How to start a greeting card business
How to Start a Greeting Card Business as a Kid
Hey there! Starting a greeting card business is a super cool idea, especially if you’re creative and love to spread some joy. Whether you’re into drawing, using digital tools, or crafting with paper, this business can be a lot of fun and even profitable! Let's get you set up with everything you need to get started and make your first sales.
Step 1: Customer Discovery - The Key to Knowing What Sells!
Before you dive into making your greeting cards, you need to know who you’re selling to and what they actually want. This means talking to potential customers. Here are 10 questions to help you figure out what they're looking for:
What occasions do you usually buy greeting cards for?
Do you prefer funny or heartfelt messages inside?
What price would you be willing to pay for a unique, handmade card?
What themes do you prefer (e.g., animals, nature, cartoons)?
How important is the quality of paper for you?
Would you buy a card that comes with extra goodies (like stickers)?
Do you look for cards that support a cause or are environmentally friendly?
How often do you shop for greeting cards?
Where do you usually buy your cards?
Would you be interested in a subscription service where you receive several cards for multiple occasions throughout the year?
Tip for Better Customer Discovery: When you ask these questions, make sure to focus on their problems and preferences without suggesting your own ideas (a key takeaway from the "Mom Test"). This way, you’ll get honest feedback that’s not just trying to be nice to you!
Step 2: Lean Start and Leap of Faith Assumptions
In any business, especially when you’re starting young, you want to minimize risks and costs. This is where the Lean Startup method shines. Let’s define your Leap of Faith Assumptions:
People in your community prefer handmade cards over store-bought ones.
Customers are willing to pay a premium for custom-made designs.
To test these quickly, you could make a small batch of cards and see how many you can sell within a week in your neighborhood or via an online post.
Step 3: Blue Ocean Strategy for Your Greeting Card Business
The Blue Ocean Strategy is all about finding and exploiting uncontested market spaces, thus making the competition irrelevant. For your greeting card business, this could mean:
Creating cards that have unique themes not available in the market (e.g., local landmarks, specific hobbies, or niche jokes).
Offering customizable cards where customers can choose not just the message but also the design elements.
Step 4: Set Up Production and Selling
Materials You’ll Need:
Card stock or other high-quality paper
Art supplies like markers, pens, and paints
Digital design software (if you’re going digital)
Printer (if printing at home)
Selling Your Cards:
Start by selling to family and friends.
Set up a stand at local events or markets.
Use social media to promote your cards (Instagram works great for visuals).
Consider setting up an Etsy shop to reach more customers.
Step 5: Launch and Iterate
With your assumptions tested and a small inventory ready, it’s time to start selling! Remember, the first version of your product doesn’t have to be perfect. Get feedback from every sale and use it to improve your cards.
Keep track of what designs sell best and what feedback customers give—this will be crucial for tweaking your products and marketing strategies.
Wrapping Up
Starting a greeting card business is a fantastic way to channel your creativity into something that can also bring in some money. Remember, the key is to start small, listen to your customers, and continuously improve your offerings. Have fun, and let your creativity shine through your products!
