It’s simple to believe that printed greeting cards are a thing of the past in the era of digital communication. The truth is more nuanced, though. Despite a recent fall in sales, the sector of greeting cards is still very large. In fact, a 2019 survey from IBISWorld pegged the value of the American greeting card market at $933 million.
So, are cards dying as a result? There is no straightforward yes or no response. Sales have decreased, but the industry is still very much alive and strong. In fact, some industry insiders contend that rather than a general loss of interest in greeting cards, the fall in sales is the result of modifications in how consumers use them.
The growth of digital communication is one factor contributing to the reduction in revenues. People now have a wider range of options than ever before for communicating with loved ones, thanks to social media, email, and text messaging. As a result, some individuals could believe that a printed card is superfluous. Others counter that this change has increased the value of printed greeting cards. Receiving a physical card in the mail can be a memorable and special experience in a world where digital communication is the standard.
The price of greeting cards is another aspect that might be causing the drop in sales. There is no denying that greeting cards may be pricey, with some going for as much as $5 or $6. Customers may find them less desirable as a result, especially if there are more affordable (or free) alternatives available online.
Why then are greeting cards so pricey? There are several of them. First, premium materials like cardboard and foil are frequently used to create greeting cards. The design and printing processes can also be labor- and time-intensive. Finally, the price may increase due to the expense of distribution (shipping, store inventory, etc.).
In spite of these difficulties, there are still ways to generate money in the greeting card business. Offering handmade cards is one approach. There is still something magical about receiving a handwritten note in this digital age. Customers can pay for handwritten cards to be mailed on their behalf by several businesses, including Punkpost and Felt. People who want to use their handwriting talents to earn some extra cash may find this to be a fantastic choice.
A different choice is to write greeting cards. Even though it can be a very competitive industry, some businesses, like Hallmark, use freelance writers to develop the content for their greeting cards. A Hallmark greeting card writer has an average yearly salary of about $63,000, according Glassdoor.
Finally, there are opportunities for online writers to generate money. Additionally, there are options to self-publish digital books or courses. Many websites and blogs compensate freelance writers for their work. Even while it might not be specifically relevant to the greeting card market, this can be a chance for writers to perfect their craft and earn some additional money.
In conclusion, even though the greeting card business may be experiencing some difficulties, it is still a sizeable and valuable sector of the economy. There will always be a place for printed greeting cards as long as individuals seek out meaningful methods to communicate with their loved ones. And there are still ways to enter the market for people wishing to earn some additional cash, whether it be through selling handwritten cards, training to write greeting cards, or looking into other online writing jobs.