A greeting card can communicate a variety of thoughts and emotions in a creative way. The typical greeting card is rectangular in shape and folded in half. In many cases, a greeting card has a colorful design, drawing, or heartfelt message on the front of the card. Inside the card, the sender is able to write or transcribe their personal message to the card recipient. A greeting card is usually inserted in an envelope and mailed to the card recipient. In essence, a greeting card allows one to communicate in a thoughtful and considerate manner unique to both the sender and recipient.
History
Humans have fashioned numerous ways to communicate with each other over time. As early as the fifteenth century, people exchanged greeting cards throughout Europe although the practice was expensive and time consuming. Industrialization and cheaper paper costs eventually allowed the average card user to send greeting cards to each other. In time, the custom of exchanging greeting cards has evolved from a cottage industry into a robust printing and mailing enterprise.
Printing Aspects
Modern greeting cards can be mass produced or customized to create a more specialized and/or unique final product. The average home computer equipped with greeting card software can reproduce a relatively inexpensive card. However, most individuals purchase greeting cards because of the relatively cheap cost and time saving convenience of purchasing a pre-fashioned card. Modern advances in technology have allowed many to fashion and/or create their unique greeting card via on-line print web sites.
Greeting cards are typically printed on a relatively thick cardstock. The cardstock may vary by manufacturer but most greeting cards have the same thickness and print quality unless one selects or purchases a custom card. A greeting card differs from a postcard in that a greeting card is usually double folded and includes an envelope for mailing purposes. The highly personal and intimate messages delivered by greeting cards reflect the need for an envelope when delivering the contents. In most cases, the envelope enclosing the greeting card is usually as elaborate in presentation and finish as the greeting card itself. However, the ability to select greeting card and envelope quality and/or design from most on-line greeting card vendors makes it a convenient way to communicate on a personal level.
Marketing Considerations
Marketing to current customers or contacts often requires a personal touch and individual attention. A greeting card offers a nice alternative to a postcard, flyer, or thank you note. In some cases, consumers may find it impersonal if a business representative and/or contact sends correspondence without the added human touch. However, a greeting card allows one to be creative in selecting the card layout and contents while allowing you to write in a personal greeting or message to an intended recipient.
For example, imagine that you have been a dental patient for a cosmetic dentist over the past year and have made a substantial monetary investment in your dental work. A dentist who takes the time and effort to select a warm, personal greeting card with a personal message will most likely have a happier patient who would be more willing to make a referral or give a favorable recommendation. Patients and/or consumers for that matter want to be recognized as more than just a number or paying customer. A simple acknowledgment or note of thanks via a greeting card can reinforce and strengthen the business relationship over time. Greeting cards can add to the value of your marketing program and can supplement your other marketing efforts such as postcards, direct mail campaigns, brochures, rack cards, etc.
