stand out, you need to create unique and personalized cards. This can be done by using creative designs, special messages, or even offering customization options. Branding is important, too. Make sure your product stands out by offering something different that resonates with customers.
Costing and Amazon Fees
When starting a greeting card business, understanding your costs is crucial. Here’s a breakdown:
Cost of Production:
The primary expense will be producing the greeting cards. This includes designing, printing, packaging, and any additional customization. Costs can vary depending on the quality of paper, printing methods, and packaging materials. Bulk production typically reduces unit costs, which could range from $0.50 to $2.00 per card depending on these factors.
Amazon Referral Fees:
Amazon charges a referral fee based on the total sale price of the item. For greeting cards, this is usually around 15% of the sale price. For instance, if you sell a greeting card for $10, Amazon will take $1.50 as a referral fee.
Fulfillment Fees (if using FBA:
If you opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), there will be additional fulfillment fees. These fees cover the costs of picking, packing, shipping, and customer service. For a standard-sized item like a greeting card, the fees could range from $2.50 to $3.50 per order depending on the card’s weight and packaging.
Monthly Subscription Fee:
If you’re a professional seller, Amazon charges a subscription fee of $39.99 per month. This allows you to list an unlimited number of products without additional listing fees. If you’re selling fewer items, you can opt for the individual seller plan, which charges $0.99 per sale instead of a monthly fee.
Shipping Costs:
If you’re fulfilling orders yourself (FBM), you’ll also need to consider shipping costs. These will vary based on the size, weight of the cards, and destination. Offering free shipping might increase your sales, but you’ll need to factor the cost into your pricing.
After calculating your costs, you can determine your profit. For instance, if you sell a card for $5, and your total costs (production, fees, shipping) amount to $3, your profit would be $2 per card.
Types of Greeting Cards That People Sell on Amazon
Various types of greeting cards perform well on Amazon:
Birthday Cards:
Always a staple, birthday cards cater to a wide range of people and come in various designs, from humorous to sentimental. They are perfect for celebrating milestones or showing love to family and friends. The universal appeal makes them a year-round must-have.
- Cost: $1.00 per card
- Profit Margin: 60%
- Example: A whimsical birthday card featuring cute illustrations and a funny message, priced at $2.50.
Holiday Cards:
These cards, designed for occasions like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter, allow people to spread festive cheer and strengthen bonds with loved ones. Many enjoy sending and receiving thoughtful, themed cards that capture the spirit of the season. They are particularly popular during peak holiday periods.
- Cost: $1.20 per card
- Profit Margin: 65%
- Example: A Christmas card with a snowflake design and glitter accents, sold at $3.00.
Sympathy and Get Well Soon Cards:
Used to offer comfort and support during challenging times, these cards often carry heartfelt messages. They serve as a gentle reminder that someone is cared for and not alone. Such cards can have a profound impact, offering solace and encouragement.
- Cost: $1.00 per card
- Profit Margin: 55%
- Example: A soft, floral sympathy card with a thoughtful message inside, priced at $2.20.
Thank You Cards:
Essential for expressing gratitude, thank you cards help convey appreciation in a simple yet meaningful way. They are suitable for a wide variety of occasions, from personal favors to professional gestures. These cards add a thoughtful, personal touch to any expression of thanks.
- Cost: $0.80 per card
- Profit Margin: 70%
- Example: A minimalist thank you card set with gold foil details, sold in packs of 10 for $12.00.
Customizable Cards:
Personalized cards allow buyers to add their own special messages, names, or images, making them unique and highly appealing. Offering customization can set your cards apart, making them perfect for those seeking something more personal. They are especially popular for special occasions like weddings or birthdays.
- Cost: $1.50 per card
- Profit Margin: 75%
- Example: A wedding invitation card that can be personalized with the couple’s names and wedding details, priced at $6.00.
Ways to Craft Unique and Attractive Greeting Cards
To stand out in a crowded market, focus on creating unique designs. Here are some tips:
- Choose a Theme: Select a specific style or theme that resonates with your target audiencevintage, modern, humorous, or artistic.
- Use Quality Materials: High-quality paper and printing can make your cards feel special. Consider adding textures or embellishments for a unique touch.
- Add Personalization: Offering customizable options can attract customers looking for something unique. Allow buyers to add names or personal messages.
- Be Creative with Designs: Use your artistic skills to create original artwork, illustrations, or typography that catch the eye.
- Stay Current: Keep an eye on trends and seasonal events. Designing cards that reflect popular culture, or current events can boost sales.
Setting Up an Amazon Seller Account for Greeting Cards
Choose an Account Type:
Decide whether to create an individual or professional seller account on Amazon based on how many greeting cards you plan to sell. If you expect to sell a high volume, a professional account is ideal as it offers more selling tools and lower per-item fees.
Register on Amazon Seller Central:
Sign up by providing key details like your business name (if applicable), banking information, and tax identification. This step allows you to officially start selling greeting cards and receive payments smoothly.
List Your Products:
Create eye-catching listings for your greeting cards with high-quality images and detailed descriptions. Use relevant keywords such as “birthday cards” or “holiday greeting cards” to improve search visibility and attract more buyers.
