Greeting cards fall under the definition of artistic works and therefore attract copyright protection. The owner of the copyright has the exclusive right to reproduce and commercialise their copyrighted works. You should look out for greeting cards that are similar to your own, and note the similarities.
Even something as simple as a homemade greeting card can be considered intellectual property. If you want to protect this intellectual property, you’re going to need to copyright your greeting cards. Although in markets such as US, copyright needs to be registered, under UK law, copyright in musical, artistic and literary works is automatically owned by the author of the works as long as they are original, i.e. not copied. However, things become more complicated when ideas are shared.
A greeting card patent can be used to protect your intellectual property and prevent others from using your originally designed cards without your permission.
In order to protect your property, you must have your greeting card copyrighted. Copyrighting creative work sounds like a complex, and complicated, legal process but it can actually be done in minutes from your computer.
The qualifications that you need to start a career as a greeting card writer revolve around writing skills, the ability to produce multiple texts, and the ability to write under a deadline. You can pursue a degree in creative writing or English, but this is not always necessary for a career as a greeting card writer.
Greeting card companies are always on the lookout for new writers, artists, and photographers and the pay range can be from $50 to $300 per accepted submission. However, breaking into the business takes a lot of patience and time.
At the printer, greeting cards are printed on a sheet-fed offset printing machine. When ink and a fountain solution are applied to a metal plate that has had the greeting card pages laser burned onto it, the image to be printed accepts ink but repels the fountain solution.
Making and selling handmade cards offers income potential. Most small card shops earn moderate profits. Handmade cards remain popular gifts for birthdays and special occasions. The greeting card market is a $7.5 billion annual industry.
Is card making profitable? Focusing on professionals needing attractive, unique greeting cards can be highly profitable. Birthday cards account for over half of all card sales. About two-thirds of birthday cards are mailed.
Selling online
Many shoppers prefer handmade cards. Selling print-on-demand greeting cards on Etsy can generate passive income. The global market is projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2026, indicating strong potential. Print-on-demand cards offer unique designs and personalization that appeal to a wide customer base.
Starting costs are low. Aside from paper, cards can be decorated with various materials. Be creative to make unique cards. Returns can be significant if industrious in selling. Materials needed include handmade paper, plain paper, tracing paper.
Marketing is key. Card makers should analyze competitors. Blogs and social media help people find your shop. Without visitors there are no sales.
Design fees are around $300-$500 per card. Royalties can potentially earn more over time. Variables like brand value and rights affect pricing. Custom cards for executives and healthcare professionals can be profitable niches.
Card making kits allow sharing creativity. Made of quality materials, they offer alternative fun activities for adults and kids. Handmade cards make special, meaningful gifts for all occasions.