Handmade Greeting Cards & Stationery
Design and sell handmade greeting cards and paper goods
Overview
Greeting card businesses generate $60,000-$350,000 annually with 70-85% margins through Etsy, craft shows, and wholesale.
In 2025, handmade cards valued for special occasions despite digital communication.
Create greeting cards ($4-$8), boxed card sets ($20-$40), thank you notes ($15-$30 per set), wedding invitations ($4-$10 per invite), and custom stationery.
Successful card makers develop unique artistic styles, use quality cardstock and embellishments, photograph cards beautifully, wholesale to gift shops and boutiques (50% wholesale discount), and offer custom orders.
Can specialize: watercolor cards, letterpress, hand-drawn illustrations, funny cards, or wedding stationery.
Volume business requiring efficient production.
Marketing through Etsy, craft shows, local boutiques (wholesale), stationery stores, and Instagram.
Required Skills
- Card Design
- Illustration/Lettering
- Paper Crafting
- Photography
- Production Efficiency
- Wholesale Sales
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very low startup costs
- Can work from home
- Wholesale to gift shops and boutiques
- Multiple occasions year-round
- Portable production work
Cons
- Low per-card price requires volume
- Labor-intensive assembly
- Seasonal patterns (holidays, weddings)
- Competitive market
- Wholesale discounts reduce margins
How to Get Started
- Develop card designs and artistic style
- Invest in cardstock, envelopes, embellishments
- Create inventory of popular occasion cards
- Photograph cards beautifully
- Set up Etsy shop and craft show presence
- Approach gift shops for wholesale accounts
- Build seasonal production schedule
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