Manage Your Inventory:
Keep a close eye on your greeting card stock to avoid running out or overstocking. Proper inventory management ensures you always have enough cards to meet customer demand, especially during peak seasons like holidays and birthdays.
Branding Your Greeting Card Product
Branding is essential for building recognition and trust:
Create a Unique Brand Name:
Choose a brand name that reflects the style, theme, and personality of your greeting cards. Make sure it’s memorable and easy to pronounce, helping your cards stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Design a Logo:
A simple, distinctive logo is essential for building brand recognition. It should visually represent your brand and be versatile enough to appear on packaging, your website, and social media.
Use Consistent Packaging:
Ensure your packaging complements your brand identity by using custom designs or eco-friendly materials. Consistent packaging, like branded envelopes, enhances the customer experience and reinforces your brand’s visual appeal.
Build a Strong Online Presence:
Leverage social media platforms to showcase your greeting cards, interact with potential customers, and share your brand’s story. Engaging content and regular interaction will help build a loyal, long-term customer base.
Amazon Marketing or Hire an Amazon Consultant
When selling greeting cards on Amazon, marketing is key. You can manage it yourself or hire an Amazon consultant. A well-designed Amazon storefront with high-quality images, clear branding, and easy navigation is essential for showcasing your cards. Amazon PPC (Pay-Per-Click) allows you to target specific keywords, control your budget, and track performance to optimize ads.
If managing marketing feels overwhelming, hiring an Amazon consultant can help. Consultants bring expertise in storefront design, PPC strategy, and maximizing visibility, allowing you to focus on product development while ensuring your cards stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Hiring an Amazon Consultant
If managing marketing seems overwhelming, hiring an Amazon consultant might be a good option. A consultant can:
- Optimize Your Listings: They can help improve your product titles, descriptions, and images to boost visibility.
- Manage PPC Campaigns: Consultants have experience with PPC and can create effective campaigns that bring in sales.
- Analyze Performance: They can provide insights on what’s working and what needs improvement, helping you make data-driven decisions.
Tracking Sales and Analyzing Performance
Tracking sales and analyzing performance is essential for greeting card sellers on Amazon. Use Amazon Seller Central to monitor total sales, units sold, and revenue. Sales reports help identify top-performing cards and analyze trends like seasonal demand. Customer feedback is also crucial—positive reviews boost sales, while negative ones highlight areas for improvement.
Analyze performance by identifying bestsellers, evaluating the effectiveness of your ads (click-through rates, conversions), and adjusting strategies accordingly. Monitoring seasonal trends ensures you’re well-prepared for peak times. Consistent tracking allows you to refine your approach and optimize sales over time.
Some Top Greeting Card Sellers or Benchmark Sellers on Amazon
When starting your greeting card business on Amazon, it can be helpful to look at successful sellers for inspiration. Here are a few top sellers that have made a mark in the greeting card market:
Papyrus
Papyrus is well-known for its high-quality, artistic greeting cards. They focus on elegant designs, often using embellishments like glitter and ribbons. Their brand has a loyal customer base, thanks to their unique style and premium materials. If you’re looking to compete, consider how you can add unique touches to your cards, similar to Papyrus.
Cost: $5 to $10 per card.
Hallmark
As one of the most recognized names in greeting cards, Hallmark offers a wide variety of cards for every occasion. They are known for their emotional and relatable messages. Hallmark’s success lies in their ability to connect with customers on a personal level. Consider how you can create meaningful messages that resonate with your audience.
Cost: $2 to $7 per card.
American Greetings
American Greetings provides a diverse range of cards at various price points. They have adapted to online sales well and offer digital greeting cards, making them accessible for all occasions. Their success shows the importance of being versatile and adapting to customer needs. Think about how you can expand your offerings, such as adding digital options.
Cost: $1 to $6 per card.
Blue Mountain Arts
Blue Mountain Arts focuses on heartfelt and poetic messages, often featuring original artwork. Their niche market appeals to customers looking for more than just a card; they provide a thoughtful experience. Find your unique voice or theme in your card designs to stand out like Blue Mountain Arts.
Cost: $3 to $8 per card.
Conclusion
Selling greeting cards on Amazon can be a fulfilling and profitable venture. By understanding the potential of the marketplace, tracking your sales, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can build a successful business.
Remember to focus on creating unique designs, optimizing your listings, and engaging with your customers. With dedication and smart planning, you can thrive in this creative industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best types of greeting cards to sell on Amazon?
Popular types include birthday cards, holiday cards, sympathy cards, and customizable cards. Focusing on unique designs can also help attract buyers.
How do I optimize my Amazon listing for greeting cards?
Use high-quality images, write clear and engaging descriptions, and include relevant keywords in your title and tags. This will improve your visibility in search results.
What are the costs involved in selling greeting cards on Amazon?
Costs include production expenses (materials and printing), Amazon fees (referral and subscription fees), and shipping costs. It’s essential to factor these into your pricing.
How can I effectively market my greeting cards on Amazon?
Consider using Amazon PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising, optimizing your storefront, and leveraging social media to promote your cards. Engaging with customers through promotions and special offers can also boost sales.
