What Are Personalized Greeting Cards?
Personalized greeting cards are custom printed cards. You add names, photos, or messages. Print shops use digital presses. The cards go to one address or many.
How Personalization Works
You choose a template or upload a design. Then you enter text and images. Software places the data on the card layout. Digital printing uses four-color process (CMYK). No plates are needed.
Paper and Printing Specs
Standard greeting cards use 80 lb to 100 lb cardstock. That is 216 gsm to 270 gsm. Premium cards use 110 lb to 130 lb cardstock (300 gsm to 350 gsm). Digital presses print at 1200 dpi. Offset printing is for runs over 500 cards.
Cost Factors
Cost per card depends on quantity, paper, and extras. A run of 25 cards costs $3 to $5 per card. A run of 100 cards costs $1.50 to $2.50 per card. Foil stamping adds $0.50 to $1 per card. Envelopes add $0.20 to $0.60 each.
Turnaround Time
Digital printing takes 2 to 5 business days. Shipping adds 1 to 7 days. Rush orders cost 20% to 50% more. Some shops offer same-day pickup.
Ordering Steps
- Pick a card size: A2 (4.25 x 5.5 in) or A7 (5 x 7 in).
- Choose paper: matte, glossy, or recycled.
- Upload your design or use a template.
- Enter names, addresses, and messages.
- Approve a digital proof.
- Pay and wait for printing.
Design Tips
- Use 300 dpi images for photos.
- Keep text 0.125 in from the edge.
- Use black text for small fonts.
- Check spelling on names and addresses.
Environmental Notes
Recycled paper costs 10% to 20% more. Soy-based inks are available. Some shops use FSC-certified paper.
Market Facts
US consumers buy about 6.5 billion greeting cards each year. Retail sales top $7 billion. The global greeting card market was $20.5 billion in 2022. It grows at 4.5% per year.